Key Highlights
Here are the key things to remember about using cash for a hotel stay:
- Many hotels accept a cash payment, but you will likely need a credit card on file to make the reservation.
- Budget-friendly hotel chains like Motel 6 and Super 8 are often more flexible with cash payment options.
- Be prepared to pay a security deposit, which is often higher for cash payers to cover potential damages.
- Always call the specific hotel location ahead of time to confirm their cash policy.
- Your payment options might differ between booking online and arranging a walk-in stay.
Which Hotels Accept Cash? A List of Major US Hotel Brands
Are you wondering which specific hotel chain will let you use cash? While it’s true that hotel payment policies are becoming stricter, many popular brands still offer flexible payment options. However, even within the same company, the rules can change from one location to another, as the final decision often rests with the individual hotel manager.
To help you plan your trip, we’ve compiled a list of major U.S. hotel brands that are generally known to accept cash. Remember, the hotel’s rules can change, so a quick phone call is always a good idea before you arrive. Let’s look at some specific policies for these well-known hotels.
1. Motel 6
Motel 6 is widely recognized for its straightforward booking process and is often a go-to choice for travelers looking to pay with cash. Many Motel 6 locations accept cash, but their payment policies require you to be prepared for a few extra steps. You will likely need to provide a valid form of identification upon check-in to complete the registration.
Even when paying with cash, you may be asked to pay a cash deposit. This security deposit is requested to cover any potential incidental charges or damages to the room during your stay. The amount can vary by location, so it’s wise to ask about the specific deposit requirement when you call to confirm their cash acceptance.
While some locations are flexible, others might still ask for a debit or credit card to keep on file, even if you settle the final bill with cash. This policy helps the hotel protect itself against unpaid charges. Calling your specific Motel 6 ahead of time will clarify their exact payment options and ensure a smooth check-in process.
2. Red Roof Inn
Red Roof Inn is another hotel chain known for its budget-friendly rates and often flexible payment methods. If you prefer to use cash, you may be in luck at many of their locations. However, this flexibility typically comes with the requirement of a security deposit to safeguard the hotel against any issues.
When you choose cash as your payment method at a Red Roof Inn, be prepared to pay an upfront deposit of around $50. This can sometimes be paid in cash or with a debit card. The deposit is fully refundable after you check out, provided the room is left in good condition and there are no outstanding charges.
One of the potential disadvantages of a cash payment here is the need for this deposit, which ties up your funds. This is a common practice in the hospitality industry to mitigate risks associated with non-card payments. As always, confirming the policy with the specific hotel is the best way to avoid any surprises upon arrival.
3. Extended Stay America
For travelers planning a longer trip, Extended Stay America can be an excellent choice. Some locations within this hotel chain accept cash, but they have specific procedures in place for such transactions. If you opt for a cash payment, you will typically be required to provide a cash deposit of about $100.
This security deposit is used to cover any incidentals you might incur during your time there. It’s important to note that some Extended Stay America locations may also require a credit or debit card to be placed on file for the duration of your stay as an additional security measure, even if you pay the room rate in cash.
A unique aspect of their policy is how the cash deposit is returned. Instead of getting it back at checkout, your deposit, minus any additional charges, will be mailed to you as a check within two weeks of your departure. This is a crucial detail to remember, as you won’t have immediate access to those funds after you leave.
4. Drury Hotels
Drury Hotels is another hotel chain where you might be able to use cash, but their payment policies are quite specific. To use cash, you must present a valid photo ID and also provide a credit or debit card at check-in. This is a common security measure that helps the hotel verify your identity and protect itself.
Why do hotels like Drury have this rule? Even if you pay your room bill in cash, the card on file serves as a guarantee. It allows the hotel to charge you for any incidental expenses, such as room service or damages, and protects them from financial loss in case of a last-minute cancellation or no-show. This is one of the main reasons some hotels do not accept cash payments without a card backup.
The good news is that your card won’t be charged for the room if you settle the bill with cash. The card is simply held for security purposes. This policy offers a middle ground, allowing you to use cash for the main payment while still giving the hotel the security it needs.
5. Choice Hotels (Quality Inn, Comfort Inn, etc.)
Choice Hotels is a large hotel chain that includes many well-known brands like Quality Inn, Comfort Inn, and Sleep Inn. Many of these locations do accept cash as a payment method, but because each hotel is often independently owned and operated, their policies can differ significantly. It’s essential to check with the specific hotel you plan to visit.
