Originally Posted by
Voodoo Daddy
The phrase "what part of ..... do you not understand?" is widely understood to be sarcastic and unpleasant. I would also consider it nasty. And the T and C's are not clear. They contradict themselves by stating that the OP can cancel with no charge before a certain date, but in the next sentence stating that the rate is non-refundable.
Originally Posted by
BKKLEE
perception, intent and reality are NOT one and the same......
my post was stated and intended as a question...........NOTHING more (as understood/inferred by others).......
To be honest I did find that your initial response seemed a bit condescending. However, I also understand that "tone of voice" doesn't come across well in the printed word on an internet forum so I was content to leave it alone in my initial response. Plus I've also been guilty of coming across a bit harshly on FT before so no need to throw stones on anyone's part
Originally Posted by
CJKatl
Funny story....
Thought I'd check out the language on the site, so I put the dates into the system. Unfortunately, I actually accidentally made the reservation. So I immediately picked up the phone and dialed in a panic, as my card had just been charged $542. The phone agent said it is refundable within 24 hours of making the reservation. After that, you won't be charged anything additional, but if you cancel, you will lose the entire amount.
Granted, the language is contradictory. Nonetheless, the above is their intent.
Originally Posted by
Twickenham
Obviously, their intent is for the rate to be totally non-refundable, but the languages in the reservation's T&C are clearly contradictory (the 24-hour cancellation is standard Marriott policy). Contacting them will probably result in them affirming this wish, but if I were the OP, I would hold them to the 30-day cancellation if needed.
CJ thanks for the test booking and call. It confirms what I believe is their
intent WRT reservations for football weekends, and this is in line with what hotels in that area routinely do. However, the language in the rate rules is still contradictory so I agree there may be wiggle room...
Originally Posted by
socrates
you have 30 days before arrival for a full refund, anything after that would result in a loss of your deposit but you MUST pay for the room and tax at the time of booking (the reservation becomes non-refundable after you've reached 30 days before the arrival date)
Originally Posted by
astroflyer
Yeah, I'm certainly baffled as to which condition ultimately applies. Prior to 30 days beforehand, the two conditions are in direct conflict.
I'm with those that think you can hold Marriott to the less restrictive clause, but who knows how far down the road you'd have to go in that fight.
I've seen other somewhat contradictory language before with other hotels. I generally take screenshots for my records in case there's ever a fight with a credit card.
Socrates and Astro this is in line with the approach I'm taking.
Originally Posted by
Often1
So, what did the property say when OP called?
Originally Posted by
RogerD408
It's not wise to depend upon their copy of your reservation. There have been many reports of the online reservation being changed after the fact. I always save my email reservations until after the stay has posted and many times will carry a printed copy with me at check-in.
Also, if the terms conflict, it's not surprising the property will claim the more restrictive to apply. Just like we want the less restrictive terms. I still believe if there's doubt the guest should win.
I agree.
In the end I made the reservation on line and paid the full amount up front. I took screen shots of the booking page and the rate rules with the contradictory language. I did not call the hotel as I assume I would have received the same answer as CJ above and that answer would still conflict with the rate rules published on Marriott's website.
It's very, very unlikely that I'll need to cancel the reservation. Barring some major unforeseen event I'll make the trip. I've already secured tickets to the game and my GF's son goes to PSU so this one is pretty much a lock.