Careless Mistake
 

Booked a hotel (more than 24 hours ago) at a Marriott in Michigan. By accident I selected the advance purchase offer, which means my credit card is charged up front. Now I don't think I can make it. Called MR and they said its up to the hotel if they'll let me cancel and they will email me within 3 - 5 business days.

Do hotels normally let you cancel or did I loss out here? My wife is gold and that was put in the note to the hotel.

Good luck but don't be disappointed if you don't get your money back.

You can always call the hotel directly and explain the situation. The sooner you call the better your chances. I have booked hotels with 2-3 day cancellation policies and forgotten to cancel because plans changed and the hotels are mostly accomodating. Good Luck

Don't wait 3-5 days. Don't email. Call now.
But as said before you can't really expect much since you booked a non-refundable rate. Just hope for the best. Also better to call before your reservation check in date.

If they won't refund the prepaid rate, ask them if you can use it for a future stay (if you're going to be in the area again). They might do that.

Cheers.

Thanks for all your feedback!

Good tip.

The most likely "yes" is when you offer up specific dates for the rebook. It's a lot easier for a mid-level manager to approve a date change than to approve either a refund to CC or even a trade credit.

Just to close the loop on this... The hotel refunded my money!

Glad to hear it!

Wow! That's terrific. Congrats.
IMO, I think MR hotels are more willing to work with it's MR members than some of the other chains and programs.

I have had business travel changes a few times in the past and needed to change locations. The hotels have been very gracious is allowing this.

However, I have never had an issue with doing an advanced purchase rate. (tend to stay away from those since they tend to be risky).

Congrats Again!

In the end they refunded us the money, but we had some challenges to get there. We were supposed to be notified a decision within 3 business days, but never were. Then we were promised a call back within 24 hours... never happened. So even though I made the original mistake, the hotel didn't help their cause.

Thanks, all!