Hotel Reservation Demo
Pattern 2: Pre-Authorization & Capture (Hold Then Charge)
💡 What is Pattern 2: Pre-Authorization & Capture?
Pattern 2 uses a two-step payment process. First, you place a hold (pre-authorization) on the customer's card to guarantee payment. Later, you capture the actual charge when ready.
Perfect for: Hotels, car rentals, event venues, or any business that needs to reserve funds without immediately charging the customer.
Step 1: Pre-Authorization (Hold)
Place a hold on customer's card without charging. Funds are reserved but not transferred.
Step 2: Capture (Charge)
Later, capture the held funds when service is delivered. Can capture full or partial amount.
⚙️ How This Demo Works
Select Room & Dates
Choose check-in/check-out dates and room type
Pre-Authorize Payment
Place hold on card for total reservation amount
Booking Confirmed
Reservation is confirmed with hold in place
Simulate Check-In
Guest arrives, capture the held funds
Learn & Explore
Review technical details and business implications
🌍 Real-World Scenario
Caribe Beach Resort is a luxury beachfront hotel in Placencia, Belize. They need to guarantee reservations without charging guests until check-in.
Business Goals:
- ✓ Guarantee reservations with card holds
- ✓ Charge only after guest checks in
- ✓ Handle no-shows and cancellations
- ✓ Adjust for extra charges (minibar, etc.)
Why Pattern 2?
- ✓ Guest not charged until they arrive
- ✓ Can adjust final amount at check-in
- ✓ Easy to void for cancellations
- ✓ Reduces chargebacks and disputes
⚖️ Pattern 2 vs Pattern 1
| Feature | Pattern 1 Simple Payment |
Pattern 2 Pre-Auth & Capture |
|---|---|---|
| Payment Steps | 1 step (immediate) | 2 steps (hold + capture) |
| When Charged | Immediately | Later (when you capture) |
| Amount Flexibility | Fixed at payment time | Adjustable before capture |
| Cancellation | Requires refund (3-5 days) | Void hold (immediate) |
| Best For | Donations, digital products | Hotels, rentals, reservations |
💳 Test Cards for This Demo
Use these test card numbers to simulate different scenarios. No real money will be processed.
Demo Success
This card will always succeed
5555555555555599
CVV: 123 | Expiry: 12/25
Demo Decline
This card will be declined
4444444411111111
CVV: 123 | Expiry: 12/25
📚 What You'll Learn
- • How to pre-authorize payments without charging immediately
- • When and how to capture held funds
- • How to handle cancellations and voids
- • Adjusting capture amounts (partial captures)
- • Authorization expiry and best practices
- • Business benefits for hospitality industry
💡 Tip: This demo takes about 4-6 minutes to complete