I don't know about it being confusing as in the UK all hotels at least swipe a card on arrival and pre-authorise so people are getting used to it. I know we would perfer cash but I myself am more inclined to money in the bank than blowing in the wind! A lot of places round where I am if people book online they are charging the card right away as some online companies charge when you book so for the ones that don't they pass on the card details to the B&B and they decide whether to charge or not which leads to a lot of customers thinking they have paid when they havn't. I had a lady ring me in a panic becuase the thought she had booked with us (we don't charge in advance) as all the money had gone out of her account (she wasn't comming for 3 months) it wasn't us but it was one of our neighbours (completely different name woman was a bit of an idiot) and they charge every online booking when it comes in irrespective of when they are comming. Thought that was a bit harsh but I figure if it is in their policies then it is their business..
Camberley, you bring up the most important facts. It is the
guest responsibility to know and understand the policies of where they book. We are all not the same, and neither are our policies.
To assume we are the same is a big risk on their part. (As the saying goes about the word assume.)
I have even noticed that some of the large booking directories have placed reminders in this regard on their websites. But in todays world of the "MeMeMeMeMe", it can't be their neglect it is always blame on someone else.
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