Originally Posted by
MePlatPremier
If it’s not a Qualifying Rate (and Explore isn’t) then it’s not eligible for any elite benefits, including the ultimate room guarantee.
Probably a true statement for elite benefits, but Marriott hotels also have a general "walk" set of rules they have to follow (i.e. first night free at a close-by comparable hotel, transportation to that new hotel, etc.). And those rules I would think still apply as they are not tied to the Bonvoy program, but to all persons staying. And I suspect that is why the hotel called and asked the OP to cancel the reservation themselves. By doing so, the hotel doesn't have to deal with walking the OP and gets out of finding a comparable hotel and paying for that first night.