I'm looking at booking a room for 2 nights at the FI in State College PA for a football weekend, Sept 5 to 7, 2014. The rate comes back as $249 per night under:

And the rate rules are listed as:
I understand that PSU football weekends operate under special rates and rules and I have no problem with that. However, the cancellation policy is a bit confusing. On the one hand they state that I have to prepay the entire rate and that prepayment is non refundable if I were to cancel after August 6 and to see the rate rules. Then the rate rules basically state that the prepayment for this rate is non-refundable.

So which is it? If I cancel before August 6 will my pre-payment of the full room rate be refunded?

what is there about -
Please note that your prepayment for this special rate is non-refundable.
do you not understand ???????

The part that conflicts is the statement about:

"non-refundable if cancelled less than 30 days before arrival, see Rate Rules"

Why would they even make a statement implying that the rate could be refunded prior to August 6th if the rate was truly non refundable?

if you think there's a conflict in T&Cs instead of getting speculation responses ask CS or MC for their answer (which you can then rely on)........

There isn't ANYTHING clear about those t & cs. And, all due respect (totally aware of your vast help in many matters on this board), there really is no need to be nasty when there clearly is an issue worthy of help and advice from other members that may have come across them before.

so, I'll say it again since you obviously didn't read my follow-up of 2-hrs ago :::

if the OP thinks there's a conflict in T&Cs instead of getting speculation responses ask CS or MC for their answer (which you can then rely on)........

as an aside, if you think asking what the OP had a problem understanding CLEAR T&Cs is nasty then IMO you have a VERY low standard of what nasty means.........

No, I saw it before posting. My comments stand as written. My opinion confirmed.

The phrase "what part of ..... do you not understand?" is widely understood to be sarcastic and unpleasant. I would also consider it nasty. And the T and C's are not clear. They contradict themselves by stating that the OP can cancel with no charge before a certain date, but in the next sentence stating that the rate is non-refundable.

perception, intent and reality are NOT one and the same......

my post was stated and intended as a question...........NOTHING more (as understood/inferred by others).......

I'm afraid this response to OP is pretty indefensible, it's clearly sniping. It's further clear you didn't understand OPs question in the context of the conflict between the rate quote... Non refundable on less than 30 days notice, and the small print rate rules, indicating that prepayment will be taken immediately, 9 months before the stay and once taken is non refundable. The conflict here is clear and the OP deserved better than a snidey, sarcastic, snipe

Your second response was at least the best advice, it's a pity you couldn't resist further sniping.

To OP, please be assured this board is pleasant, as are those who contribute. Although very knowledgeable it's easy to tell when BKKLEE has dined on wasps!

On to the question, I see the conflict, consumer legislation does indicate such conflicts are to be resolved in the consumers favour, so if you book now but need to cancel before the 30 day period and are willing to sue, you should succeed... However that could be a lot of effort over such a small sum, so it's probably best to get in touch with Marriott to resolve it. My suggestion would be to approach the hotel direct as it is the hotel who uploaded and sets both the rate and the terms. Make sure you get your response in writing, whether via email or post.

ah, the expert in Pennsylvania consumer law speaks.........

Funny story....

Thought I'd check out the language on the site, so I put the dates into the system. Unfortunately, I actually accidentally made the reservation. So I immediately picked up the phone and dialed in a panic, as my card had just been charged $542. The phone agent said it is refundable within 24 hours of making the reservation. After that, you won't be charged anything additional, but if you cancel, you will lose the entire amount.

Granted, the language is contradictory. Nonetheless, the above is their intent.

I grew up near PSU Main Campus, so football weekends bring back memories of clogged traffic through town. I'm actually surprised the FI doesn't charge more for the weekend.

glad you didn't get "burned" by doing something the OP should have done in the first place...........

it always amuses when questions are asked in this forum that really should have been addressed to Marriott, Marriott Conceirge or Customer Services (as recommended previously) but instead post here to get speculative answers (excluding those from Socrates) as I doubt anyone would have "guessed" the intent of the ambiguous language.....but for some oddball reasons these types of posts keep being posted here instead of getting the straight "skippy" from a reliable source..........so to future OPs who can't let their fingers do the walking, thanks for the laughs.......

and now back for more wasp juice......

Fwiw, I concur. It's an unfortunate regular occurrence.

Also intended to be factual, nothing more intended, I suppose?

You mean like
Did you amuse yourself by posting here before bothering to ask someone at Marriott?

(I won't bother with the many other instances easily turned up with a search)