I have canceled 3 reservations already as a PP day of arrival and was not held to the day before.

In two of the cases I called the hotel and once just did it online. All were due to IRROPS with flights and was not billed for any of them including the online cancellation after the deadline.

Just one experience thus far.

Yeah it would be nice if that was actually a stated benefit, especially since a lot of people always seem to ask "what does platinum really get me anyway?" (although even that would probably get a grumble from some people saying "it used to be pretty much standard, now they're trying to call it a benefit")

Does this "internal memo" apply as well for hotels that have cancellation policies of greater than one day?

I Hope this is true as I have all but stopped staying at Marriotts because of this. I tried one this week, then of course had to cancel because of a snow storm...but they let me off the hook. Thanks (Ren Waverly), but I really don't want to beg or rely on an unpublished policy.

It specifically only addresses the company's standard cxl policy, does not address special events or hotels that have a stronger cxl policy (honestly I can't see a hotel allowing someone who's booked for the Superbowl to cxl day of arrival)

Do I have this right? MI has a standard cancellation policy that is not published and the properties are allowed to not follow it. Doesn't sound like much of a policy to me. I agree with special exceptions for extraordinary events, but publish the policy (especially since it contradicts current policy) and list the exceptions. Transparency relieves a lot of frustration and may keep customers around instead of scaring them off to your competitors.

So what chain are you using then?

Interested in some clarification here. Many references in this thread are to Platinum Premier. I believe that's different (right?) from standard Platinum. So, does this internal policy apply just to PPs or regular Platinums as well?

And, if you cancel via the web, will it still work or does it have to go through the phone through the platinum line?

And, another question, how about for MR point bookings? Thanks.

applies to all platinum members

Roger this isn't at all what I said

Does anyone know if this applies to Marriott Resorts (including Vacation Club properties) as well? We made a points reservation that had a 45 day cancellation period and now, 1 week out, we may need to cancel for medical reasons. We're hoping that Platinum status (and a doctor's note, if needed) will allow us to cancel.

Even before the current default 1 day before cancellation policy went into effect, many (if not most) resorts had a much longer cancellation policy like the 45 day policy for your reservation. Fortunately, I never had to test cancelling at a resort within the no cancellation period. Your best bet is to call the resort and explain your situation and ask for an exception. As always, be polite about it when making a special request. If they won't cancel your reservation, they may be willing to credit it to a future stay or at least just have you forfeit the points rather than requiring a cash penalty. Good Luck!

--Jon

P.S. The sooner you call the better. That gives the resort the most chance of re-booking the room which makes it easier to grant your cancellation request.

Well I think his first point was just referring to Marriott in general. There is a "standard" cancellation policy but even with regards to that there are many exceptions.

So now that is further complicated by an "internal memo" with yet another exception for Platinum members which is not published and doesn't address the previously mentioned exceptions.

My question wasn't talking about the extreme example of the Super Bowl, but moreso for example the many properties out there that have 2 or 3 day cancellation policies. Can a plat cancel those reservations on day of arrival? Can they cancel a reservation with a 3-day cancel policy at 2 days? You said the memo did not address that, not that the answer was no so really it seems like the answer to those questions is we have no idea so it just comes down to what you can convince a CS rep or the property to do...

Marriott Insiders had said that if there is a more restrictive cancel policy (2-3 days, 2 weeks), that is still in place rather than the day before cancel policy.

Cheers.

I know. But that doesn't address this mysterious plat benefit of getting DOA cancellation privileges. Should a plat be able to cancel DOA at these places too? Should they at least get 1 shorter day than everyone else? The point is no one knows and it's probably just a case by case basis. So the problem that I believe Roger was trying to point out is that with the sheer number of exceptions to these "policies," just going on a case by case basis makes it frustrating for the customers.

No. As posted by Socrates in post #34 up the page and again provided below for convenience: