josephstern

I really HATE the wording some Hyatts use on the cancellation notes, especially when booking on points.

I just made a reservation where the wording is:

Then, in the email I have:

I've come to generally believe this to mean that if I cancel more than 60 days before the reservation, there is a full refund of my points and deposit. But it's really not at all clear.

I don't even know where the implied punctuation should be. In the first example, you could put "unless" in between charge and cancel. But in the second one, there's an "if" that makes no sense whatsoever.

This is one example, but I see it all the time.

Contrast this type of wording with a different type I sometimes get:

To me, 100% clear. Using this wording, the previous hotel could say CANCELLATION POLICY: 60DAYS PRIOR TO CHECK IN TO AVOID FULL STAY FEE

VegasGambler

My understanding is that they deduct the points at booking (to ensure you don't double-use them) but if you no-show or late-cancel, your points will be refunded and you will be charged the cash rate.

MSPeconomist

Even 48 hours prior to check in is ambiguous. It should state the specific date and time of the cancellation deadline, of course in the time zone of the hotel.

VegasGambler

A hotel does have a posted check-in time. I don't think there's any ambiguity.

josephstern

I think this is unclear:



So what happens at 61 days? How about 59 days?

VegasGambler

I meant there is no ambiguity around the "48 hr before check-in" language. It's clear what that means.

I agree that the wording you quoted is ambiguous. At 59 you clearly get charged for every night of the stay. The unclear part is whether your initial deposit is refundable outside of 60 days.

josephstern

Here's another version, much clearer:

Why can't they all have that format? Same website . . .

mahasamatman

Any ambiguity is resolved in favor of the party who did not draft the contract. Any credit card issuer will be on your side.

MarkOK

I agree with the OP, the WOH language is often unclear. As to 48 hours prior to check in, I would much prefer just a stated time and date. I don't keep track of when check in times are and I don't know why I should since that time has no significance anyways. (I generally check in whenever I show up, whether it is 8AM or midnight and it seems just as common to have to wait for my room to be done after 3 as before 3 because successfully checking in has to do with occupancy, room type reserved (or upgraded into), and housekeeping employees vs # of rooms turning over).

MarkOK

In my experience it has required an email to the hotel and asking for the deposit refund.

josephstern

I actually usually don't get charged for the deposit in the first place, even when stated. Not sure why that is, but it's obviously fine with me.

flyer4512

Does this mean I get all my points back as long as we cancel at least 10 days before arrival ? Thanks


One Night Rt at Bk/nref 10 Days Prior To Arrival

josephstern

Ha! Classic one. I really don't know what "Rt" is but I assume "Bk" is booking.

flyer4512

Here is the reply from Hyatt.........The general cancellation policy allows you to cancel the reservation by no later than 4 PM EST 10 days prior to arrival to receive the points back into your account and not be charged for the stay. In extenuating circumstances due to COVID-19, the hotel will allow you to cancel up to 4 PM EST 24 hours prior to arrival to receive the points back into your account and not be charged for the stay.

59Impala

Booked at the Gild Hall NY. Got this policy. Also ambiguous.
what if I plan to check-in at 11pm, can I canecel by 11pm the day before? I presume not…. And that Hyatt means 24h prior to standard check-in time.
they could be clearer…