I've just booked 4 nights in May, choosing the cash discount option. My credit card was to be used to secure the reservation (acknowledged in the follow up email they sent), but they have charged the equivalent of $166 to my visa.

I have not received a response from the hotel yet to find out if this was done in error, or whether it will be refunded at some point.

Can anyone with experience at this hotel advise?

Thanks in advance for any help!

It merely secures the first nite if you fail to show.

Thank you Bob - do you know if the amount will be deducted from the cash I pay at the end of my stay? The booking is supposed to be able to be cancelled without penalty up until a week prior.

I usually book my hotels through my booking site at work, which is why I'm not sure how this works!

LOL. I just went through the same thing earlier this week. The charge is still showing as pending on my credit card account. Their reply was:

Dear Ms DebitNM,

thank you for your kind e-mail !! Don't worry - we have made no charges !!

According to the normal hotel procedure, when we receive a credit card booking, we have to check if the credit card is valid and if the amount of the first night is covered.

In some cases (rarely), the credit card company set aside such amount and this looks like a charge on your account, but it is only virtual and disappears approximately after one month - therefore, don't worry !!

Hope this explains the matter - we look forward to welcoming you both to Florence and to our hotel !!

With best regards,

Paolo - Hotel Casci - Firenze

FWI- I am thinking of booking a lovely apartment on the next block. Let me know if you are interested. Has great reviews and is a bit less money.

Thanks DebitNM, hopefully I get the same email tomorrow!

An apartment sounds lovely, but I'll be travelling with family this trip, so will need to have my own space so that I can decompress at the end of the day. I'm used to travelling on my own, so it may be challenging.

FWIW, we stayed at this hotel about 15 years ago and loved it. Yes, it's been a while ago, but we have recommended it to friends who have stayed there since then and they all have been pleased. The owners are so nice and truly want your stay to be the best. I still remember them giving our kids blood oranges and drinks for our train ride when we left Based upon our experience with them, I would not worry at all.

I received the same email - verbatim - this morning, so I am greatly relieved.

mms - one of the reasons I selected the hotel was the great reviews from Fodorites, coupled with the reviews on tripadvisor.

This is standard practice. The charge should show as pending and never actually go through.

I would have absolutely no concerns about Hotel Casci. I've stayed there 4 times and love it. They are so warm, friendly, helpful and professional. The rooms are spotless, bathrooms all remodeled, breakfast is awesome!

They also have charging ports in each room for all your electronics and free wifi. (As well as a free computer to use in the lobby, in case you didn't bring your laptop.)

I love Hotel Casci!

And I have been five times!! Always wonderful, always highly recommended!! And no worries about ANYTHING !!!