Doubletree Hilton Security Deposit – Rules and Ways to Avoid Paying

Have you ever seen an extra fee on your bill when checking out? Called a ‘security deposit’ or ‘resort fee’?

Maybe you were aware of this extra charge. Maybe you’re completely taken by surprise. What exactly is a ‘security deposit’ or ‘resort fee’? Should you expect to pay this fee at every hotel? Are there ways to avoid paying this deposit?

We will be focusing on the Doubletree Hilton Security Deposit in this article. Read more for Rules and Ways to Avoid Paying their Security Deposits.

What is a security deposit?

We already know this fee has several names. A ‘security deposit’ or ‘resort fee’. Although similar, they can refer to different things from one hotel to the next.

A ‘security deposit’ does exactly what it says. It covers costs for potential property damage during your stay. Hotels want to protect themselves against room damage. This deposit guarantees you pay for any damages caused. A security deposit also protects the hotel should a guest leave without paying. The same goes for guests that fail to show up to their booking without a valid reason.

A ‘resort fee’ is a little different. This usually covers the public amenities offered by the hotel. Including access to pools, gyms, and restaurants. In some cases, hotels offer special features to guests that pay the resort fee. This could be complimentary vouchers, priority treatment, and so on.

Hotels might use these names interchangeably. Be sure to ask the staff what they mean if you see either of these on your bill.

Hidden fees?

Hotels are unlikely to surprise you with an extra fee. But if this is the first time you’re hearing about a security deposit, let us tell you what to expect.

When a guest checks in, the front desk manager tells you about all expenses. This happens before the guest presents their card. Here, the manager will alert you to any extra charges.

It is unlikely that hotels will hide this information from you. But what if the manager forgets, or the hotel is deliberately deceitful? One way to avoid surprises at the end of your trip is to look over the list of expenses yourself.

What does this all mean for Doubletree Hilton?

There is a security deposit charge for Doubletree Hilton properties.

When guests check in using a debit or credit card, the hotel places a hold on their card. This functions as a security deposit. At Doubletree Hilton, this includes estimated accident and damage costs. This is on top of room fees and taxes.

Specific to Doubletree Hilton, there can be a delay in releasing this hold at check-out. Individual hotels process refunds. So, timings vary between each property. Yet, a delay sometimes has less to do with the hotel. Their website recommends guests get in touch with their card issuer if the hold is still in place after 72 hours. Refund processing can take up to 30 days.

This policy varies across Doubletree Hilton’s properties. It’s best to contact the hotel directly for more information about this charge. You can call ahead. Or ask the front desk when you check in. The Hilton FAQ section states all hotel websites list information about resort charges and security deposits.

How does a security deposit work?

So, how exactly does hold on your card work when checking into Doubletree Hilton?

It all starts at check-in. As you present your debit or credit card, the hotel submits a charge to your card. This is the hold, or security deposit, that we’ve mentioned.

How does Doubletree Hilton calculate this amount? The hotel considers a few things. Usually, this equals the cost of your stay, plus one extra night. This extra charge protects the hotel like the security deposit. Remember, this charge is not official the moment it’s put on your card. It will remain pending until you check out. It usually takes a few extra days to take the final charge from your account afterward.

Can you avoid paying the security deposit?

If you outright refuse to pay the security deposit at check-in, the hotel will not let you stay at the property. Which is not exactly an ideal way to start a vacation.

But there are several ways you can get away without paying the security deposit. Don’t worry though, the methods we have in mind are simple. Keep a few crucial rules in mind and you’re golden!

What are the rules and ways to avoid paying the security deposit?

To avoid paying the security deposit, it ultimately comes down to two things. Hotel policies and the case you’re presenting.

Here are some Rules and Ways to Avoid Paying Security Deposits:

1. Be Polite

Yes. Sometimes, it’s as simple as that. If you’re pleasant to the staff at the hotel, they will be more likely to listen to what you have to say. This means your chances of avoiding paying the security deposit will skyrocket.

2. Third-party Deposits

Be careful when booking hotels through a third party. This could be a traveling website or app. Sometimes, the third party will ask for something like a security deposit when booking. Though they are similar, it’s not the same as a hotel’s security deposit. You are paying the third party, not the hotel. This means you might have to spend more when checking in.

3. Be Straightforward

When you’re asking to waive a security deposit, be straightforward. This shows the staff you have an honest and valid reason. Paired with respectfulness when asking, you have a higher chance of not paying this extra fee.

4. A Courtesy Hold

Asking for a courtesy hold can be an alternative to leaving a safety deposit. This simply means the hotel will hold the room for you until you check in. But without you having to put down a deposit. Once again, the success of this method comes down to politeness and good reasoning. The hotel is more likely to listen to you if your case is convincing. Reasons like problems to do with a credit limit or stolen cards will seem more believable to staff.

5. Waive Facilities and Benefits

As mentioned, a security deposit sometimes covers resort fees. This entitles you to the hotel’s facilities and benefits. Covering restaurant meals and discounts, room service, purchases, and other benefits. If you know you won’t need any of these services, you can ask to have resort fees waived.

A security deposit may or may not include resort fees. The best option is to ask what the deposit covers when you check in. This way you can find the best approach to avoiding paying a security deposit.

Once again, a straightforward answer goes a long way. Limited funds, the lack of a credit card, or bad experiences with another hotel that forgot to refund on time. These few reasons will most likely give you what you want.

6. Leaving Card Number

Another way to avoid paying a security deposit is asking to leave a valid card number instead. You can ask for this with no hold or with a small hold. This allows the hotel to verify that your card is valid. This small hold can be as little as $1. Which would be much less than what you’d have to pay for a security deposit.

7. Cash Deposits

Sometimes, hotels allow guests to put down a cash safety deposit. This can be a safer way of leaving a deposit. You certainly will not have to wait long for the refund.

If the hotel allows it, just put the amount in an envelope and seal it. Sign over the seal so you will know if it was opened. Remember to do all these before you leave the front desk at check-in!

8. Frequent Travelers

If you travel frequently, consider joining the hotel’s memberships. This way, staff will have information about you on their system. They are more likely to trust members they have basic knowledge of than other guests. This may help you in avoiding paying a security deposit.

9. Stick to a Chain or Hotel

Apart from joining hotel memberships, staying with the same hotel also helps you waive security deposits. If the hotel notices you’re a frequent guest, they are more likely to trust you. This means you’re more likely to avoid paying a security deposit.

10. Ask to see the Manager

Some of you might find this option quite rude. But we say it is far from disrespectful and unreasonable when done right.

The reason we recommend asking to see the manager is that they usually have more authority. They know the property’s policies best. And given their senior positions, can give guests more leeway than other staff. The trick is to be respectful and polite when asking to speak to a manager.

Summary

Paying a security deposit is a given for most hotels. Doubletree Hilton certainly has a security deposit. But there are rules and ways to avoid paying. We hope our tips are helpful for your upcoming vacation!