Decoding the Mystery: How Much Does Courtyard Marriott Charge for Incidentals? Your Ultimate Guide!
Ever wondered what those extra charges are when you check into a hotel, especially a reputable brand like Courtyard by Marriott? You're not alone! Many travelers find themselves scratching their heads when the front desk mentions an "incidental hold" or a "security deposit." Well, prepare to have that mystery unveiled! This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about incidental charges at Courtyard Marriott, ensuring your next stay is as smooth and surprise-free as possible.
Step 1: Let's Get Curious – What Exactly Are "Incidentals" Anyway?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of costs, let's start with the basics. Have you ever considered what a hotel might need to cover beyond the nightly room rate? Think about it – what services or amenities might you use during your stay that aren't inherently part of just having a bed to sleep in?
That's where incidentals come in! They are essentially any additional charges incurred during your stay that aren't part of your pre-paid room rate or package. Hotels implement an "incidental hold" on your credit or debit card at check-in to ensure these potential charges can be covered. It's not a charge yet, but rather a temporary authorization of funds.
Step 2: Unpacking the Common Culprits – What Do Courtyard Marriott Incidentals Typically Cover?
Courtyard by Marriott, like most hotel chains, needs to account for various services and potential situations. While the exact list can vary slightly by location, here are the most common things an incidental hold is designed to cover:
Mini-bar Consumption: This is probably the most common incidental charge. Those tempting snacks and beverages in your room fridge are rarely complimentary.
Room Service: Ordering food or drinks directly to your room will, of course, add to your bill.
Pay-Per-View Movies/In-Room Entertainment: Want to catch a new release? That'll likely be an additional charge.
Telephone Calls (Direct-Dialed): While less common with mobile phones, any direct-dialed calls from your room phone can incur fees.
Gift Shop/Sundry Purchases: Any items bought from the hotel's on-site shop or convenience store and charged to your room.
Damages to the Room: This is a big one. If anything is damaged or missing from your room during your stay (beyond normal wear and tear), the incidental hold can be used to cover repair or replacement costs. This includes things like smoking in a non-smoking room (which can incur a significant cleaning fee).
Excessive Cleaning: Beyond normal tidiness, if your room requires extensive cleaning due to spills or excessive mess, you might be charged.
Resort Fees/Destination Fees: While sometimes included in the room rate, some hotels, especially in popular tourist areas, might have separate "resort" or "destination" fees that cover amenities like Wi-Fi, fitness center access, or pool use. These might be part of your room rate or listed as an incidental.
Parking Fees: Many urban Courtyard locations will have charges for parking your vehicle.
Early Check-in/Late Check-out Fees: If you request and are granted an early check-in or late check-out, there might be a fee associated with it.
Important Note: Even if you have pre-paid for your room (e.g., through an online travel agency or with Marriott Bonvoy points), the hotel will still require a credit card for incidentals at check-in.
Step 3: The Big Question – How Much Does Courtyard Marriott Actually Charge for Incidentals?
This is the golden question, and the answer, unfortunately, isn't a single, fixed number. The amount Courtyard Marriott charges for incidentals can vary significantly based on several factors:
Location of the Hotel: A Courtyard in a major metropolitan city like New York or London will likely have a higher incidental hold than one in a smaller, rural town.
Length of Your Stay: Generally, the longer your stay, the higher the incidental hold, as there's more potential for charges to accumulate.
Type of Room: A suite with a minibar and extensive amenities might have a higher hold than a standard room.
Specific Hotel Policy: Each individual Courtyard property has the discretion to set its own incidental hold amount, within Marriott's guidelines.
Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status: While not always a direct impact on the hold amount, higher-tier Marriott Bonvoy members might sometimes experience slightly lower holds or have more flexibility due to their loyalty.
General Range to Expect:
While there's no universal figure, a common range for incidental holds at mid-range hotels like Courtyard by Marriott is typically between $50 to $100 per night, or a flat amount of $100 to $300 per stay. In some high-demand or luxury locations, it could even be higher.
Example: If you're staying for two nights at a Courtyard and the incidental hold is $75 per night, you might see a $150 pre-authorization on your card. If it's a flat $200 per stay, that's what will be held.
Step 4: The Mechanism – How Does the Incidental Hold Work?
It's crucial to understand that an incidental hold is a pre-authorization, not an actual charge.
At Check-in: When you provide your credit or debit card at the front desk, the hotel will request an authorization from your bank for the incidental amount.
Funds are "Held": This amount is then temporarily reserved from your available credit (for credit cards) or your account balance (for debit cards). It reduces your immediate spending power.
No Immediate Charge: The money is not actually transferred to the hotel's account at this point.
Upon Check-out:
No Incidentals Incurred: If you don't charge anything to your room or cause any damage, the hotel will release the hold.
Incidentals Incurred: If you did use services (e.g., raided the minibar), those specific charges will be posted to your card, and the remainder of the hold will be released.
Step 5: How Long Does It Take for the Hold to Be Released?
This is where debit cards can be a bit tricky.
Credit Cards: Holds on credit cards typically clear within 3-7 business days after you check out, though some can take up to 30 days depending on your issuing bank.
Debit Cards: Holds on debit cards can take longer, often 5-10 business days, and in some cases, up to 14 business days or even longer. This is because with a debit card, the funds are directly inaccessible from your bank account, not just reducing your credit limit.
Pro Tip: Using a credit card for incidental holds is generally recommended over a debit card due to faster release times and no direct impact on your checking account balance.
