Cancellation policy change AFTER booking a no-penalty reservation
Aug 13, 2008, 9:30 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Orlando, FL, USA. Starwood Copper; PCLUB Pyrite; HHonors Tin; Skymiles Nobody
Posts: 68
Cancellation policy change AFTER booking a no-penalty reservation
Greetings Fellow FTers! Has anyone run into a situation where you have booked a hotel room way in advance that allows cancellation without penalty only to have the hotel switch the policy to a fee for cancellation? Currently, the reservation cancellation policy is as follows:
"Canceling your reservation after 6:00 PM (local hotel time) on X X, 2009, or failing to show, will result in a charge equal to the first night's stay per room to your credit card. Taxes may apply. Failing to call or show before check-out time after the first night of a reservation will result in cancellation of the remainder of your reservation."
I read it as as long as it is cancelled by 6pm on the date listed on the res I don't get charged, but I would get charged if I cancel after 6pm on the date listed OR don't bother to show up.
Can they change this to "cancellation results in a penalty of the first night" without telling me (if I just happened to see it updated on the res when looking it up online)? Curious if anyone ran into this and the outcome.
Thank you!
"Canceling your reservation after 6:00 PM (local hotel time) on X X, 2009, or failing to show, will result in a charge equal to the first night's stay per room to your credit card. Taxes may apply. Failing to call or show before check-out time after the first night of a reservation will result in cancellation of the remainder of your reservation."
I read it as as long as it is cancelled by 6pm on the date listed on the res I don't get charged, but I would get charged if I cancel after 6pm on the date listed OR don't bother to show up.
Can they change this to "cancellation results in a penalty of the first night" without telling me (if I just happened to see it updated on the res when looking it up online)? Curious if anyone ran into this and the outcome.
Thank you!
Aug 14, 2008, 7:58 am
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Programs: OWEmerald; STARGold; BonvoyPlat; IHGPlat/Amb; HiltonGold; A|ClubPat; AirMilesPlat
Posts: 38,187
It does appear ICH has reworded the cancellation policy but it means pretty much the same as previously which has always been "if you no show after 6p the day of arrival (or at some properties 1 or 2 days prior)" you will be billed for the first night. That's been the general practice of the industry on all flexible rate bookings. I don't see what your concern is? In any case, the key is to always print out a copy of your original booking confirmation and those are the terms and conditions you will be bound by.
A few weeks ago I got stuck a PHL when US cancelled my flight to Louisville. This was about 8p and I called the HI that I'd booked in that city, explained what's happened, and they cancelled my booking without the penalty. If you're fair with most properties they will be fair with you.
A few weeks ago I got stuck a PHL when US cancelled my flight to Louisville. This was about 8p and I called the HI that I'd booked in that city, explained what's happened, and they cancelled my booking without the penalty. If you're fair with most properties they will be fair with you.