Ever booked a hotel room only to be surprised by an extra charge at check-in? If you're a Marriott loyalist or considering a stay, understanding their security deposit policy is key to a smooth travel experience. Let's dive in and demystify "how much is Marriott security deposit" and everything that comes with it!
Step 1: Hey there, fellow traveler! Have you ever encountered a "surprise" hotel hold?
It's a common scenario. You book your room, you see the nightly rate, and you budget accordingly. Then, at check-in, the front desk mentions a "hold" or "deposit." Suddenly, a chunk of your available funds is temporarily inaccessible. Frustrating, right? Marriott, like most major hotel chains, implements a system of holds to cover potential incidentals or damages. Understanding this upfront can save you a headache and ensure your trip starts off on the right foot.
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| How Much Is Marriott Security Deposit |
Step 2: Decoding Marriott's "Security Deposit" - It's Usually an Incidental Hold
First things first: Marriott doesn't typically charge a traditional "security deposit" in the way a landlord might. What they do is place an incidental hold on your credit or debit card. This isn't a direct charge that comes out of your account immediately. Instead, it's an authorization for a certain amount that temporarily reduces your available credit or funds.
What does this "incidental hold" cover?
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Mini-bar purchases: Those tempting snacks and drinks tucked away in your room.
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Room service: Late-night cravings or a convenient breakfast.
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Pay-per-view movies/entertainment: Relaxing with a film in your room.
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Damage to the room: Accidents happen, and this hold covers potential repairs.
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Smoking fees: If a non-smoking room is smoked in.
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Other services: Laundry, dry cleaning, or resort fees that might not be included in your initial booking.
Why do hotels do this?
It's a protective measure for the hotel. It ensures they have a way to cover any charges you incur beyond the room rate, or any unforeseen costs from damage. It also encourages guests to treat the property with respect.
Step 3: How Much is the Marriott Incidental Hold? (The Million-Dollar Question)
This is where it gets a little less straightforward. There's no universal, fixed amount for Marriott's incidental hold. It can vary significantly based on several factors:
Sub-heading: Factors Influencing the Incidental Hold Amount
Tip: Break it down — section by section.
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The Specific Marriott Brand: A luxury brand like The Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis will likely have a higher incidental hold than a more budget-friendly option like a Fairfield Inn or Courtyard.
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Location of the Hotel: Hotels in high-cost-of-living areas or major tourist destinations often have higher holds.
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Length of Your Stay: The longer your stay, the higher the total incidental hold typically will be, as it's often calculated per night. Common ranges are $25-$200 per night, but some upscale properties can go up to $300 or more per night.
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Your Marriott Bonvoy Status: While not a guarantee, some elite members might find lower holds or more flexibility, though this is not a published policy and can vary by property.
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Hotel-Specific Policies: Each individual Marriott-branded hotel (even within the same brand) has the autonomy to set its own incidental hold amount based on its operational costs and risk assessment.
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Type of Room Booked: A standard room might have a lower hold than a suite with more amenities.
Example: You might see a $50 per night hold at a Courtyard by Marriott, whereas a JW Marriott in a major city could have a $150-$200 per night hold. For a 3-night stay, this could mean a total hold of $150 to $600 or more.
Step 4: Credit Card vs. Debit Card: A Crucial Distinction
This is an extremely important point to understand when it comes to hotel holds.
Sub-heading: Credit Card Holds: The Preferred Method
When you use a credit card, the incidental hold is a pre-authorization. The funds are not actually debited from your account. Instead, the authorized amount reduces your available credit limit. Once you check out and there are no additional charges, the hold is released. This typically happens fairly quickly, but the exact time depends on your bank.
Sub-heading: Debit Card Holds: Proceed with Caution!
Using a debit card for an incidental hold can be problematic. When a hold is placed on a debit card, the funds are actually frozen from your checking account. This means that money is inaccessible to you, even if you don't use any incidentals.
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Why it's a concern: If you have limited funds in your checking account, this could lead to overdrafts or issues with other planned expenses.
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Refund time: The release of a debit card hold can take significantly longer than a credit card hold – often 3-10 business days, and sometimes even longer (up to 30 days) depending on your bank's processing times. This means your money could be tied up for an extended period after you check out.
Our Strong Recommendation: Always use a credit card for hotel incidentals if possible. It offers better protection and avoids tying up your actual cash funds.
Step 5: How and When the Incidental Hold is Applied
The incidental hold is typically applied at the time of check-in. When you present your credit or debit card, the front desk system will authorize the card for the room and tax charges (if not already paid), plus the incidental hold for your entire stay.
Sub-heading: What if I'm using Marriott Bonvoy points for my stay?
QuickTip: Read a little, pause, then continue.
