Originally Posted by
damon88
I think this highlights a difference between the ways Starwood has done things and the way Marriott has done things. I wondered if I was being dense when I read and reread the language on the new combined program. Several sections seemed purposely designed to be vague and open to interpretation when there are clear and simple ways to state things.
Starwood:
CANCELLATION POLICY
If you cancel between Mon, 04 Sep 2017 and 6:00 PM hotel time on Tue, 10 Oct 2017, there will be no forfeiture amount. If you cancel after 6:00 PM hotel time on Tue, 10 Oct 2017, the forfeiture amount will be a 1 night stay. There may be additional applicable charges and taxes.
Totally clear.
Marriott:
Cancelling Your Reservation
You may cancel your reservation for no charge until September 6, 2017 (2 day[s] before arrival).
Subject to interpretation
Marriott has demonstrated that they are willing to evolve and improve. Supposedly a main goal of the merger is to "eventually build a newer, stronger loyalty program that play[s] to the strengths of each one."
This is one area IMHO where Marriott can learn from Starwood.
I think the issue is with the system Marriott used.
I have future reservation which I book at
Member Rate Advance Purchase
You may cancel your reservation for no charge until May 2, 2019 (1 day[s] before arrival).
I got an email from the hotel yesterday informing me that they fail to charge my card. When I asked them why they are charging me now as the booking is still almost 2 months away. This is the reply I got
Kindly to inform you the special rate you have chosen is require a full deposit and non-refundable. There is a wrong information for cancellation policy that we put in the system. Therefore, we honor that you can pay this room reservation upon check in on 03 May 2019.
And this is from the legacy SPG hotel.
So I guess, the rate system used my Marriott must be quite bad.
I believe this is not the first time I saw that kind of Rate (Advance Rate but cancelable)