Traveling and vacationing are adventurous activities that many Americans undertake over two weeks a year. According to Fodors, the average American takes just over 17 vacation days a year.
When you travel far from home, you’ll probably be staying in a hotel room. If you have transitioned to a cash-only lifestyle, cash envelop wallet or don’t have a credit card, finding motels that accept cash is a boon. A cash envelop budget is a great way to save $10k in a year fast.
The big question is: Can you find hotels that take cash?
That’s a valid question, given the digital changes that have taken place in the financial sector. Debit/credit cards, e-wallets, banking apps, and contactless payment methods like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal are used daily to pay for things. Digital commerce makes it possible to book hotels and make payments without ever stepping into a bank or finding ATMs that dispense $5 or $10 bills.
So, why would one want to pay cash for a hotel room when there’s a myriad of other digital payment methods? There are valid reasons why many Americans still want to find hotels that take cash, especially when traveling or on vacation. The reasons to pay with cash for a hotel room include:
- Unbanked populations: 14.1 million American adults don’t have a bank account. They still travel, and cash is their only mode of transaction.
- Not everyone has a credit card: About 30% of American adults don’t have a credit card. It’s difficult to get a credit card if you have bad credit or no credit history.
- You switched to a cash-only lifestyle: Maybe you’ve recently switched to cash-only transactions or an envelope budgeting system to control your spending habits. You can drastically cut expenses by using a cash envelop system to start living a frugal living to save money.
- Cash is still king: Cash is still a popular payment method among Americans, accounting for 26% of all transactions.
Are there hotels that take cash payments?
Lee TambiénHow To Make Automotive Audio system Louder With out Amp?Short Answer: The good news is that some hotels take cash at check-in. However, hotels that accept cash have some restrictions to avoid the risks associated with cash transactions. Drury Plaza Hotels, Country Inns & Suites, Drury Inn & Suites, and Extended Stay America are among the hotels that accept cash. Still, you’ll be required to either pay an additional deposit or put down a credit card during check-in to cover any damage.
Other hotels that accept cash only at some locations include Hyatt, Hyatt Park, Hyatt Centric, Grand Hyatt, and Hyatt Place. Places like Studio 6, Radisson Red, Shilo Inns Motel 6, Park Plaza, and Pear Tree Inn accept cash at most of their locations, but you must pay at check-in and an additional deposit.
In detail, we’ll discuss all the above hotels that take cash, their policies, restrictions on cash payments, and other acceptable payment methods for each one of them. Thus, you can prepare accordingly.
- Can I Get a Hotel Room with Cash Only?
- Why Won’t Hotels Take Cash?
- How Much Do Most Hotels Hold on Your Credit Card for Incidentals?
- List of Hotels That Take Cash Near Me
- Motels That Take Cash
- Do I Need an ID to Get a Hotel Room?
- Why Do Hotels Require You Book a Room With a Credit Card?
- Can You Book a Hotel Without a Credit Card?
- What Hotels In Vegas Take Cash?
- Hotels Near Me That Take Cash Payment Summary
Can I Get a Hotel Room with Cash Only?
You can get a hotel room with cash in some places, but not all accept cash payments. Hotels that accept cash payments have some restrictions in place that help guarantee that you’ll pay your bill at the end of your stay. For example, you’ll be able to pay cash for a hotel room in places like Country Inns & Suites, Extended Stay America, and Park Plaza. Still, you must pay at check-in and put down an additional cash deposit to cover potential damages or room charges.
Many hotels will accept debit cards or cash along with checking account information. In that case, you’ll have to withdraw and put down a refundable deposit per day to cover extra charges like minibar drinks, damages, room service, or on-demand movies. Other hotels that accept cash require that you pay the hotel manager a cash deposit at check-in to cover your entire stay.
If you want to get a hotel room with cash only, be prepared to pay at check-in, and put down a refundable cash back deposit or credit card to guarantee the bill plus any incidentals.
Lee TambiénAlthough, a cash or debit card isn’t a universally accepted payment option at many hotels. A credit card is universally accepted because it helps guarantee payment. For instance, you won’t be able to make online hotel reservations unless you have a credit card. To make a cash payment, you’ll need to be physically present to negotiate a deal. Also, you’ll need your PIN number to use your debit card.