Even if your room is paid for with Marriott Bonvoy points, an incidental hold will still be placed on your card. This is because the points cover the room rate, but not potential charges for mini-bar, room service, or damages.
Step 6: Getting Your Incidental Hold Released (The Refund Process)
Sub-heading: Automatic Release
In most cases, if you incur no additional charges and there are no damages, the incidental hold will be automatically released by the hotel's system after you check out.
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Sub-heading: What to Expect for Refund Times
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Credit Cards: Generally, you can expect the hold to be released and your available credit limit to reflect the change within 3-7 business days after your departure. Some banks might be quicker, others slightly slower.
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Debit Cards: As mentioned, this can take longer. Be prepared for it to take anywhere from 5 to 10 business days, and in some unfortunate cases, up to 30 days for the funds to become available in your account again.
Sub-heading: When to Follow Up
If the hold hasn't been released within the expected timeframe (e.g., more than 7-10 business days for a credit card or 10-14 business days for a debit card), it's time to follow up.
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Contact the Hotel Directly: Start by calling the specific Marriott property you stayed at and speak to the front desk or accounting department. Provide them with your reservation details and the dates of your stay.
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Contact Your Bank/Credit Card Company: If the hotel confirms the hold has been released on their end but you still don't see it, contact your bank or credit card company. They can investigate the transaction and provide details on their processing times.
Step 7: Minimizing Surprises and Maximizing Smooth Stays
Sub-heading: Proactive Measures
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Check Hotel Policies: When booking, look for information on incidental holds on the hotel's specific website or by calling them directly.
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Inquire at Check-in: Don't hesitate to ask the front desk about the exact incidental hold amount when you check in.
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Use a Credit Card: Seriously, this is the best way to avoid having your actual funds tied up.
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Monitor Your Statements: Keep an eye on your credit card or bank statements after your stay to ensure the hold is released in a timely manner.
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Pay as You Go (if applicable): Some hotels might allow you to "pay as you go" for incidentals instead of having a hold, meaning you settle each charge directly at the time of service (e.g., paying cash for a mini-bar item). However, this is not common for room service or potential damages.
By understanding Marriott's incidental hold policy, you can better prepare your finances and avoid any unwelcome surprises during your travels!
Tip: Read carefully — skimming skips meaning.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about Marriott security deposits/incidental holds, with quick answers:
How to find out the exact Marriott security deposit amount before booking?
The most reliable way is to call the specific Marriott hotel directly you plan to book. Their front desk staff can provide the exact incidental hold amount for your desired dates and room type.
How to avoid a Marriott security deposit entirely?
You generally cannot avoid an incidental hold at Marriott properties. It's a standard operating procedure for most hotels. However, if you opt not to charge anything to your room, you might not be charged beyond the room and tax. Some independent hotels (not Marriott) might not require one, but this is rare for major chains.
How to know if the Marriott incidental hold has been released?
Check your credit card statement or online banking app. For credit cards, your available credit limit will increase. For debit cards, the frozen funds will reappear in your account balance.
How to handle a delayed Marriott security deposit refund?
First, contact the hotel directly and inquire about the status. If they confirm it's released, then contact your bank or credit card company to follow up on their processing times.
Tip: Focus more on ideas, less on words.
How to differentiate between a "charge" and an "incidental hold" on my statement?
A charge is a finalized transaction that deducts money from your account or credit limit. An incidental hold (or pre-authorization) is a temporary reservation of funds that reduces your available balance but isn't a final charge unless incidentals are incurred. It often appears as "pending" on your statement.
How to pay the Marriott security deposit if I don't have a credit card?
Marriott hotels generally accept debit cards for incidental holds. In some rare cases, a property might accept a cash deposit, but this is much less common and should be confirmed directly with the hotel beforehand. Be aware of the longer refund times for debit and cash.
How to know if a specific Marriott property charges a higher incidental hold than others?
Luxury brands (Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, JW Marriott) and hotels in prime urban/resort locations tend to have higher holds. You'll need to contact the individual hotel to confirm.
How to dispute an incorrect charge related to a Marriott incidental hold?
If you see an incorrect charge on your final bill or if the hold is converted to a charge you don't recognize, immediately contact the hotel's front desk or accounting department. Have your receipts and documentation ready. If unresolved, you can dispute the charge with your credit card company.
How to manage multiple Marriott incidental holds if traveling frequently?
If you travel frequently, especially with debit cards, ensure you have a sufficient buffer in your account to cover overlapping incidental holds. Using a credit card with a high limit is the most practical solution to avoid tying up your cash.
How to ensure a smooth check-out process for security deposit release?
To ensure a smooth release, simply check out on time, ensure no damage has occurred to the room, and settle any charges at the front desk. While not always necessary, a quick conversation with the front desk to confirm your departure can sometimes expedite the process.
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