I don't think I have ever encountered a security deposit on a hotel room. I pay via credit card and they want the card number in advance so they are covered if I damage something or skip out on the bill, so why would they need ADDITIONAL money and HOLD it for 14 days? The intrest is just pennies, but pennies add up to big dollars and $300 per nite sure doesn't hurt the cash flow. They must want you to get a Total Rewards card to offset the Total Penalties!