Pre-authorization (pre-auth) means verifying and temporary blocking of the funds available on the credit card, based on the credit card details provided at the time of booking. The account is not charged but only checked whether the card is valid and whether there are enough funds to cover the costs of the hotel booking.
After checking the card, the money is unblocked, and the payment for the stay should be made on the spot in the hotel. The card may be charged only if the booking requires prepayment or if the booking is canceled in violation of the hotel’s regulations.