Radisson Blu, unusual payment request?

[QwertyKnowsBest]

Thanks to all for Cape Town Radisson Blu recommendations, I have booked a non canceable rate. Today I received an email requesting payment using a method that I think is unusual (pasted below). I am not a frequent Radisson guest so perhaps this is normal policy, I am used to IHG, Hilton etc non cancellable rates simply being charged to the card on my account. Anyone had experience of this?

Your reservation made, requires full prepayment prior to arrival and we are reaching out to advise the payment options available:

1. Online Payment Gateway, referred to as Iveri Divert which requires us to send you an online payment link via email. You will receive a message, with steps to follow to complete the transaction as if you were buying an item online.

Or

2. EFT, to which we would provide you with our banking details and request that a copy of the proof of payment is sent to us once you have processed payment.

Please advise if you would like our Concierge desk to contact you regarding any tours or an airport transfer?

Kindly advise which option you wish to proceed with?

[strickers]

I’ve had similar for hotels in SA, I’ve used the payment links before without issue.

[QwertyKnowsBest]

Thanks stickers. Strange though given my payment card is registered on my Radisson account. I suppose this does give the benefit of you choosing when to pay rather than the hotel taking full payment immediately.

strickers wrote:

I’ve had similar for hotels in SA, I’ve used the payment links before without issue.

[JDB]

It seems to be standard for hotels in SA to ask for advance payment (via a bank link they send), even on cancellable rates – at least this was our experience for five different hotels both in 2022 and 2023. They all wanted an initial deposit of 50% and full payment between 28 and 56 days in advance. Many restaurants also take deposits via Dineplan – the system seems to work well in that if you cancel within the deadline, you get a refund confirmation straight away and when at the restaurant the deposit does get deducted without even asking.

[John]

QwertyKnowsBest wrote:

I am used to IHG, Hilton etc non cancellable rates simply being charged to the card on my account.

In some cases IHG and Hilton hotels also send out links like these, probably in South Africa as well but heard of it in Spain too