If you’re a frequent traveler, you might be interested in the Choice Hotels Point Plus Cash program. This option allows you to combine your loyalty points with cash when you book a stay, offering more flexible payment options. As with other chains, be prepared for a potential security deposit and the need to present a valid ID.
Here are some of the popular brands that fall under the Choice Hotels umbrella:
| Brand Name | Typical Market |
|---|---|
| Comfort Inn / Comfort Suites | Midscale |
| Quality Inn | Midscale |
| Sleep Inn | Midscale |
| Econo Lodge | Economy |
| Rodeway Inn | Economy |
6. Best Western
Best Western is a globally recognized hotel chain, and while some of its locations are accommodating to cash payers, not all of them are. The decision to accept cash often depends on the individual hotel’s management and their specific payment policies. Therefore, you should never assume cash is an option without confirming first.
Before you arrive, it is highly recommended to call the specific Best Western hotel you intend to stay at. This allows you to ask directly about their cash payment policy and inquire about any requirements, such as the need for a cash deposit. This simple step can save you from potential hassle at the check-in counter.
Even if a location accepts cash for the room charges, you may still need a valid credit card to make the initial reservation online or over the phone. Hotels often require card information to secure the booking, and you can then settle the final bill with cash upon arrival or at checkout.
7. Super 8 by Wyndham
Super 8 by Wyndham is a popular budget-friendly hotel chain that generally offers flexibility for guests who wish to pay with cash. However, to do so, you’ll need to be prepared for a significant security deposit. This policy is in place to cover any potential incidental charges or damages to the room.
This chain offers an interesting choice regarding the deposit. If you wish to avoid putting a credit card on file entirely, you can pay a larger security deposit of around $250 in cash. Alternatively, if you provide a credit card to keep on file for security, the cash deposit is reduced to about $100. This gives you options depending on your comfort level with providing card information.
This flexibility makes Super 8 a viable option for walk-in guests paying with cash. While online bookings almost always require a card, paying in person with cash is often more straightforward at hotels like this, provided you can meet the deposit and ID requirements.
8. Select Independent/Budget Motels
Beyond the major chains, you’ll find that smaller independent hotels and budget motels are often the most likely to accept cash payments. Since they aren’t bound by strict corporate policies, they can offer more personalized service and flexible payment methods to accommodate a wider range of guests.
For these smaller establishments, accepting cash can be advantageous. It allows them to avoid the processing fees that credit card companies charge, which can make a real difference to their bottom line. This makes them more open to cash transactions, though a security deposit and valid ID are still standard practice.
How can you find these cash-friendly spots? The best approach is to do a local search for “motels near me” and then call them directly. Booking over the phone allows you to speak with a staff member, confirm their cash payment policy, and ask about any deposit requirements, ensuring you find a place that meets your needs.
Common Hotel Policies on Cash Payments
As you’ve seen, paying for a hotel stay with cash often involves more than just handing over the money. Most hotels that accept cash have specific rules in place to protect their business. These policies ensure they can cover any extra costs you might incur, from mini-bar snacks to unexpected damages.
The typical process for a cash payment involves a few extra steps at the front desk. You will almost certainly be asked for a security deposit and a government-issued ID. Let’s explore these common requirements in more detail so you know exactly what to expect.
Front Desk Deposit Requirements
When you choose to pay with cash, it’s almost guaranteed that the hotel will ask for a security deposit at the front desk. This is one of the most common policies for non-card payment options. The hotel holds this money as a safeguard against any unpaid expenses or potential damages that might occur during your stay.
The amount of the cash deposit can vary widely, from as little as $50 to $250 or more, depending on the hotel chain and location. This deposit covers costs that would normally be charged to a credit card on file, such as:
- Items from the mini-bar or gift shop
- Room service orders
- Charges for smoking in a non-smoking room
This deposit is typically refunded to you at check-out after an employee has inspected your room to ensure everything is in order. If there are no issues, you should receive the full amount back. However, if damages or extra charges are found, the hotel will deduct those costs from your deposit.
Valid ID and Registration Procedures
Even if you have enough cash for the room and the security deposit, you won’t be able to check in without a valid ID. The registration procedures at virtually every hotel chain require guests to present a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, upon arrival.
