As the world becomes more digitized, some businesses are turning away cash and checks and relying solely on credit cards, debit cards or payment apps. While having digital forms of payment can be beneficial, there are still people that prefer to pay with cash.
Those who prefer cash may be unsure what businesses accept it. Lucky for them, there are still many hotels that accept cash as a form of payment, in addition to digital payments like debit and credit cards.
Do Hotels Accept Cash?
Many hotels still accept cash, but payment policies vary by location and length of stay. That’s why we always encourage you to call the specific hotel you are interested in to inquire directly about their payment policies.
Whether a hotel accepts cash or not can depend on a few things:
- The hotel location: Whether a hotel accepts cash or not can vary from location to location. At Extended Stay America, most of our hotels accept cash, but some do not.
- Your length of stay: Some hotels require a minimum length of stay for guests to pay with cash. At Extended Stay America locations that do accept cash payments, only guests staying seven nights or longer are able to pay with cash.
Why Some Travelers Look for Hotels That Accept Cash
One of the common reasons people prefer cash transactions is to know exactly what they are being charged for and how they are spending their money. For this reason, those on a tight budget may prefer cash, so they can ensure they are spending money as planned.
Travelers may also look for hotels that accept cash because they don’t have access to credit or debit cards, or they may be rebuilding their credit and avoiding unnecessary transactions. Cash helps prevent running up a credit card balance.
Another reason cash transactions may be preferred is to avoid accruing interest. Cash transactions are interest-free, while credit card transactions can accrue interest. While interest rates may seem nominal in amount for smaller transactions, they can add up quickly.
Cash transactions can also give peace of mind to those worried about privacy or credit card and identity theft. The hotel you choose will still require some personal identification information, but they won’t have your credit or debit card on file.
What Hotels Take Cash?
While payment options vary hotel to hotel, there are some types of hotels that take cash as a payment method. Extended stay or long-term hotels are generally more likely to accept cash for a few reasons.
First of all, long-term hotels want to be accessible, even if a guest doesn’t have a credit card. Extended Stay America is a hotel that focuses on affordability, so most of our hotels accept cash for stays of seven nights or longer.
Long-term hotels also know that sometimes people that stay with them live a life on the go. They are traveling from city to city for work or living a more nomadic lifestyle, and they find cash easier to keep track of when budgeting expenses in their next city.
Paying Cash at a Hotel: Rules, Deposits and Policies to Know
Here are some common potential requirements when paying with cash at a hotel:
- A form of identification: A driver’s or nondriver’s license or passport are most common. Verify with the hotel in advance to ensure you have the required identification at check-in.
- Security deposit for incidental charges: At Extended Stay America, guests may be required to provide a deposit of up to $250 at check-in. Refunds of cash over $100 may be mailed by check within 14 days of departure.
- Payment timing: Every hotel collects payments differently. At Extended Stay America, guests paying the nightly rate will be charged at check-in. Guests paying the weekly or monthly rate will be charged for the first week of their stay at check-in, unless otherwise specified.
Note: These requirements vary from hotel to hotel. For the most accurate information and to find out what hotels take cash, please contact the hotel location you are interested in to verify requirements and policies.
Benefits of Choosing Hotels That Take Cash
Considering booking with a hotel that takes cash? Here are some benefits:
- Cash is easier to get ahold of than debit or credit cards, so even those without credit cards can stay at hotels that take cash. Hotels that accept cash are generally more accessible and there are fewer financial barriers to booking.
- Budgeting is easier when it comes to cash, because you can see your tangible money going towards something. You won’t be unaware of any charges when you physically hand over the cash.
- If you are more of a private person that doesn’t want to give out a ton of personally identifiable information, cash may be a better fit for your lifestyle.
How to Find Hotels That Accept Cash
When searching for a hotel that accepts cash, there are a few things to keep in mind. We recommend calling the hotel of interest to ask the following questions:
- Are they a hotel that takes cash?
- When paying with cash, how much of your booking do you need to pay for up front?
- How much is the cash deposit?
- Is the cash deposit refundable?
- Do you still need a credit card on file?
- What identification do you need at check-in?
- Is there a difference in nightly rates if you pay with cash instead of card?
Once you have your answers, make sure you prepare everything you need, like identification, cash and your deposit.
Extended Stay America is a Flexible Option for Cash-Paying Guests
While some hotels may be stricter about acceptable methods of payment, Extended Stay America is a hotel that accepts cash at most locations for guests staying seven or more nights, in addition to digital payment methods.
Extended Stay America understands that not everyone has a credit card nor is willing to provide digital payment information. In addition to flexible payment options, Extended Stay America offers affordable nightly, weekly and monthly rates. All our spacious suites include full kitchens, free wi-fi and all hotels offer on-site guest laundry.
With 650+ hotels nationwide, there’s sure to be a location near your next destination. As a brand focused on flexibility and comfort, Extended Stay America is here to make lodging affordable and accessible.