Many franchised hotels likely have unfavorable policies on cash payment. But, since they are individually owned and operated, their rules and regulation may vary by location.
If you’re trying to live off cash, consider calling ahead of time to explain your situation and see whether the hotel accepts cash or whether they’re willing to reserve a room for you on short call.
Why Won’t Hotels Take Cash?
Indeed, most hotels don’t take cash anymore. The main reason hotels prefer credit cards vs. cash payments is because the business wants to guarantee payment, including any incidental fees.
For instance, the hotel has no way of guaranteeing payment if the guest doesn’t have enough cash on hand or in their bank account. Also, if the guest causes damage or cancels their reservation at the last minute, the hotel will have to absorb the loss.
Credit cards help avert all these cash payment hassles. Having a credit card on file for a security deposit allows hotels to cover any incidental expenses like cancellation fees or any damages caused by the guest. A credit card on file will compensate the hotel for incidentals and the room price.
Lee TambiénThat’s why even hotels that take cash require that you use a credit card as security or pay a refundable deposit to mitigate any losses.
How Much Do Most Hotels Hold on Your Credit Card for Incidentals?
Most hotels put a $50 to $200 a night hold on your credit card for incidentals. The hold is in addition to the nightly room rate. Ahold on your credit card will not affect your credit utilization and should be removed within 24 hours after check out.
You shouldn’t be charged any incidental fees if you leave your room in good shape, don’t drink from the minibar, eat the in-room snacks, don’t order room service, and don’t watch pay-per-view movies. Find a nearby restaurant to eat or drink because the stuff in your room is not the cheapest food to buy on a budget. Surprisingly, it could be cheaper to use Grubhub for food delivery with cash vs. ordering room service or eating at the hotel.
List of Hotels That Take Cash Near Me
Now you know why most hotels don’t take cash. If you are currently going cardless or can’t pay with a credit card for any of the reasons mentioned above, you still have options.
Here’s a list of 19 hotels that take cash, their cash payment & pet policies, other payment options, and the recreational amenities available.
1. Country Inn & Suites
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson has over 530 hotels.
Lee TambiénCash Payment Policy: Most locations accept cash for a hotel room. The hotel will take the cash payment at check-in and may require an additional deposit to cover any incidentals, damage, or room charges.
Credit Card To Book: Requires pre-authorized credit card to hold the room
Other Forms of Payment: Credit cards and debit cards
Minimum Age To Reserve A Room: 21 years old or older
Pet Policy: Pets are allowed with a typical charge ranging from $20-$50
Amenities: Outdoor pools, living rooms with fireplaces, get free unlimited Internet, complimentary hot breakfast
Book a Country Inn & Suites hotel online that takes cash payment.
2. Drury Inn & Suites
Drury Inn & Suites offers exceptional value for business and leisure travelers.
Cash Payment Policy: Drury Inn takes cash upon check-in but requires a photo ID and credit card.
Credit Card To Book: Requires a pre-authorized credit card to hold a guest room.
Other Forms of Payment: Discover, Novus, Diners, American Express, Drury gift cards, Mastercard, and Visa credit cards.
Minimum Age To Reserve A Room: Over 18 years old
Pet Policy: Drury Inn allows dogs and cats for a daily $35 per room pet fee. It allows up to two pets per room that cannot exceed 80 pounds in total.
Amenities: Free hot breakfast, free Internet, free business centers, 24-hour fitness centers, free rotating dinnertime snacks, and beverages.
Book Drury Inn & Suites online that allows you to pay cash for a hotel room upon arrival.
3. Drury Plaza Hotel
Drury Plaza Hotel offers deluxe two-room suites with on-site dining and enhanced meeting spaces.
Lee TambiénCash Payment Policy: Drury Plaza Inn accepts cash upon check-in but requires a photo ID and credit card.
Credit Card To Book: Requires a pre-authorized credit card to hold a guest room.
Other Forms of Payment: Discover, Novus, Diners, American Express, Mastercard, and Visa credit cards.
Minimum Age To Reserve A Room: Over 18 years old
Pet Policy: Drury Plaza allows dogs and cats for a daily $35 per room pet fee. It allows up to two pets per room that cannot exceed 80 pounds in total.
