Hotel Cloister credit card question
 

I emailed the Hotel Cloister in Prague to book 3 nights accommodation in early April because the price/reviews seemed about right. They've asked for my CVV number--the extra 3 digit security number on the back of my credit card--in order to guarantee my room. I've never been asked for this number to guarantee a hotel room and frankly it makes me a bit nervous. While searching this forum I discovered that several other Fodorites had stayed had this hotel--has anyone else been asked for this number when booking a room? Should I give it to them or should I try a different hotel?

almost every time (but not 100%) I use a cc to order something on line or to book flights/hotels/theatre tix, they need the security number.

Asking for your card's CVV number is as much to protect you as the hotel from misuse. By asking it the hotel is confirming you are using your card and not someone else using your card details (e.g. from a transaction slip) fraudulently. Most card handlers insist that service establishments take down CVV number for telephone or online transactions not involving physical card.

Thanks for your reassurances--I'll go ahead and book. As I said this is the first time I've been asked for it simply to guarantee a room (and I book hotels on line quite often) but I have given it if I'm buying plane tickets or something--

I've been asked for it many many times within the last few years, regardless of whether it's booking a room or buying something. If they want it for security and to make sure it's you, they obviously need it to book the room with your CC, otherwise why would they even ask for the CC number. I don't know hotel practices, but I presume some of them actually try to find out if you have a valid credit card when you give them a number to hold a room, otherwise, it's not much security.