I just spoke with the Hotel Monge in Paris to reserve 2 rooms in July. Julie, the woman I spoke with, directed that I should email my credit card number, complete with the 3-digit security code on the back of the card, to reserve the rooms. I can understand the credit card number, but is it typical to require the security code as well? Makes me nervous to send that information via email, unsecured. Anyone else have experience with this?

Nearly every on-line purchase I've made recently has asked for that security code. As far as the hotel, can you send the info in a series of 3 separate e-mails? 1/2 of the card # in each of the 1st 2 e-mails and the security code in a separate e-mail?

Ask them for their fax number and fax your credit card numbers that way.
I think over the internet is dodgy except where they specifically tell you that you are protected by a secure line.

I agree, tod. Curiously, the reservation page on their website is secure, but there is no place to input a cc number, only name and contact details. The hotel has received good reviews here but the thought of having an email laying around with my credit information makes me feel a bit too naked.

Very common for internet credit card transactions to request security code. This prevents someone using a credit card receipt as it does not have those numbers. This protects thm as you will not be signing a receipt and could contest the charge.
Your credit card company accepts the risk for all unauthorized uses of your card.

The security number on the cc is becoming more a standard practice.

I had this 'dilemma' last summer. Julie suggested 2 emails.

In the end I faxed the credit card number, and emailed the security code. I used a credit card that I didn't actually take to Paris with me, because I couldn't remember which card number I had given Hotel Monge. But it wasn't a problem paying with another card.

Have a good trip - I hope you'll be pleased with the hotel.

I stayed there in March and I sent all the CC info via email. Julie never used it - didn't even take the card when I got there, only when I checked out. She needs the info to charge the card if you don't show up and don't cancel.

I'm sure she would let you fax the info if you have problems emailing it.

I just phoned Visa (number is on the back of the card), and the lady verified that many companies are requiring the code to complete the transaction without a signature. She also verified that you are not liable for unauthorized purchases whether by internet unsecured site or not. I suggest that you phone the number on the back of your card to reassure yourself that your particular company is the same.
BTW while you have them on the line alert them that you are travelling to Europe so they will not be alarmed by unusual activity with your card. Also get the phone number to contact them from Europe (different from the N. American number and you can call collect) in case of a lost or stolen card.

Thank you, Robjame, JJS2006 and julia_t. I will contact my credit card company before I send my details.

Any comments on the Hotel Monge? The reviews on this site certainly look favorable.

Hotel Monge is clean with a capital C; Julie is a great host; I could go on but instead why don't you go to trip advisor and look at the reviews:
http://tinyurl.com/kzvys

Also, I have some photos of the hotel and the area here:

www.pbase.com/jayscarpa

Click on the "Rue Monge Area"

Have a great trip!

I think this is pretty common also. If you don't want to give them the code, what's the point? You either trust them with the credit card info or you don't, and if you don't, you shouldn't give them any number, not even the main one.

JJS and I have identical thoughts about Hotel Monge. We will be there again this time next week and I can hardly wait.
Some of our pictures are of the area around Hotel Monge, including the last one which is Julie at the desk.

http://tinyurl.com/od2o5
Enjoy.

Keep in mind that unencrypted e-mail is about as secure as a postcard.

Hi desertgirl - I am staying there in September. I e-mailed the CC number and faxed the expiration and code the next day at work. I did not want all of that information in an e-mail. I look forward to your trip report and review of the hotel!

This is standard practice as businesses just need to know that the card is in your posession.

Regarding faxing the number I would suggest that is the least secure method of all.

When the fax arrives it sits on top of the machine for everyone to see, when it is finished with it is chucked in the bin.

I have known faxed messages fall down behind the machine even get picked up in a bundle of someone elses stuff.

At least e mail has some security.

Muck

Christine, I have used my cc over the internet many times, and am reasonably tech savvy. My hesitation is the lack of encryption, as AnthonyGA points out. While it is true that anytime I check into a hotel, I provide my cc to the front desk, it is usually swiped into their system while I watch, giving me some sense of control over the whole process. I have had unathorized use of a cc while on vacation, requiring me to cancel my card and get a new one. Altogether a hassle that I now try to avoid. The best solution here seems to be separate correspondence for the cc number and security code.

The pics of the hotel look great--I'm sure we will be happy there.