Will Marriott Waive the Incidental Fee? A Comprehensive Guide
Marriott incidental fees are a common procedure among most hotel chains. These fees are usually placed in case you charge something to your room or for damages. In this guide, we will cover Marriott incidental fee policies, tips for possibly avoiding or minimizing incidental fees, and practical info to manage incidentals.
Understanding Marriott’s Incidental Fee Policy
Marriott, like many major hotel chains, requires a credit card hold for incidental fees upon check-in. This fee is separate from the cost of the room and covers potential charges, such as room service, in-room movies, and other hotel services. Here’s what to know about Marriott’s incidental fee policy:
- Purpose of the Incidental Fee: The incidental hold acts as a security deposit, ensuring that the hotel can cover any extra charges incurred during a guest’s stay. It’s refunded if there are no additional charges.
- Typical Hold Amount: The incidental fee amount varies by property and location, typically ranging from $50 to $100 per night. For longer stays, the amount can add up significantly.
- Refund Timeline: Once the stay is over and any incidental charges have been deducted, the hold is released. However, it may take a few days for the funds to appear back in your account, depending on the bank’s policies.
Understanding this policy can help manage expectations and allow travelers to prepare for any temporary impact on available credit.
Can Marriott Waive the Incidental Fee?
Marriott as a corporation takes a hard stance on incidental fees; however, there could be some exceptions made based on the situation and if you ask nicely with a legitimate reason.
- Special Requests and Unusual Circumstances: In the event guests received poor service and/or a billing error occurred at check-in, also if the incidental hold essentially “breaks” you financially, some Marriott locations may choose to forgo or reduce the fee.
- Room-Only Stays: Some hotels may be able to remove or lower the incidental hold for guests who make clear they will not take advantage of additional services (e.g., room service and pay-per-view).
- Manager Discretion: Hotel managers have a lot of discretion with incidental fees and will often waive it for loyal customers, special occasions, or instances in which guests face sudden extenuating circumstances.
A guest might be able to get the fee waived for a compelling reason, but there are no guarantees; the guest should simply ask the hotel or staff politely and clearly.
How to Request a Waiver for Marriott’s Incidental Fee
If you’re hoping to waive or reduce Marriott’s incidental fee, here are some practical steps to take:
- Call Ahead: Contact the hotel directly before your arrival and explain your situation. Inquire politely if they’d consider waiving the incidental fee or reducing the hold amount.
- Explain Your Circumstances: If you’re on a strict budget, mention this to the front desk upon check-in. Clearly state that you don’t plan to use in-room services and ask if a waiver is possible.
- Emphasize Your Loyalty: If you’re a repeat Marriott customer or a Bonvoy member, mention this during your request. Loyalty status can sometimes be a deciding factor.
- Be Persistent but Polite: Hotel policies can be flexible, especially if approached with respect and patience. If a waiver isn’t initially granted, consider politely speaking with a manager or customer service representative.
Approaching the request professionally and emphasizing your loyalty to Marriott can increase the likelihood of success.
Tips for Reducing the Incidental Hold Amount at Marriott
If a full waiver is not doable, then find out how the incidental hold amount can be reduced by Marriott on your credit card:
- Get a Debit Card Jalted: Certain hotels may use debit cards for incidental holds convenience, if you want hotel room credit with your credit card but often stands less than the charge on the card. But be wary that other properties actually do need a credit card.
- Stick to Just the Room: Let the front desk know you won’t be partaking in any ancillary offerings, such as room service or paid services. This can impact the incidental hold amount.
- Stay Shorter Nights or Book Separately: To stay longer, breaking up reservations into multiple bookings or booking night by night may lessen the hold amount — but not always and it varies from property to property.
- Pre-Pay Some Services: If you feel confident you are going to use some of the available services, go ahead and pre-pay a few. This reduces the requirement of a high hold amount on your card.
Not every Marriott property will allow this, and reducing the hold amount might not be an option at all, but you can request either of these options that could give you some breathing room.
Using Marriott Bonvoy Status to Waive Incidental Fees
For Marriott Bonvoy members, particularly elite ones, expect the hotel to honor your loyalty status and either waive or slash any incidental fees.
- Award of Elite Status: Marriott Bonvoy elite members (Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Titanium) may receive preferential treatment, including greater flexibility with incidental fee policies. Elite status members are encouraged to inquire whether their loyalty status is eligible for incidentals free or at a lower hold.
- Free Enhancements: A few services (like breakfast or enhanced Wi-Fi) are frequently free to Bonvoy elite, which can lessen incidental holds.
- Improved Customer Service: Bonvoy members also receive specialized customer service agents and may request a lower incidental fee.
Use that Marriott Bonvoy status — if you have it, this can be a particularly strong lever to pull if you are a regular Marriott guest or higher up the loyalty ladder.
Alternative Options to Avoid Marriott’s Incidental Hold
If waiving or reducing the incidental hold is unsuccessful, other alternatives can help avoid the inconvenience altogether.
- Use a Prepaid or Low-Balance Card: Some travelers use prepaid cards or low-balance credit cards specifically for incidental holds, ensuring that large amounts are not held on their primary accounts.
- Cash Deposits: In some cases, certain Marriott properties may accept cash deposits instead of credit or debit holds. Check with the property in advance to confirm if this option is available.
- Book Through a Third-Party Site: Some third-party booking sites pre-negotiate terms that don’t require an incidental hold. However, this can come with its own limitations, like less flexibility with cancellation policies.
- Join Loyalty Programs for Discounted or Waived Fees: Membership in Marriott’s loyalty program (Bonvoy) or frequent visitor programs may offer perks that lower or eliminate incidental holds.
While not universally applicable, these alternatives provide solutions for travelers concerned about temporary holds on their accounts.
What to Expect with Marriott’s Incidental Fee Charges
Knowing what to expect with miscellaneous fee charges when staying at Marriott can ensure you are not caught off guard — and also help you prepare.
- Marriott’s Transparent Hold Disclosure: Marriott associates should inform you of the deposit amount and how it will be applied to your account at check-in. Hence, always ask about the exact figure so that there are no nasty surprises.
- How Long the Hold Lasts: An incidental hold is usually placed on your card until you check out, and then it’s dropped. But it may take 3–10 days for the amount to appear again depending on your bank.
- Refund Process for Incidental Fees: Refunds should be fully held if no other charge is added on. Keep an eye on your account and if you don’t see the hold come off in that period of time, call Marriott and your bank.
- Itemized Service Fees and Gratuities: The incidental hold may be waived, but service fees for services such as in-room dining or spa treatments will still apply. Watch out for these fees and ask about particular services if you have questions about any other charges.
Gaining these insights about the incidental fee policy, guests can make their transactions hassle-free and be well acquainted with their travel expenses.