Amenities: Free hot breakfast, 24-hour fitness centers, free Wi-Fi, free business centers, free rotating dinnertime snacks, and beverages.
Book a Drury Plaza hotel that takes cash payment.
4. Extended Stay America
Extended Stay America has over 600 locations for day, week, or monthly rentals.
Cash Payment Policy: Most locations accept cash for the hotel room. The Extended Stay will accept cash payment at check-in; it will require an extra deposit to cover any charges or room damage.
Credit Card To Book: May require a credit card for validation
Other Forms of Payment: Credits and debit cards
Minimum Age To Reserve A Room: Must be at least 18 years old
Pet Policy: Pets are allowed at select locations. You’re charged $25 per day, a non-refundable per pet cleaning fee, and not to exceed $150 per pet.
Amenities: Fully equipped kitchen with stove, refrigerator, microwave, spacious rooms, free Wi-Fi, filtered water, laundry services, pet-friendly, swimming pool, meeting room, hot tub, fitness room, and complimentary grab-and-go breakfast.
Book an Extended Stay America hotel online that accepts cash payment.
5. Grand Hyatt
Grand Hyatt is known as a luxurious travel hotel.
Lee TambiénCash Payment Policy: Grand Hyatt takes cash payments at some locations. Call the intended hotel to verify they accept cash for guest rooms.
Credit Card To Book: Requires pre-authorized credit card to hold the guest room
Other Forms of Payment: Credit card
Minimum Age To Reserve A Room: At least 21 years old, may vary by location
Pet Policy: Most Grand Hyatt hotels are pet-friendly; reach out for specific limitation and fees
Amenities: 24-hour fitness, pools, buy stamps, expansive event spaces, and world-class food and beverage.
Book a Grand Hyatt online and verify they accept cash at check-in.
6. Hyatt
Hyatt Hotels & Resorts is known for its luxury and business hotels, vacation properties, and resorts.
Cash Payment Policy: Hyatt Hotels accepts cash payment at some locations. Call the intended hotel to confirm the accepted forms of payment.
Credit Card To Book: Requires a pre-authorized credit card to hold the guest room
Other Forms of Payment: Credit card
Minimum Age To Reserve A Room: At least 21 years old; age may vary by location
Pet Policy: Most Hyatt hotels are pet-friendly; contact your location for specific limitation and fees
Book a Hyatt Hotel online and validate it will accept cash upon check-in.
7. Hyatt Centric
Hyatt Centric is a boutique hotel with an eclectic design and choice amenities.
Cash Payment Policy: Hyatt Centric accepts cash payments at some of its hotels. Call the anticipated hotel to confirm the accepted forms of payment.
Credit Card To Book: Requires a pre-authorized credit card to hold the guest room.
Other Forms of Payment: Credit card
Minimum Age To Reserve A Room: At least 21 years old; age may vary by location
Pet Policy: Most Hyatt Centric hotels are pet-friendly; contact your specific locations for any limitations and fees.
Book a Hyatt Centric hotel online with a credit card but pay in cash upon arrival.
8. Hyatt House
Hyatt House hotels can be found near airports, urban areas, and college campuses.
Cash Payment Policy: Hyatt House takes cash payments at some of its hotels. Call the planned hotel to confirm the accepted forms of payment.
Credit Card To Book: Requires a pre-authorized credit card to hold the guest room.
Other Forms of Payment: Credit card
Minimum Age To Reserve A Room: At least 21 years old; age may vary by location
Pet Policy: Most Hyatt House hotels are pet-friendly; contact your specific locations for any limitations and fees for cats and dogs.
Amenities: Meeting space, free gym facility, apartment-style kitchen suites, garment iron and board, H Bar.
Book the Hyatt House online with a credit card, then pay cash for the hotel room.
9. Hyatt Place
Hyatt Place has over 390 hotels in 310 cities in suburban, urban, hospital, airport, and college campus locations.
Cash Payment Policy: Park Place accepts cash payments at some of its hotels. Call the anticipated hotel to confirm their accepted forms of payment.
Credit Card To Book: Requires a pre-authorized credit card to hold a guest room.
Other Forms of Payment: Credit card
Minimum Age To Reserve A Room: At least 21 years old; age may vary by location
Pet Policy: Most Hyatt Place hotels are pet-friendly; contact your intended location for any limitations and fees for cats and dogs.
