What is a hotel security deposit and how is it released?
A security deposit is a temporary hold the hotel places to cover incidentals. It is released at check-out and usually clears within 3 to 10 working days.
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Why hotels ask for a deposit
Your booking on trip1 pays for the room. The deposit protects the hotel against anything you add during the stay, from a late-night room service order to a broken lamp, so they are not chasing you after you leave.
Most hotels hold somewhere between 50 and 200 USD for the whole stay. Luxury properties, serviced apartments, and villas often hold more, and some budget hotels ask for nothing at all.
How the hold is released
A hold is not a charge. The hotel reserves the amount so you cannot spend it, then cancels the reservation of funds when you check out and settle any extras.
Your bank decides how quickly the released amount reappears. Three working days is common, ten is not unusual, and cash deposits are handed back at the desk immediately.
If the deposit has not come back
Wait ten working days, then contact the hotel directly with your check-out receipt and ask them to confirm the release reference. Hotels occasionally forget to lift a hold, and one phone call usually fixes it.
If the property will not help, send trip1 support your booking reference and the receipt. We will raise it with the hotel on your behalf.
Hotel security deposits and holds - FAQ
The hotel places a temporary hold at check-in to cover incidentals such as the minibar, room service or damage. A hold is not a charge: the hotel reserves the amount, then releases it when you check out and settle any extras. It is separate from your trip1 payment, which already covers the room rate.
Yes. Most hotels take a deposit even when the room is already paid, because it covers anything you add during the stay. Most hold somewhere between 50 and 200 USD for the whole stay. Luxury properties, serviced apartments and villas often hold more, and some budget hotels ask for nothing.
The hotel releases the hold at check-out, and the money typically clears within 3 to 10 working days, depending on your bank. If it has not come back after ten working days, contact the hotel with your check-out receipt and ask for the release reference. If that fails, trip1 support will raise it with the hotel.
The deposit is the hotel's own policy, so trip1 cannot waive it, and hotels can ask for it before handing over the key. Some budget hotels take no deposit, and some accept cash, returned when you check out. Confirm the amount and payment options with the property before you arrive.
Your booking on trip1 pays for the room in full. The deposit protects the hotel against anything you add during the stay, from a late-night room service order to a broken lamp, so they are not chasing you after you leave. It is released when you check out.