Hotel room deposits

Text I stayed at 3 different hotels on my trip last year, and the El Cortez charged my debit card $40
deposit for my 3 night stay, and returned it to my card in one day. Hooters took $50 cash which they gave back to me when I checked out. Plaza took $100 deposit on my debit card which took 3 business day to get put back on my card.

I need my debit card money for food, and gamble when I am in Vegas, not when I return back home.
Does anyone know about these deposits, or had trouble with them before.

The length of time to clear your debit card will vary by location. Are you sure the hotel clears your account when you check out since they haven't inspected your room and ensured you haven't stolen a lamp shade?

Can you ensure your room with a credit card and then go check out with cash or debit card? I much prefer a credit card, better protection and window of opportunity to challenge a charge. But that's another discussion.

I only use a credit card. Ordinarily they bill the first night to it (when booked weeks before) and then charge accordingly thereafter. If you don't have a credit card due to no or poor credit, you should look at either getting a secured card or get a card that you can charge with money.

This should be the line that sticks in the OP's head.

With the credit card amount is held pending, not actually drawn against your account and usually falls off by 3 days after checkout. Never had any problems.

I don't know about debit card, don't use one.

You can give a cash deposit in lieu of a credit or debit card. Again, the amount varies hotel to hotel. Haven't done that either, but I know it is an option.

I have used all 3, cash, credit, and debit. Cash is always the best for me, cause I get it back right away.
I guess one card is good for gambling, and the other for travel expenses.