Marriott is about to update its Covid-19 reservation cancellation policy for new reservations made for stays between July 6 – September 30, 2020.
Prepaid bookings that are made until July 5 can be canceled for any future arrival date. If you make a similar reservation on or after July 6, you need to make sure that you can live with the cancellation policies (read the rate rules).
You can access Marriott’s page for Covid-19 policies here.
READ MORE: Marriott Bonvoy Rate & Bonus Points And Miles Promotions
Here’s the update from Marriott:
In order to continue giving guests flexibility as they plan and book summer travel, Marriott will extend a more flexible cancelation policy. Guests will be able to cancel new bookings for stays between July 6 and September 30, 2020 up to 24 hours before the day of arrival without incurring a penalty.
For new prepaid bookings on or after July 6, which represent a fraction of all rates offered, guests should now check the rate’s cancelation policy which will apply.
Existing restrictions will also continue to apply such as group bookings under contract with individual hotels.
Here’s the current policy:
For guests with existing reservations for any future arrival date, including reservations with pre-paid rates that are typically more restrictive, we will allow full changes or cancellation without a charge up to 24 hours prior to arrival,* as long as the change or cancellation is made by July 5, 2020. Please note that any changes to existing reservations will be subject to availability and any rate differences.
For guests making new reservations for any future arrival date, including reservations with pre-paid rates, between today and July 5, 2020, we will allow the reservation to be changed or cancelled at no charge up to 24 hours before your scheduled arrival date.* Please note that changes to the reservation will be subject to availability and any rate differences.
Marriott Bonvoy has previously extended elite tiers and unredeemed certs:
Marriott Bonvoy extends elite tiers by a year through February 2022.
Marriott Bonvoy Extends Elite Status Levels Through February 2022
Marriott Bonvoy is extending points expiration, suite and free night awards
Marriott Bonvoy Points Expiration, Suite & Free Night Awards Expiration Change
Conclusion
I would not book any prepaid rates unless they allow free rebookings until late 2021 (like most of the voucher deals that we have covered), as it is still early in this Covid-19 pandemic that will take 18 to 24 months run its course.
Most of the hotels would love to offer prepaid rates now to get some cash in, but I would be extremely hesitant to partake.
