Cash is still a preferred payment method for millions of travelers — and finding a hotel that accepts it without hassle can be surprisingly tricky. Per Federal Reserve Financial Services, cash remains a relevant and widely used payment method even in today's digital economy. Whether you're between cards, traveling on a strict budget, or simply prefer paying in cash, the hotels below make it easy. Start by tracking your travel budget and explore your affordable travel options before you book. Let's get started!
Quick Answer
Many hotels accept cash payments, including budget chains like Motel 6, Extended Stay America, and independent motels. Most require a cash deposit ($50–$200) at check-in instead of a credit card hold. Calling ahead to confirm the property's cash policy is strongly recommended, as acceptance varies by location.
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Summary Table
| Item Name | Price Range | Best For | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motel 6 | $40–$80/night | Budget travelers needing no-frills cash stays | Visit Site |
| Extended Stay America | $60–$110/night | Long-term stays with weekly/monthly cash rates | Visit Site |
| Red Roof Inn | $50–$90/night | Pet-friendly budget travelers paying cash | Visit Site |
| Super 8 by Wyndham | $50–$85/night | Road-trippers wanting reliable budget lodging | Visit Site |
| Best Western | $80–$150/night | Mid-range travelers wanting cash flexibility | Visit Site |
| Quality Inn | $65–$120/night | Families and solo travelers on a cash budget | Visit Site |
| InTown Suites | $55–$95/week | Extended stays with weekly cash payment options | Visit Site |
| Hyatt Hotels | $150–$350/night | Upscale travelers who prefer paying cash at check-in | Visit Site |
| Choice Hotels | $60–$130/night | Travelers seeking a wide network of cash-friendly properties | Visit Site |
| IHG Hotels & Resorts | $90–$200/night | Business and leisure travelers wanting cash payment options | Visit Site |
| Cambria Hotel Rockville | $120–$220/night | Mid-to-upscale travelers in the DC metro area | Visit Site |
| Courtyard by Marriott Edison Woodbridge | $110–$200/night | Business travelers needing cash check-in near NYC | Visit Site |
12 Top Hotels That Accept Cash in 2026
Below you'll find detailed information about each option, including what makes them unique and their key benefits.
1. Motel 6
Motel 6 is one of the most reliably cash-friendly hotel chains in the United States, making it a practical choice for travelers who prefer or need to pay without a credit card. Most locations accept cash at check-in, though a refundable cash deposit is typically required in place of a card hold for incidentals.
What to know:
- Nightly rates typically start around $50–$80 depending on location
- Cash deposit requirement varies by property (usually $50–$100)
- Pet-friendly and widely available across the U.S.
2. Extended Stay America
Extended Stay America caters to guests staying a week or longer and often accommodates cash payments, which makes it a solid option for those without a bank account or credit card needing longer-term lodging. Their in-room kitchens add practical value for budget-conscious guests paying out of pocket.
What to know:
- Weekly rates can drop to $300–$500, cheaper than paying nightly
- Fully equipped kitchenettes help reduce overall travel expenses
- Call ahead to confirm cash acceptance at your specific location
3. Red Roof Inn
Red Roof Inn is a budget chain where many locations accept cash as a valid payment method at the front desk, appealing to travelers who don't carry plastic. Like most cash-accepting properties, expect to leave a refundable security deposit at check-in to cover any incidental charges during your stay.
What to know:
- Rates generally range from $60–$100 per night
- Deposit amounts vary — confirm with the specific property before arrival
4. Super 8 by Wyndham
Super 8 by Wyndham is one of the most widely recognized budget hotel chains that accepts cash payments at check-in, making it a reliable option for travelers without credit cards. With thousands of locations across the U.S. and Canada, you can typically walk in, pay in cash, and secure a room for as little as $50–$80 per night depending on location and season.
What to know:
- Cash deposit (usually $50–$100) required at check-in in lieu of a credit card
- Rates start around $50–$80/night for standard rooms
- Pet-friendly locations available at many properties
5. Best Western
Best Western properties are independently owned, which means cash payment policies vary by location — but many locations do accept cash from guests willing to leave a cash security deposit. Calling ahead to confirm is recommended, as individual franchisees set their own front-desk policies. Nightly rates typically range from $80–$150, placing it in the mid-budget category for cash-paying travelers.
