Sophoclefr

Hello,
And sorry as I'm sure the answer exists somewhere on the forum but I can't find it.
Reading Marriott "Travel with Peace of Mind" T&Cs it sounds like non refundable rate remain non refundable (cf quote below)?
So what's the point of it?
Thanks!

• For guests with reservations made on or after July 6, 2020, for arrival dates through December 30, 2020, we will allow the reservation to be changed or cancelled at no charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled arrival date. Reservations with pre-paid rates and other limited exclusions* will be subject to the rate offer rules communicated at the time of reservation. Please note that changes to the reservation will be subject to availability and any rate differences.

Kacee

Unlike Hilton and Hyatt, Marriott is allowing properties to do whatever they like with cancel policies. The "travel with peace of mind" stuff is complete marketing bs.

Vote with your wallet.

The Situation

Agreed. I used to split purchases between Marriott/Hilton/Independent. I had a dreadful experience with a Courtyard over the summer that had me leaning toward doing more business with Hilton. I have an upcoming stay and my preferred hotel was a Marriott hotel part of the Autograph collection, but reading the T&C, the rate was not refundable, nor were any of the Marriott properties, whereas every Hilton rate was refundable. I found an equally nice Hilton property at a refundable rate, so it would have been stupid not to book it. Add in the program changes that will allow me to reach Hilton Gold and perhaps Diamond, and I don't see any Marriott stays in my future other than to use up my points.

Vote with your wallet. I did!

writerguyfl

For the most impact, you'll vote with your wallet and let the Marriott property know that you wanted to stay with them but didn't because their reservations policies were too restrictive. I'm afraid that most hotels won't know they're losing business because of this issue unless people take the time to tell them.

That said, It's not the (potential) guest's job to act as an unpaid consultant to any hotel. I personally wouldn't contact any hotel about this issue unless I really wanted to stay there. I also might do it if I had a long history as a frequent guest of that property and therefore already knew some of the management team.

LAX

Completely agree! As long as there are fine prints that allow a nonrefundable reservation to remain nonrefundable, there is absolutely no "peace" in that.

LAX

hoipolloi

So Marriott stopped allowing refunds for non-refundable prepaid rates for new reservations even if the stay date is before or on December 30th ? Laaaaame!

jiburi

I agree. I was looking for a hotel in Wash DC and saw that one property had prepaid rates that was favorable, except it stated cancellation policy was within 1 day of MAKING THE RESERVATION. I did not book and found a different chain. Forward two week, just a couple of days before my travel, DC area had upped the quarantine requirement to 40 some states, these same hotels once again began to offer prepaid rates identifying cancellation policy one day prior to travel.
Sorry Marriott. Your changes were too late to capturing my business.

Jiburi

MSPeconomist

I think part of the point is that normal non prepaid "refundable" rates used to have 48 or 72 hour cancellation policies, sometimes much more for resorts; 24 hours was becoming increasingly rare. For these rates, a uniform 24 hour policy is a big improvement.

Nonrefundable/prepaid rates are lower because they're less flexible. If you want a flexible policy, don't pick a prepaid/nonrefundable rate, before, during, or (hopefully) after COVID-19.

Kacee

Except Marriott has no such policy. Many Marriott properties are imposing more restrictive cancel policies even on their so-called flexible rates.

ords

I had a nonrefundable rate refunded by Courtyard Green Hills Nashville last week for this weekend. I called, spoke with a manger, explained why and within two days after cancelling saw a credit posted back on the CC. How many actually call the hotel and ask what is possible?

LAX

What if the GM said, "sorry, no refund?" The point is that Marriott is trying to claim "peace of mind" with bookings, including nonrefundable ones. To me, that comes with certainty that I can cancel at any time (or as least as specified on the policy), not "'let's see if the GM would be generous enough to let me off the hook."

LAX

Kacee

Not really the point, because many of us are simply going to choose a different property. That's what I've been doing.

Note though for those who do get jammed with a restrictive policy, I've been told by Ambassador desk that a cancel up to 24 hours should still be possible if you contact them. Not sure if that's also still available for Titanium and/or Plats.

ords

I'd bite the cost and kick myself for being stupid in the first place for making a non refundable reservation.

LAX

This has always been the "gamble" with nonrefundable reservations and I, too, would have to eat the cost if I end up making such mistake. However, Marriott's marketing gimmick is trying to make you think it's no longer a gamble. You will have the "peace of mind" to book and not worry about eating the cost if you can't make it. That's really the point of this thread.

LAX