January 9, 2011

What should u do when u change your mind after book a NON refundable hotel

We all change our minds sometimes, we also make mistake such as booking wrong date, wrong hotel wrong rate plan etc, but you book a non refundable rate because it’s usually cheaper than standard rate.  What should you do to keep the loss minimum when that happen?

First of all, Marriott nonrefundable rate has 24 hours cancellation policy, it’s not exactly  24hours, it’s before midnight of the next day after your booking. I think it gives you enough time to change your mind. Just like most US airlines, which you can cancel or at least change the reservation for free within first 24 hours of booking.

Other than that, most hotels are really non refundable the moment u click confirm. However, if you change your mind within first 24 hours, there are still ways to do it.

First, contact central reservation line, tell them you made a mistake, they may do a favor for you. If you just make wrong date or wrong hotel, it will be even easier, most likely they will change the reservation for you.

Second, if the reservation line is not able to solve the issue, try to contact hotel reservation department directly or a manager on duty and explain what happen. Most time, hotel manager or reservation agent is willing to help, because keeping a guest happy is more important than one or two nights revenue.

Please keep in mind, the reservation agent or hotel staff is doing you a favor, so ask them nicely and don’t get upset with them. If none of them can help you, lesson learned and move on.

Think again before you click confirm because these people may not like to do you a favor over and over again.

Posted by Troy under General Frequent Flyer Advice, Marriott | Read the First Comment