Gathering: Hyatt Regency Incidental Deposit

[Kate Mattson]

Dear Gathering Leaders,

Jim Fields, Our Savior's, Oconomoc, sent me this email.  I am sending it out so that you hopefully have enough time to prepare for this transaction.  If you are not staying at the Hyatt, I think it would benefit you to call your hotel and ask them about an "incidental deposit" on your rooms.  Here is Jim's email:

You may already know this, but if not, I figured I should pass it along.  I just got off the phone with the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, and while we still have some work to do to straighten some things out (like, they have some of my names, but not MY name on a room....interesting), the girl I talked to informed me that there is a $50 per room, per night deposit for incidentals.  If you check in with a credit card, they are going to authorize your credit card for that amount IN ADDITION to your room fees.  If you are paying with a check, you'll have to provide that deposit at check in as well and they return it at check out.  In my case I have 10 rooms, for six nights, so you're talking an extra $3,000 on my credit card.  

I asked if you can pay for the rooms with a check (my preference) and then do the deposit authorization on a credit card and she seemed to think that would work.  

Anyways, just figured this might create a headache for some churches if they don't know it when they arrive, especially for those traveling without church credit cards, etc.  

I have been in contact with Donna Weigel who is in charge of housing for the Gathering.  If she has any other advice, beyond being prepared to pay the deposit, I will let you know.  Let Elisabeth or me know if you have questions.

Peace be with you in this preparation time,

Kate

[Jason Martinez]

Hello Fellow NOLA Bound,

Just a quick tidbit that our group found out:

Upon checking into your hotel rooms, your adult leaders can request the services that incur incidental charges (ie: room service, long distance calls, pay per view movies, etc) to be turned off. You may still have to put the deposit down, but this way you can have some peace of mind that there will be no charges made.

Hope this helps, and safe travels. See you all next week!

God Bless,
Jason Martinez
Youth Director
St. Paul's Kenosha

[Viviane Thomas-Breitfeld]

Hi All,

After inquiring of hotel staff about this special charge, they did some checking for me and got back to me tonight. This is the situation.

It is the common practice of hotels to ask for a credit card on file to cover any incidentals. The Hyatt is doing the same during our event but are willing to waive the charge on the youth rooms as long as we have all the services that Jason listed turned off in the youth rooms. My practice is to do so in any case as good practice so the youth don't yield to temptation. She also informed me that all the bars will be locked so those high priced candy and little bottles of spirits will not be available either.

The Hyatt will ask for a credit card for the group leader room and any other rooms that contains other adult counselors. I hope this is helpful.

See you in New Orleans.

Peace and Joy,
Pr. Viviane

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