If my preferences state non-smoking king, and I make my reservation on the web it states non-smoking not available, am I still "guaranteed" a non-smoking room -- and also eligible for the stated compensation?

I would think not, since I suppose I could have cancelled my reservation and looked for another hotel, but would like to know what others have experienced.

Thanks

There have been prior threads as to what it means when the "not available" wording comes up. I think that at one point either Socrates or Chris commented about it. My recollection is that the wording is not applicable to plats/golds; that is that you are still entitled to your preference despite the wording. In other words, if the wording came up and you were not plat/gold, you would not get the desired room type. But one of the perks of your plat/gold status is that you are guaranteed the room type despite the wording. The language of the room guarantee does not make exceptions.

Thanks and that helps.

I did not find the previous link, but may give a more complete search (still not used to search being back, but very happy it is).

Looking forward to a non-smoking room tonight!

The "benefit" only applies to smoking or non-smoking at select service hotels and since all hotels are required to offer non-smoking rooms I'd say the guarantee would apply....but....remember I'm only here representing myself on flyertalk.com

Thanks for the response Soc. The language of the benefit is as follows: "To ensure your complete comfort and satisfaction, we guarantee you'll receive your requested room type. If you don't receive the bed type and smoking preference you've noted on your reservation at Marriott Hotels & Resorts and Renaissance Hotels & Resorts worldwide or smoking preference noted on your reservations at Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites and TownePlace Suites, worldwide we will reimburse for up to $100 USD. Reimbursement varies by brand. See Elite Membership Terms and Conditions for details." My reading is that at full service properties, the guarantee covers both room type and smoking and that at the other properties it covers only smoking preference

That is my personal understanding as well

I was told by the elite line and a hotel that the guarantee only applies if it was "guaranteed" at the time of reservation...not if I reserved a nonsmoking room "not available" and expect it at checkin.

Wow...if thats not the case, that could really be to my benefit. There have been several times I have changed plans because my preferences couldn't be guaranteed.

I created the thread because of that scenario... I had reserved a room and a NS room was not guaranteed. Ended up checking in at around 1:30am this morning. I asked regarding the NS, and he inidicated that I was in a NS room . Not only that, but as my 1st night as a Platinum I had some Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies waiting for me in the room!

So, I guess I got my cookie and ate it too!

Again this is my personal opinion and I can see how a city-wide convention might prevent them from honoring the type of room you wish......for a positive answer I'll defer to Chris as I'm not sure if special events are excluded from the guarantee or not (I don't recall seeing anything about them being so but I might have missed it)

socrates,

You are correct. There is not a restriction for special events. If there is a special event the hotel will likely be sold out in which case there will not be availability at all. If you are able to book, the guarantee applies as stated.

Thanks,

Chris