Confused by rate rules
 

Can anyone explain to me this Flexible Rate?

Member Rate Flexible,
Additional InformationCommissionable Rate

• Stay 4 nights or more and save up to 20 percent (rate already reflects discount) Full prepayment required. Non-refundable.

Cancelling Your ReservationYou may cancel your reservation for no charge before 11:59 PM local hotel time on March 21, 2025 (3 day[s] before arrival). Please note that we will assess a fee of 233.33 USD if you must cancel after this deadline. If you have made a prepayment, we will retain all or part of your prepayment. If not, we will charge your credit card.

When You Check-inPlease be prepared to show proof of eligibility for your rate (such as a membership card, corporate or government identification card, or proof of your age).

Modifying Your ReservationAny change in the length or dates of a reservation may result in a rate change.

Yeah, this sometimes happens. I have seen it when there are extraordinary demand times and they make all rates non-refundable no matter what, even BAR/REG rates. I am pretty sure with the detailed cancellation rules you will be able to argue for a refund, if needed, but there is a non-zero risk with that.

I don't think I have seen contradictive wordings like that ever - this is just confusing because the first part it clearly describes that it is non-refundable (however, it doesn't mention whether it is changeable).

Then the second part is clearly stating that you can cancel for free 3 days before arrival, but then the wordings about eligibility is just weird - why do I have to prepare my Marriott membership card if the reservation is booked by a member (as you have to be a member to book that rate)?

I suspect the property didn't load the rules properly.

Yeah, it's a mistake :-)

Agree with cfischer that it should be fully cancelable prior to the deadline per the second part, but that there's a risk the property tries to screw you based on the first part.

When there is a contribution or ambiguity, in US consumer regulations and law, the benefit sides with the consumer... but I wouldn't want to have to deal with arguing that and trying to get a refund.

As others said, sounds like the property loaded the rate coding/rules incorrectly. A 'flexible rate' shouldn't be prepaid nonrefundable.

OTOH some states have penalties for violating consumer protection law. In Massachusetts, for example, violations carry multiple damages up to triple the amount of the violation plus attorney fees.