This requirement is in place for critical security reasons. The hotel needs to verify the identity of every guest staying on its property to ensure the safety of all patrons and staff. It also creates a record of who is responsible for the room, which is especially important when there isn’t a credit card on file to trace.
So, can you check into a hotel without a credit card? Yes, but only if you have cash for the room and deposit and a valid ID. Without proper identification, the front desk will not be able to complete your registration, regardless of your chosen payment options.
Restrictions for Walk-In vs. Online Bookings
The way you book your room can significantly impact your ability to pay with cash. Making online reservations through a hotel website or online travel agencies (OTAs) like Expedia or Booking.com almost always requires a credit card to secure the booking. This is because the system needs a way to guarantee the reservation and charge cancellation fees if you don’t show up.
In contrast, direct bookings made over the phone or as a walk-in guest often provide more flexibility for cash payment. When you speak directly to hotel staff, you can explain your preference for using cash and confirm their policy on the spot. Walk-ins have the most straightforward path, as you can handle the entire transaction in person.
If you don’t have a credit card but want to book ahead, some OTAs offer alternative payment options, like PayPal. You could also try calling the hotel directly to see if they will hold a room for you without a card, though this is less common. Ultimately, cash payments are much easier to arrange for in-person bookings.
Pros and Cons of Paying for Your Hotel in Cash
Deciding on a payment method for your hotel room involves weighing the benefits and drawbacks. Choosing a cash payment can be appealing for several reasons, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. You might avoid certain fees, but you’ll likely have to deal with a security deposit.
Understanding both sides can help you decide if using cash is the right move for your trip. Are the privacy and budgeting benefits worth the potential for higher deposits and limited acceptance? Let’s break down the advantages and disadvantages of this payment method.
Benefits: Privacy, No Card Holds, Better Budgeting
Using cash instead of card payments for your hotel stay offers several distinct advantages. For many travelers, these benefits make the extra steps of finding a cash-friendly hotel worthwhile. From financial control to enhanced privacy, there are compelling reasons to leave the plastic at home.
One of the biggest perks is avoiding credit card holds. Hotels often place a hold on your card for the full amount of the stay plus a hefty incidental fee, which can tie up your funds for days. Paying in cash bypasses this issue entirely. Better budgeting is another key benefit, as physically handing over money makes it easier to track your spending.
Here are some of the main benefits of using cash:
- Greater Privacy: Your stay isn’t linked to your financial accounts, offering more anonymity than card payments.
- No Credit Card Holds: You won’t have a large sum of money temporarily frozen on your credit or debit card.
- Easier Budgeting: It’s simpler to manage your travel expenses when you can see exactly how much cash you’re spending.
Drawbacks: Deposits, Limited Acceptance, Refund Complications
Despite its benefits, paying with cash comes with significant drawbacks that can make your travel experience more complicated. Before you decide to rely on cash, it’s important to understand the potential hurdles you might face, from finding a hotel that will accept it to getting your money back.
The most common issue is the security deposit, which is often larger for cash payers and ties up your money. Another major risk is the limited acceptance of cash; many hotels, especially higher-end ones, have moved to card-only policies for security reasons. This can make finding suitable accommodation a challenge.
Consider these potential drawbacks:
- Higher Security Deposits: Hotels often require a larger cash deposit to protect themselves, which you must have on hand.
- Limited Acceptance: Not every hotel chain accepts cash, which restricts your lodging options.
- Refund Complications: Getting your cash deposit back can sometimes be a hassle, with some hotels mailing a check weeks later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you book a hotel room with cash or do you need a credit card for the reservation?
Most hotel booking platforms and websites require credit card information to secure a reservation. While you can often use cash as your final payment method at the hotel, the initial booking usually needs a card to cover potential cancellation fees. For a completely cash-based transaction, booking over the phone or as a walk-in is your best bet.
What happens if you don’t have a credit card for a hotel?
If you don’t have a credit card for a hotel stay, your options are more limited. You’ll need to find a hotel that accepts a cash payment, be prepared to pay a substantial security deposit upfront, and provide a valid ID. Calling hotels directly is the most effective way to find one that accommodates cash-only guests.
Is it legal for hotels not to accept cash?
Yes, it is generally legal for a hotel chain to refuse cash payments. Private businesses have the right to set their own payment policies. For security reasons and to ensure they can charge for incidentals or damages, many hotels now require a valid credit card and may not accept cash as a form of payment.