Notable perks:
- Over 4,700 locations worldwide — high availability across travel routes
- Security deposits typically $50–$100 cash per night
- Best Western Rewards program open to all guests regardless of payment method
6. Quality Inn
Quality Inn, part of the Choice Hotels family, is a solid mid-range option for travelers seeking hotels that take cash, with many locations accepting walk-in cash guests alongside a refundable deposit. Properties are common along highways and near airports, making them practical for road trips or last-minute stays. Nightly rates generally fall between $70–$120, offering more amenities than bare-bones budget chains.
Key details:
- Cash deposit typically ranges $50–$100 depending on property
- Free breakfast included at many locations
- Call ahead — individual franchise owners may have stricter card requirements
7. InTown Suites
InTown Suites is an extended-stay budget brand that accepts cash payments at many of its locations, making it a practical option for travelers without credit cards. The chain caters to longer-term guests needing weekly or monthly rates, and cash is often accepted with a refundable deposit. Policies vary by property, so calling ahead is strongly recommended.
What to know:
- Weekly rates typically start around $200–$350 depending on location
- Cash deposit required in place of a credit card hold
- Over 190 locations across the U.S.
8. Hyatt Hotels
Hyatt allows cash payment at checkout for room charges at most properties, though the brand typically requires a credit or debit card at check-in to cover incidentals. Guests paying with cash should contact the specific Hyatt property directly before arrival to confirm their cash acceptance policy and deposit requirements. This makes Hyatt a workable option for cash-preferred travelers who plan ahead.
Key details:
- Credit card usually required at check-in for incidental hold
- Cash accepted at checkout for room balance at most locations
- Policies differ between full-service and select-service properties
9. Choice Hotels
Choice Hotels is one of the more cash-friendly major chains, with many franchise properties under brands like Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, and Econo Lodge accepting cash payments. Because each location is independently operated, cash policies vary — some require a cash deposit ranging from $50 to $100 per night in lieu of a card. Budget-conscious travelers often find Choice Hotels among the most accessible pay-with-cash options nationally.
Notable perks:
- Brands include Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn, and Quality Inn — often lower nightly rates
- Cash deposit typically $50–$100 per night at participating locations
- 6,000+ properties across the U.S.
10. IHG Hotels & Resorts
IHG properties — including Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, and Hotel Indigo — generally accept cash payments at the front desk, though policies vary by individual location. Guests paying with cash typically need to provide a cash deposit (often $50–$200 per night) to cover incidentals, as IHG does not hold a card on file for cash-paying guests. Calling ahead to confirm the specific property's deposit requirements is strongly recommended.
What to know:
- Deposit amount varies by property and room rate
- Deposit returned at checkout if no incidental charges
- IHG One Rewards members may face fewer restrictions
11. Cambria Hotel Rockville
The Cambria Hotel Rockville in Maryland accepts cash payments at the front desk, making it a practical option for travelers who prefer not to use credit cards. Located near downtown Rockville and easily accessible from Washington, D.C., this upscale-select property offers modern amenities including an on-site restaurant, fitness center, and stylish guest rooms at competitive rates.
Good to know:
- Cash accepted at check-in with a refundable incidental deposit
- Convenient location near Metro Red Line and major highways
- Pet-friendly policy available upon request
12. Courtyard by Marriott Edison Woodbridge
The Courtyard by Marriott Edison Woodbridge in central New Jersey is among the Marriott-branded properties willing to accept cash from guests, provided a sufficient incidental hold is placed at check-in. It appeals to business and leisure travelers needing reliable accommodations in the Middlesex County area without mandatory card-on-file requirements at all locations.
Notable perks:
- Cash accepted — call ahead to confirm current front-desk policy
- On-site Bistro restaurant and 24-hour market for convenience
- Close to Garden State Parkway and NJ Transit rail connections
Final Words
Your best bet depends on your budget, location, and whether you prefer a major chain or a no-frills independent stay — but finding cash-friendly services in your destination city can make the whole trip smoother.