Originally Posted by aaupgrade

The rate rules are what matters and it says nothing about prepayment.

HOWEVER, you did not post what the cancellation policy is and it is always listed somewhere in the reservation. The cancellation policy may shed light on whether something is amiss with the rate rules. If there is no cancellation policy listed in the rate rules, then there may be something amiss. As an example below are the rates rules for an advanced purchase rate at RCC:



I wouldn't be concerned as everything jives (haven't used that word since the 70s) with the rate rules, but if you are still concerned you can always call Marriott reservations and inquire. They will probably tell you the same thing I did, either that or they will contact the hotel and get back to you.

BTW - Vail Marriott reservations are misleading too. When viewing the the available resevervatiosn for the ski season you see the following:



And then when you read the rate rules you get:



Other than the fact that they haven't updated their rate rules for 2009/2010 ski season, they are still the standard 45 day deposit and may be canceled 46 or more days prior to scheduled arrival. I booked a reservation 5 weeks ago for January 2010 and they have not charged my card yet and they won't until early December.