'I guess what I'm trying to ask is if thats a normal request when you book straight with the hotel.'

that they want your credit card info or that it's by email?

if you're dealing with a reputable hotel you shouldn't need to worry. plus, you can get your money back from the credit card company if something like that were to happen.
http://www.which.co.uk/consumer-righ...ng-goes-wrong/
i know it's from the UK but same applies in Can/US