Step 6: Smart Strategies – How to Manage and Potentially Minimize Incidental Charges
While incidental holds are a standard hotel practice, there are ways to be a savvy traveler and avoid unnecessary costs:
Sub-heading 6.1: Ask at Check-in!
This is your most powerful tool. When you check in, simply ask the front desk agent: "What is your incidental hold policy, and how much is the hold per night/per stay?" They will be able to provide you with the exact amount for that specific property.
You can also inquire about common charges like Wi-Fi or parking if they aren't explicitly stated in your booking confirmation.
Sub-heading 6.2: Be Mindful of In-Room Amenities
The Mini-Bar: Seriously, avoid it if you're budget-conscious. Hotel mini-bar prices are notoriously inflated. Instead, consider bringing your own snacks and beverages, or purchasing them from a nearby convenience store.
Pay-Per-View: If you want entertainment, use your own streaming services on your devices or explore free TV channels.
Bottled Water: Often, complimentary bottled water is provided in your room. Always check if it's free before opening! If not, use tap water (if safe) or buy larger bottles elsewhere.
Sub-heading 6.3: Utilize Hotel Services Wisely
Room Service: Convenient, yes, but often expensive. Explore local restaurants or take-out options for more budget-friendly meals.
Laundry Service: Hotel laundry can be very pricey. Look for self-service laundromats nearby or plan to do laundry before/after your trip.
Sub-heading 6.4: Leverage Loyalty Programs
If you're a Marriott Bonvoy member (especially with Elite status), you might receive benefits like complimentary Wi-Fi, breakfast, or even a food and beverage credit that can offset some incidental costs. Always provide your membership number at booking or check-in.
Sub-heading 6.5: Inspect Your Room
Before you settle in, quickly scan your room for any pre-existing damage. If you notice anything, report it to the front desk immediately. This prevents you from being held responsible for something you didn't cause.
Sub-heading 6.6: Review Your Bill Before Check-out
Most hotels can email you a preliminary bill the night before check-out, or you can request a printout at the front desk. Carefully review every charge. If something looks incorrect, address it with the front desk before you leave. It's much easier to resolve issues while you're still on-site.
Step 7: What If There's a Dispute?
If you believe you've been unfairly charged for an incidental or if the hold isn't released in a timely manner:
Contact the Hotel Directly: Start by calling or emailing the specific Courtyard Marriott property where you stayed. Explain the situation clearly and provide any relevant details (dates, room number, specific charge in question).
Contact Marriott Customer Service: If the hotel cannot resolve the issue, escalate it to Marriott's central customer service.
Dispute with Your Bank/Credit Card Company: As a last resort, if you cannot resolve the issue directly with the hotel or Marriott, you can dispute the charge with your credit card issuer or bank. Provide them with all your documentation and correspondence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hotel Incidentals
Here are 10 common "How to" questions about incidental charges, with quick answers:
How to Know the Exact Incidental Charge Amount Before Booking? While you won't always find it explicitly stated online during booking, your best bet is to call the specific Courtyard Marriott property directly and ask about their incidental deposit policy before you make your reservation.
How to Pay for Hotel Incidentals with Cash? While most hotels prefer a credit card for incidental holds, some independent or smaller hotels might accept a large cash deposit for incidentals. However, Courtyard by Marriott, being a large chain, typically requires a credit or debit card for the hold. It's always best to call the specific hotel to confirm their policy.
How to Avoid Mini-Bar Charges at Courtyard Marriott? Simple: Don't open or consume anything from the mini-bar! Many mini-bars have sensors that automatically register when an item is removed. If you're concerned, you can also ask the front desk at check-in if they can have the mini-bar emptied, although not all properties will accommodate this.
How to Ensure My Incidental Hold is Released Quickly? Use a credit card instead of a debit card for the hold. Credit card holds typically clear much faster. Also, ensure you have no outstanding charges and check out formally at the front desk.
How to Dispute an Incorrect Incidental Charge? First, speak to the front desk or hotel management before you check out. If you've already left, call the hotel directly. If that fails, contact Marriott customer service, and then your bank or credit card company.
How to Avoid Resort Fees at Courtyard Marriott? Resort fees are often mandatory and difficult to avoid, as they are part of the hotel's operating costs, especially in resort destinations. Check your booking details carefully before confirming. Sometimes, elite loyalty status might offer some waivers, but it's not guaranteed.
How to Handle Incidental Holds on Debit Cards? Be aware that the held amount will be unavailable from your bank account for several days after checkout. Ensure you have sufficient funds in your account to avoid overdrafts. Using a credit card is generally advised to avoid this inconvenience.
How to Know What is Covered by My Room Rate vs. Incidentals? Your booking confirmation should clearly outline what's included in your room rate. Generally, the room itself, basic toiletries, and sometimes complimentary Wi-Fi are included. Everything else, especially anything consumed or used on demand, is usually an incidental. When in doubt, always ask the front desk.
How to Get a Receipt for My Incidental Charges? Upon check-out, always request a detailed receipt (folio). This receipt will list your room rate, taxes, and any incidental charges you incurred, along with the total amount charged to your card and the release of your incidental hold.
How to Prepare for Incidental Charges When Traveling on a Budget? Factor in potential incidental costs when budgeting for your trip. Prioritize bringing your own snacks and drinks, using free public Wi-Fi where available, and exploring dining options outside the hotel to minimize additional spending.
