Originally Posted by jfhscott

I so much wish to have shared my elementary school playground with you.

I would like to know with whom you spoke at Marriott. Was it someone who actually had authority to speak with respect to Marriott's "intent"? Or was it one of their lovely customer service agents?

One of the most fundamental rules of contract law is that the intent of the parties is presumptively manifested in the written terms they use. Indeed, when those terms are unambiguous, the presumption is not rebuttable.

I don't even know why the term "loophole" gets used here.

Rather "opportunity" would seem more appropriate. Marriott wrote the terms and conditions. They are all big boys and girls well experienced in their industry, and I will trust them to take care of themselves.