Amenities: Free gym facility, event spaces, complimentary breakfast for Hyatt Members, The Bar.
Book a Hyatt Place hotel online and pay for the guest room for cash during check-in.
10. Hyatt Regency
Hyatt Regency has over 175 upscale locations with large meeting spaces.
Cash Payment Policy: Hyatt Regency takes cash payments at some of its hotels. Call the expected hotel to confirm their accepted forms of payment.
Credit Card To Book: Requires a pre-authorized credit card to hold a guest room.
Other Forms of Payment: Credit card
Minimum Age To Reserve A Room: At least 21 years old; age may vary by location
Pet Policy: Most Hyatt Regency hotels are pet-friendly; contact your intended location for any limitations and fees for cats and dogs.
Amenities: Premium fitness center, meeting space, full-service, business center, notary services
Book a Hyatt Regency hotel online that takes a cash deposit upon arrival.
11. Park Hyatt
Park Hyatt hotels are known for their world-renowned interior designers and curated art collections.
Cash Payment Policy: Park Hyatt takes cash payments at some of its hotels. Call the intended hotel to confirm their accepted forms of payment.
Credit Card To Book: Requires a pre-authorized credit card to hold a guest room.
Other Forms of Payment: Credit card
Minimum Age To Reserve A Room: At least 21 years old; age may vary by location
Pet Policy: Most Park Hyatt hotels are pet-friendly; contact your specific locations for any limitations and fees for cats and dogs.
Book a Park Hyatt hotel online accept cash payment for a room at check out.
12. Park Plaza
Park Plaza caters to the business and casual traveler with stylish guest rooms.
Cash Payment Policy: Most locations take cash for a hotel room. The hotel will accept the cash payment at check-in and may require an additional deposit to cover any incidentals, room charges, or damage.
Credit Card To Book: Requires pre-authorized credit card to hold the room
Other Forms of Payment: Credit cards and debit cards
Minimum Age To Reserve A Room: 21 years old or older
Pet Policy: Pets policies can vary by property, including weight limits and fees charged.
Amenities: Award-winning bars and restaurants, place to get photocopies
Book a Park Plaza hotel online that takes cash for a hotel room.
13. Park Inn
Park Inn offers a stress-free experience with an upbeat environment and good food.
Cash Payment Policy: Most Park Inn locations take cash for a guest room. It’s a hotel that takes cash payment at check-in and may require an additional deposit to cover any damage, incidentals, or room charges.
Credit Card To Book: Requires pre-authorized credit card to hold the room
Other Forms of Payment: Credit cards and debit cards
Minimum Age To Reserve A Room: At least 21 years old
Pet Policy: Pets policies can vary by property, including weight limits and fees charged.
Book a Park Inn hotel online to pay for a hotel room with cash upon arrival.
14. Pear Tree Inn
Pear Tree Inn is owned by Drury Hotels which has over 150 hotels in 27 states.
Cash Payment Policy: Pear Tree Inn accepts cash upon check-in but requires a photo ID and credit card.
Credit Card To Book: Requires a pre-authorized credit card to hold a guest room.
Other Forms of Payment: Discover, Novus, Diners, American Express, Mastercard and Visa credit cards, and Drury Hotels gift certificates.
Minimum Age To Reserve A Room: Over 18 years old
Pet Policy: Drury Plaza allows dogs and cats for a daily $35 per room pet fee. It allows up to two pets per room that cannot exceed 80 pounds in total.
Book a Pear Tree Inn that lets you pay cash for a hotel room at check-in.
15. Radisson
Radisson Hotels has over 1100 locations worldwide.
Cash Payment Policy: Most Radisson locations take cash for guest rooms. It’s a hotel that takes cash payment at check-in and may require an extra deposit to cover any damage, incidentals, or room charges.
Credit Card To Book: Requires pre-authorized credit card to hold the guest room
Other Forms of Payment: Credit cards and debit cards
Minimum Age To Reserve A Room: At least 21 years old
Pet Policy: Pets policies can vary by property, including weight limits and fees charged, but they usually start at $25 per pet for a cleaning fee.
Book a Radisson Hotel online and pay for a hotel room with cash upon arrival at select locations.
