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Why does a hotel or apartment require a deposit?

Updated this week

Some properties ask for a security deposit to protect themselves against possible losses: for example, damage to property, violation of accommodation rules, or non-payment of additional services. If no such situations occur, the deposit will be returned in full upon departure (if the deposit amount was frozen or debited from a bank card, it may take several days to unblock the funds). At some lodgings, the security deposit may be referred to as collateral.

If a deposit is required upon arrival, this will be indicated in the property description in the “Conditions of accommodation” and “Additional information” sections and on the booking creation page in the “Important, please note” section.

Each property decides for itself how to accept deposits — in cash or by blocking a certain amount on a bank card. In any case, we recommend that you obtain a document from the accommodation provider that confirms you have paid the deposit.

Important: The deposit is always paid directly to the accommodation provider, and the deposit can only be refunded by a hotel employee or owner of the apartment. Ostrovok is not involved in this process, so unfortunately we will not be able to guarantee a deposit refund if there is a dispute.

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