Failed to cancel room in time ... need advice
Sep 13, 2012, 5:42 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 56
Failed to cancel room in time ... need advice
I made a reservation that had to be cancelled 3 days in advance. That time has passed and an emergency has arisen where I cannot go. Is there any way for me to let a friend use the room since I will now be charged for it any way. I will not be able to show up at the hotel as it's 8 hours away. Thanks for any help.
Sep 13, 2012, 5:48 pm
#2
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Merritt Island, FL
Programs: AA EXP 4MM, SPG Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 446
I made a reservation that had to be cancelled 3 days in advance. That time has passed and an emergency has arisen where I cannot go. Is there any way for me to let a friend use the room since I will now be charged for it any way. I will not be able to show up at the hotel as it's 8 hours away. Thanks for any help.
Sep 13, 2012, 5:51 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 56
Thank you so much
Will she need my credit card? Have no way of getting it to her at this point. Thanks again.
Sep 13, 2012, 5:53 pm
#4
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Merritt Island, FL
Programs: AA EXP 4MM, SPG Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 446
Have you tried calling the hotel and see if they would let you move the reservation to another day instead of flat-out cancelling it? Nothing to lose by calling them.
Sep 13, 2012, 5:57 pm
#5
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Montreal,QC
Programs: Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 122
I'd try just calling and explaining you have an emergency. They may turn out to be understanding and kind.
Sep 13, 2012, 6:04 pm
#6
Join Date: May 2007
Location: NC
Programs: Marriott LT Plat, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 2,881
I would agree with ussie44 - but generally is harder to get a property that requires 3 days notice to agree.
Do you have any status with Marriott? It does make a difference in these situations.
Nothing to stop you from trying, but if you are unsuccessful, then know that you can add someone's name to the reservation, and they will be able to pay using their own credit card.
Do you have any status with Marriott? It does make a difference in these situations.
Nothing to stop you from trying, but if you are unsuccessful, then know that you can add someone's name to the reservation, and they will be able to pay using their own credit card.
Sep 13, 2012, 6:18 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 56
Thank you all!
I have never cancelled a reservation late before, so I didn't even think to call. Called the Gold line & they very kindly cancelled the reservation due to the circumstances. Thanks so much for all of the help!
Sep 13, 2012, 6:35 pm
#8
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
The golden rules of avoiding speculation:
1. Call
2. Call, and
3. Call
1. Call
2. Call, and
3. Call
Sep 14, 2012, 4:11 am
#10
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Cumbria
Programs: BA, Marriott, Hertz, Dennis The Menace Fan Club
Posts: 2,015
I have had this happen a couple of times. First time, I emailed the hotel and they said they would waive the cancellation fee; second time, I changed the arrival date to a week ahead and then cancelled it.
Sep 14, 2012, 3:25 pm
#11
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Whatever Hotel I'm in
Programs: Delta Gold, Bonvoy Titanium Elite Lifetime
Posts: 459
I've had to cancel many time over my 25 plus years with Marriott and have never been charged. 
Sep 14, 2012, 5:38 pm
#12
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Rochester, NY
Programs: AirTran A+ Elite, Marriott Rewards Plat, Rapid Rewards A List, National Exec, USAir Div Mil
Posts: 323
Sep 14, 2012, 7:22 pm
#13
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 1,433
Or cancel the nights in excess of 3 nights, if any, and cough up for the 1st/2nd night.
Sep 14, 2012, 7:28 pm
#14
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Atherton, CA
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP; Owner, Green Bay Packers
Posts: 21,690
Hotels can be understanding if you have a good reason and ask nicely. I've had several waive cancellation fees when flights were missed/cancelled. Of course, several have declined to do so as well.
Glad it worked out for you, OP!
Glad it worked out for you, OP!
Sep 14, 2012, 10:37 pm
#15
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,689
Marriott seems to be somewhat easier to work with than some of the other chains when it comes to these situations.
All chains may cancel (upon their discretion), but it is my opinion that Marriott
has a little more empathy than others.
Another great benefit of Marriott loyalty! ^
All chains may cancel (upon their discretion), but it is my opinion that Marriott
has a little more empathy than others.
Another great benefit of Marriott loyalty! ^