16. Radisson Blu
Radisson Blu is a chain of upscale hotels located mainly in major cities.
Cash Payment Policy: Most Radisson Blu locations accept cash for guest rooms. The hotel takes cash payment at check-in and may require an extra deposit to cover any damage, incidentals, or room charges.
Credit Card To Book: Requires pre-authorized credit card to hold the guest room
Other Forms of Payment: Credit cards and debit cards
Minimum Age To Reserve A Room: At least 21 years old
Pet Policy: Dog and cat policies can vary by property, including weight limits and fees charged, but they usually start at $25 per pet for a cleaning fee.
Book a Radisson Blu hotel that takes cash.
17. Radisson Red
Radisson Red is a stylish and boutique hotel with modern design and technology.
Cash Payment Policy: Most Radisson Red locations accept cash for guest rooms. The hotel accepts cash payment during check-in and may require an extra deposit to cover any damage, incidentals, or room charges.
Credit Card To Book: Requires pre-authorized credit card to hold the guest room
Other Forms of Payment: Credit cards and debit cards
Minimum Age To Reserve A Room: At least 21 years old
Pet Policy: The dog and cat policies vary by property, including weight limits and fees charged. The fees usually start at $25 per pet for cleaning.
Book a Radisson Red hotel and pay for a guest room with cash upon arrival at select locations.
Motels That Take Cash
Sometimes, you may want to find motels that take cash along the highways. Maybe, you’re traveling the interstate in your car or on a long road trip, and fatigue catches up with you.
Do you have a job where you get paid to deliver cars for snowbirds moving to and from Florida? Another driving could be to become a pilot car driver for oversized vehicles, and you may need to find a motel along the highway to spend a night or two. Either way, you need a safe motel to park your vehicle and relax.
Are there motels that take cash? Here’s a list of motels that accept cash, along with their pet policies, other accepted payment methods, and the available amenities.
18. Motel 6
Motel 6 has over 1,400 economy lodges across the US and Canada. The chain even has a hotel in Vegas that takes cash.
Cash Payment Policy: Motel 6 accepts cash payment or credit card at the time of check-in.
Credit Card To Book: Requires a pre-authorized credit card to hold a guest room.
Other Forms of Payment: Discover, Novus, Diners, American Express, Mastercard and Visa credit cards, activated AMEX gift cards, traveler’s checks, and personal debit cards. They do not accept cashier’s checks or money orders. Motels 6 will take a check (personal check, business, or organization) if it’s received 21 days before your arrival.
Minimum Age To Reserve A Room: 18 years old at most locations or at least 19-21 years old at select motels.
Pet Policy: Pets can stay for free at Motel 6. The motel has a two pet limit per room with a combined weight of 150 pounds. Dogs and cats can stay in the guest room as long as they don’t pose a safety or health risk or are prohibited by local law.
Amenities: Free morning coffee, free local calls, no long-distance access charges, free Wi-Fi, premium cable channels including HBO, CNN, ESPN, and ESPN2. Some locations also have swimming pools and laundry facilities.
Book a Motel 6 online to find one of their 1,400 cheap motels near me that take cash.
19. Studio 6
Studio 6 has over 100 upper-end economy extended-stay motels with fully furnished kitchens.
Cash Payment Policy: Studio 6 motel accepts cash payment or credit card at the time of check-in.
Credit Card To Book: Requires a pre-authorized credit card to hold a guest room.
Other Forms of Payment: Discover, Novus, Diners, American Express, Mastercard and Visa credit cards, traveler’s checks, and personal debit cards. They do not accept cashier’s checks or money orders.
Minimum Age To Reserve A Room: 18 years old at most locations or at least 19-21 years old at select motels.
Pet Policy: Pets can stay for free at Studio 6. The motel has a two pet limit per room with a combined weight of 150 pounds. Dogs and cats can stay in the guest room as long as they don’t pose a safety or health risk or are prohibited by local law.
Amenities: Free morning coffee, free local calls, no long-distance access charges, free Wi-Fi, premium cable channels including HBO, CNN, ESPN, and ESPN2. Some locations also have swimming pools and laundry facilities.
Book a Studio 6 online to stay at a motel that takes cash.
Do I Need an ID to Get a Hotel Room?
