Originally Posted by
WaderPSU
I was fortunate to be among the first to notice the 2024 summer award availability several weeks ago and managed a 5 night booking (516k points). Some weeks later I received a preliminary welcome e-mail, which highlighted a ~$25k fee that will be assessed if I cancel my reservation within the 60 days prior to my arrival (in such a case the points will be credited back to my account, but the cancellation fee must be paid in cash). I have absolutely every intention of going on this trip (and have already booked airfare in and out), but it was surprising that this was not clearly disclosed at time of booking.
My questions for the forum are:
- Has anyone else been surprised by this clause after booking? Has anyone argued their way out of the fee on the basis that it was not clearly disclosed at time of booking? (I understand a penalty clause in principal given the low number of rooms and the expense of the trip - though I don't understand why they wouldn't be happy just to take my points). I am aware that some other Marriott properties have similar penalty clauses, but I feel a bit put out that the details of this penalty clause were sprung upon me weeks after booking.
- Is anyone aware of a travel insurance policy that will cover this cancellation fee in the event that something dramatic happens that would force a cancellation within the penalty window? If so, can you provide a recommendation?
Someone on the (IHG) Kimpton Seafire thread has mentioned a specific travel insurance that they believed would cover a penalty fee like this, but you would need to get a policy for the whole $25k, which I think would be a fairly hefty premium. I tend to use insuremytrip and I believe that user did as well, and discussed with them which policy to purchase. I would read the T&Cs like a hawk on any policy I was considering purchasing. Travel insurance including medical insurance is a necessity imo.
I do think it is unlawful to not have disclosed this in advance. Thank you for posting this so others can be aware, especially if they are booking close-in.