Incidentals might be laundry services, the beverages and food pre-stocked in room mini-bars or even high-speed internet. To cover these potential costs, hotels hold a refundable amount (usually called either an ?incidentals deposit? or ?security deposit?) at check-in.

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Yes, hotels almost always "charge" for incidentals, but usually in the form of a temporary credit card hold rather than a permanent fee. When you check in, the hotel places a "security deposit" or "incidental hold" on your card (typically $50 to $200 per night) to cover potential costs like room service, minibar items, or accidental damage. This amount is not actually "spent"; it simply reduces your available credit limit. If you don't use any extra services, the hold is "released" shortly after you check out, though it can take 3 to 10 business days for your bank to reflect this. If you use a debit card, the hotel physically withdraws the cash from your account and refunds it later, which can cause significant cash-flow issues for travelers. Always check the incidental policy at the front desk to avoid surprises, especially at high-end resorts where these holds can be quite substantial.