Marriott’s Statements on Hurricanes Irma and Maria
 

"We are closely monitoring the path of Hurricane Irma. Currently, there are storm warnings and watches in effect for several islands across the Caribbean. Our hotels in the current path of the storm have implemented storm preparation protocols.

The safety of our guests and associates is one of Marriott’s top priorities. We will be communicating pertinent information about the storm directly to our guests.

We encourage travelers planning to visit the Islands to check news about the storm for the most current information. For information regarding hotel reservations, please call (800) 228-9290. Those in countries outside of the United States with questions about hotel reservations should call the Marriott International toll-free number in their country."

http://news.marriott.com/2017/09/mar...urricane-irma/

Updated statement:

"We are continuing to closely monitor the path of Hurricane Irma. Our hotels and regional offices in the current path of the storm have implemented storm preparation protocols. The safety of our guests and associates is always a top priority at Marriott.

We have established hurricane plans and our hotel teams are well-trained to implement these plans. In addition, we are in close contact with local authorities and, as always, will take guidance and direction from them as the situation warrants it. Plans are in place to evacuate and close our hotels and offices if local authorities or conditions require such action.

We encourage those planning to visit the storm area to check the news of the storm for the most current information and amend their travel plans accordingly. Hotels in the impacted area are waiving hotel cancellation and change fees but details will vary depending on the hotel so we suggest our customers call (800) 228-9290 for more information about their reservations. Those in countries outside of the United States seeking information about their reservations should call the Marriott International toll-free number in their country."

Marriott Establishes Hurricane Irma Resource Line

http://news.marriott.com/2017/09/mar...resource-line/

"In response to Hurricane Irma, Marriott International has established a resource line for those looking for information about guests and associates who may have been impacted by the hurricane. The number is (866) 211-4610. For those calling outside the U.S. and Canada, the number is +1 402-390-3265. The resource line is staffed from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (ET)."

Looks like Marco Island Property is where the storm is making landfall. Thoughts with everyone there.

Watching Naples right now which is getting hit w/ winds & some surge. Marco is in the eye at the moment.

Caribbean locations in particular St. Thomas took significant damage and are closed until further notice:
Ritz St. Thomas - Closed, structural damage
Frenchman's Reef - Closed, structural damage
Frenchman's Cove - Closed, minor structural damage

My house is powerless. I called a couple of local hotels that are bookable online, but they don't answer.

I'll try calling Marriott Reservation line, but is there any other way to see if what's bookable is actually open?

I think you'll need to call Marriott reservation line. They're probably getting updates internally (or will soon given FL is still being impacted). Good luck.

Cheers.

Interesting. Upsetting if true.

http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea....ape-hurricane/

The comments are worth a read. Three sides to every story... I'm siding on the legal liability siding of it as to the real reason.

That was my initial thought too... what happens if the boat crashes (I would think the families of those on the boat would sue)? What would happen if a non-guest does something on the boat (Marriott would probably be held liable). I would think there are multiple liabilities Marriott would have to incur by taking non-guests... but I'm no lawyer so just my thoughts!

Great they are covered legally... But lawsuit or not, leaving people stranded like this is a ($*%&) move.

They are in a US territory going to another US territory.

So, great for the outlook of the company, but disgusting lack of compassionate humanity.

I thought ships were required by treaties and various laws to aid people/other ships in distress. Wouldn't that have applied here? If so, wouldn't that have shielded them somewhat from civil liability? IANAL, of course, so I could be completely wrong on all accounts.

I'm (possibly) going to be in Orlando later this week. The hotels currently don't have power (but I assume they will by the time I get there).

If something happens and the hotel is unable to open due to Irma will the
Ultimate Reservation Guarantee apply? I can't seem to find the detailed terms and conditions related to it. I imagine they must have an out for extreme weather but I can't seem to find it.

IIRC, Chapter 3 of the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) references life-saving equipment and arrangements, but the relevant legal framework is:

Article 11 of the Brussels Convention (Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules of Law Relating to Assistance and Salvage at Sea):

It's been codified in the US as The Salvage Act, 46 USC 2304:

And it does not excuse the owner of the vessel from liability arising from inaction of the master/captain.

ETA: There could be a case of applying The Standby Act 46 USC 2303:

Although that deals with ship collisions and other ship-ship incidents.

ETA 2: I had to recall this from when I was taking the Captain's Exam, so parts may be incorrect.

ETA 3: It would be an interesting case because one could make the case that because of the state of the islands, the other people were effectively castaways and therefore required assistance as if a ship came upon a stereotypical castaway situation.