>This hotel policy has more to do with location than the hotel or conference host. For example, just about EVERY hotel in Las Vegas has had this policy for years. It's simply to crack down on the number of reservations that get cancelled. It's a way for the hotel to not be left with empty rooms. I personally think a better solution is to have them take a credit card, then state clearly there is some cancellation fee of like 25% of the room or something. But of course, they want that other 75%.

I guess I'm among the ones you only take their reservations at the last minute. Of course, sometimes, I end up in another hotel where a car is needed or where I have to walk a few minutes.

Does someone know what is the star rates for that hotel?

BTW, this sound like an upcoming HOTELX improvment strategy. ;) I still believe they should only charge one night if we cancel after the deadline date which is usually a few days before.