Holiday Inn EV Charging Stations

I tried two different Charge Point stations (there are 4, for a total of 8 plugs) and neither would accept my Charge Point card nor a regular credit card. I tried multiple times. The message kept saying this card only good at free stations. How does that make sense? Why would you even need a card at a free charging station. Once I saw a brief message about wifi system not connecting but it was gone in a flash so I don't know if that was the issue or if it was the fact that the stations are in the parking lot of Holiday Inn hotel. I had asked for permission when I charged here before and the front desk attendant said It's supposed to be for guests only but we're not busy now at all so go ahead  I've charged there both times before, though one station would authorize me and the other wouldn't, kept giving weird, illogical messages