You’ll need a valid ID to get a hotel room. It’s the only way motels that take cash can prove your identity and verify the minimum age requirement. An ID is also used to verify you’re not using a stolen credit card.
For instance, places like Motel 6 require the person booking the room to be at least 18-21 years of age. You’ll be prompted to show a valid photo ID and prove your identity and age upon check-in. It’s regardless of whether you made an online reservation or you’re making a last-minute in-person booking. Unless you have an ID, you won’t be allowed to check in.
The same policy applies to hotels that accept cash, too. Hotels won’t allow you to get a room unless you produce a valid photo ID. Common photo ID cards accepted in almost every state include your driver’s license, military ID, passport, health card, or student ID.
Your road trip or vacation can turn into a nightmare without a valid photo ID. Pack your identification documents before you go.
Why Do Hotels Require You Book a Room With a Credit Card?
Many hotels want to steer clear of the hassles of insufficient funds associated with debit and cash payments. Credit cards are the preferred payment method in most hotels. The reasons hotels require you to book a room with a credit card include:
- Payment guarantee: Having a credit card on file is a good way of ensuring the cost of the hotel is covered, just in case something happens. Guests will be charged for their whole stay at the end using a credit card on file. Keeping a credit card on hold reduces issues like insufficient funds with cash or debit payments.
- Assessing incidental expenses: Many hotels place temporary a hold on credit card accounts as a way of covering any incidental expenses like stolen items or damages that may occur during the guest’s stay.
- Prevent last-minute cancelations: With your credit card details, hotels can assess charges to guests who reserve rooms online or in-person that make last-minute cancellations; it isn’t possible with cash payments.
- Employee theft: Hotel rooms aren’t cheap. Rooms cost $100 plus per night in many hotels nowadays. With just a few dozen bookings per day, cash on hand may be upwards of thousands of dollars. It creates a problem as employees may be tempted to steal the money outright. Thus, credit card transactions help reduce instances of employee theft.
- Cushion against robbery: Carrying a lot of cash comes with an increased risk of theft. A thief can steal the hotel’s cash box and make away with all the money. Accepting credit cards only will prevent cash theft felonies.
- Fewer trips to the bank: Cash transactions mean that employees have to make many trips to the bank to make deposits. Handling cash is both expensive and risky. Credit card transactions help sidestep that need as money is deposited directly to the bank.
Can You Book a Hotel Without a Credit Card?
As a general rule, you cannot reserve a hotel room with cash, money order, or personal check. You can only book a hotel room with a credit or debit card with a chip in many hotels. Prepaid credit cards are also acceptable at check-in or checkout at many hotel chains, but not at the time of booking.
Some hotels take cash payments with restrictions at check-in, but you must have a credit card to make online reservations. You’ll still be required to have a credit card when booking ahead or pay a deposit that covers your entire stay at check-in when you get a room at the last minute.
Hotels take these measures to ensure they have a way to charge you the room rate, resort fees, taxes, and any incidental fees to cover the minibar, damage to the hotel room, room service, and on-demand movies. If you want to book a hotel room without a credit card, explain your situation in person. You must be prepared to put down a deposit or leave your debit or credit card on file. Also, to save money, don’t touch anything in the minibar and head to a nearby liquor store if you need to buy some alcohol.
Alternatively, consider staying at small, non-chain hotels that are family-owned and operated. According to IBIS World, there are over 4,600 boutique hotels in the US as of 2021. Unlike large hotels, many small hotels are more likely to have flexible policies and allow you to book a room without a credit card.
You’ll be surprised to discover that some of these small hotels and motels are hidden gems! They’re also cheaper than large ones and a good way to save money on a road trip or vacation.
What Hotels In Vegas Take Cash?
Most hotels in Vegas accept cash for the rooms at checkout. You’ll likely need to put a security deposit on a credit card. It’s not out of the ordinary for people to be roaming around town with cash in their pockets from gambling.
Hotels Near Me That Take Cash Payment Summary
Though you can’t reserve a hotel room online without a credit card, some hotels take cash at the check-in desk. Many hotels that take cash will require you to leave a pre-authorized credit card and a photo ID on file to hold the room. Others require that you pay a refundable cash back deposit covering several nights or your entire stay as security to incidental expenses. Weigh your options and follow any of the links above to pay cash for a hotel room.
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