Originally Posted by
Kacee
Marriott certainly knows how to describe the late checkout benefit consistent with the notion of "guaranteed" for Plat and higher (excepting resorts and convention properties). The fact that they don't simply reflects another watering down of elite benefits due to pressure from their customers. The fact is, late checkout is not actually "guaranteed" at any Marriott, as there is no consequence if a property refuses your request.
The reality is that late checkout is a negotiation. At the Plat+ level, complimentary upgrades are coming into play, and it isn't and has never been realistic to expect to be able to stay in every suite upgrade until 4 PM. If it were so, Elites would be constantly complaining that their suite upgrades aren't ready until far after traditional check-in time. This is why some generous properties offer to let guests have a standard room to end their stay in before they depart late - that way, the suites can be freed up for both paying guests and other Elites who will receive upgrades. I've had plenty of times where late checkout until 4 is not offered as I had been upgraded significantly. In cases where the property is obviously not being reasonable with late checkout requests vs. the quality of upgrade offered (Prince Sakura Tokyo comes to mind), I'll note that down in my mental journal as a mark against making a return visit and contributing more revenue to the hotel.
Note that no chain AFAIK offers compensation per T&Cs for denied late checkouts. Hilton lacks a defined benefit, and Hyatt has several threads in FT of denied late checkout benefits. In my benefit delivery issues with Hyatt based on T&Cs (destination fee issues, upgrade lies, breakfast overcharges), I haven't been offered compensation from the hotel or Corporate, so I would imagine the same would occur with denied late checkouts.