Book Now, Pay Later Options
Many bookings offer flexible payment options, allowing you to reserve now and pay later.
Quick Answer
Pay at Hotel: Reserve now with card details, pay full amount at check-in
Partial Payment: Pay deposit now, remainder at hotel
Full Prepayment: Pay everything upfront (usually cheapest)
Payment Options Explained
1. Pay at Hotel
How it works:
- Provide card details to secure booking
- Small authorization hold (usually released)
- Pay full amount at check-in
- Most flexibility
Advantages:
- ✅ No immediate payment
- ✅ Cash flow flexibility
- ✅ Often free cancellation
- ✅ Pay in hotel currency
Disadvantages:
- ❌ Usually higher prices
- ❌ Card must be valid through stay
- ❌ Need card at check-in
2. Partial Prepayment
How it works:
- Pay deposit now (e.g., first night or 50%)
- Pay balance at hotel
- Combination of both methods
Common deposit amounts:
- First night's accommodation
- 30-50% of total
- Fixed amount (e.g., $100)
When remainder is due:
- At check-in
- 24-48 hours before arrival
- Upon arrival
3. Full Prepayment
How it works:
- Pay entire amount at booking
- Nothing to pay at hotel
- Simplest option
Advantages:
- ✅ Usually lowest price
- ✅ Budget locked in
- ✅ No surprises at check-in
- ✅ Done and dusted
Disadvantages:
- ❌ Often non-refundable
- ❌ Less flexibility
- ❌ Money tied up
How to Find Pay Later Options
On Search Results
Look for indicators:
- "Pay at Hotel" badge
- "No prepayment" label
- "Flexible payment" tag
- Payment terms in price details
Example:
Hotel ABC - Standard Room
$150/night - Pay at Hotel ✓
$135/night - Prepay (Non-refundable)
Filtering by Payment Type
Use filters:
- Click "Payment Options"
- Select "Pay at Hotel"
- See only flexible payment bookings
- Compare prices
Understanding Authorization Holds
What Are They?
Temporary holds:
- Verify card is valid
- Reserve available credit
- Not an actual charge
- Automatically released
How much:
- $1-50 for verification
- Sometimes first night's rate
- Varies by supplier
How long:
- 3-7 business days
- Up to 10 days sometimes
- Check with your bank
Managing Holds
Tips:
- ✅ Ensure sufficient credit
- ✅ Don't cancel card
- ✅ Keep card valid through stay
- ✅ Expect temporary reduction in available credit
Third-Party Payment Plans
Coming Soon
Future options may include:
- Affirm
- Klarna
- Afterpay
- Other buy-now-pay-later services
Currently: Not available, but on roadmap
Pay at Hotel - What to Expect
At Check-In
You'll need:
- The card used for booking (or another valid card)
- Valid ID matching booking name
- Booking confirmation
Hotel will:
- Verify your reservation
- Take payment for room
- Place incidental hold (for room service, etc.)
- Check you in
Acceptable Payment at Hotel
Usually accepted:
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Cash (in some locations)
- Hotel-specific payment methods
Check confirmation email for specific requirements
Cancellation & Payment Type
Pay at Hotel Bookings
Usually:
- Free cancellation until deadline
- Deadline typically 24-48 hours before
- No charge if cancelled in time
- Full charge if no-show
Prepaid Bookings
Typically:
- Non-refundable or limited refund
- Charged immediately
- Cancellation fees apply
- Read policy carefully
Partial Payment Bookings
Varies:
- Deposit may be non-refundable
- Balance refundable until deadline
- Check specific terms
Currency Considerations
Pay at Hotel
Currency flexibility:
- Pay in hotel's local currency
- Avoid double conversion
- Use credit card for best rate
- Hotel sets exchange rate
Prepayment
Locked in:
- Pay in booking currency
- Rate fixed at booking
- No currency risk
- Know exact cost
Best Option for You?
Choose Pay at Hotel if:
- ✅ Plans might change
- ✅ Want flexibility
- ✅ Prefer free cancellation
- ✅ Don't mind slightly higher price
Choose Prepayment if:
- ✅ Dates are certain
- ✅ Want lowest price
- ✅ Budget already allocated
- ✅ Like to pay upfront
Choose Partial Payment if:
- ✅ Want some flexibility
- ✅ Want middle-ground price
- ✅ Prefer splitting cost
- ✅ Like some commitment
Price Differences
Why Pay Later Costs More
Hotels charge more because:
- Higher cancellation risk
- Tied-up inventory
- Administrative costs
- Flexibility has value
Typical difference: 10-15% more than prepaid
Example:
Same Room, Same Dates:
Prepay (Non-refundable): $100/night
Pay at Hotel (Flexible): $115/night
Difference: $15/night for flexibility
Important Notes
Card Requirements
For Pay at Hotel:
- Card must remain valid
- Need same or equivalent card at check-in
- International transactions enabled
- Sufficient credit available
No-Show Policy
If you don't show up:
- Full charge applies
- Even with "pay later" booking
- No refund for no-show
- Always cancel properly
FAQ
Q: Will my card be charged for "pay at hotel"? A: Only authorization hold (temporary), released in 3-7 days.
Q: Can I pay cash at hotel? A: Some hotels yes, but confirm first. Most require card.
Q: What if I lose my card before check-in? A: Contact support. May need new card or payment arrangement.
Q: Is pay at hotel always refundable? A: Usually, but check specific cancellation policy.
Q: Can I change payment method later? A: Not usually. Contact support for special circumstances.
Q: Why is prepay cheaper? A: Less risk for hotel, guaranteed revenue, locked in booking.