what's the best way to avoid charges for hotel showing up on credit card. I assume you can pay cash, but you have to give credit card when you make reservation and check in. It may show up as a charge and credit even if you pay $

Hotels that require a credit card # to make a seservation are only covering their fiscal ass. Upon checking in inform the desk that you will be paying cash and they will not charge the card.

even if you are in the hotel for legitimate reasons, such as travelling on business, you can always go to the desk and pay for your personal charges (minibar, phone calls, internet, movies, etc), by cash or a personal card.  These charges will never appear on the bill you present to your employer.  I know that most company expense reports allow you to separate personal and company expenses, but no one will ever be suspect what you have been up to if you settle these things personally.

James

I would not use a room phone for that purpose or a corporate paid cellphone.