Planning a stay at a Marriott property? Excellent choice! Marriott offers a wide range of hotels, from budget-friendly options to luxurious resorts. However, a common question that often pops up for travelers, especially first-timers, is: "How much does Marriott hold when checking in?"
This isn't a simple, fixed number, and understanding it can save you from unexpected credit card hiccups during your travels. Let's dive deep into this topic with a comprehensive, step-by-step guide.
Navigating Hotel Holds: Your Essential Guide to Marriott Check-Ins
Step 1: Let's Talk About Your Card!
Before we even get to the numbers, consider this: Are you planning to use a credit card or a debit card for your Marriott check-in? This distinction is crucial! While both methods involve a "hold," the impact on your available funds can be significantly different. If you're anything like me, you probably rely on your card for various expenses during your trip. Knowing how this hold works will help you manage your finances more effectively. So, what's your preference?
Step 2: Understanding the "Hold" Concept – It's Not a Charge (Yet!)
When you check into a Marriott hotel, or indeed most hotels, they typically place a temporary authorization hold on your credit or debit card. This isn't an actual charge that immediately deducts money from your account. Instead, it's a way for the hotel to reserve a certain amount of funds to cover your stay and any potential incidental expenses. Think of it like a safety net for the hotel.
Why do they do this? Hotels need to ensure they're covered for various potential costs beyond just the room rate. These can include:
Incidental Charges: This is the big one! Think mini-bar purchases, room service, pay-per-view movies, spa services, gift shop purchases, or even potential damages to the room.
Unforeseen Extensions: If you decide to extend your stay last minute, the hold helps cover those additional nights.
Resort Fees/Local Taxes: Some properties have additional fees that might not be fully calculated until checkout.
Smoking Penalties: If you violate their non-smoking policy.
Credit Card vs. Debit Card Impact:
Credit Card: With a credit card, the hold reduces your available credit limit. The money isn't actually taken out of your bank account. Once the final bill is settled at checkout, the hold is released, and your credit limit is restored. This is generally the preferred method for hotel holds as it doesn't tie up your immediate cash.
Debit Card: This is where it gets a bit trickier. A hold on a debit card means the funds are temporarily unavailable in your bank account. It's as if the money has been withdrawn, even though it hasn't. This can impact your ability to make other purchases or withdraw cash if your balance is close to the held amount. The release of a debit card hold can also take longer, sometimes up to 5-10 business days after checkout, depending on your bank's processing times.
Step 3: Deconstructing the Hold Amount – What Goes Into It?
The amount Marriott holds at check-in is generally comprised of two main components:
Room Rate + Applicable Taxes/Resort Fees (if not prepaid): If you haven't prepaid for your stay, the hotel will authorize your card for the full amount of your room nights plus any taxes and mandatory resort fees for your entire stay.
Incidental Hold (per day/per stay): This is the variable part. Marriott properties place an additional hold specifically for potential incidental charges. This amount can vary significantly based on several factors.
Factors Influencing the Incidental Hold:
Hotel Brand and Tier: Luxury Marriott brands (e.g., Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, JW Marriott) tend to have higher incidental holds than mid-range or budget brands (e.g., Courtyard, Fairfield Inn). A swankier hotel expects guests to utilize more amenities.
Location: Hotels in high-cost-of-living areas or major tourist destinations might have higher incidental holds.
Length of Stay: While some hotels might have a set per-stay incidental hold, others might calculate it per night. A longer stay could result in a larger overall hold.
Hotel Specific Policies: Each individual Marriott property has the autonomy to set its own incidental hold policy. There isn't a universal Marriott standard, although there's a general range.
Guest History/Loyalty Status: In some rare cases, elite Marriott Bonvoy members with a strong history of responsible stays might experience a lower or waived incidental hold, though this is not a guaranteed benefit.
Typical Incidental Hold Range: While it can vary wildly, a common range for incidental holds at Marriott properties is $20 to $100 per night. However, at high-end resorts or for longer stays, this can easily go up to $200 per night or even a flat $500+ for the entire stay. It's not uncommon to see a hold of $50-$250 for a multi-night stay, even if the room is prepaid.
Step 4: Your Step-by-Step Guide at Check-In
Present Your Card: When you arrive at the front desk, the first thing they'll ask for is a credit or debit card. Even if your stay is prepaid with points or a third-party booking, they still need a card on file for incidentals.
Authorization Process: The front desk agent will swipe or insert your card. Their system will then initiate the authorization hold with your bank.
Inquire About the Hold Amount: This is your proactive step! Politely ask the front desk agent: "Could you please tell me the exact amount of the hold you're placing on my card for incidentals?" This is your right to know, and a good hotel will readily provide this information.
Clarify the Hold Duration: Also ask: "How long does this hold typically remain on my card after checkout?" This is especially important if you're using a debit card.
Understanding Your Available Balance: Keep in mind that this hold will reduce your available credit (for credit cards) or available funds (for debit cards) by the specified amount. Ensure you have sufficient funds or credit limit to cover the hold plus any other anticipated expenses during your trip.
Review Your Receipt/Confirmation: The check-in paperwork or digital confirmation might include details about the hold policy. Always give it a quick scan.
Digital Key/Check-in: If you use the Marriott Bonvoy app for digital check-in and key, the hold will still be processed on the card you have on file in your Marriott account. Make sure that card is up-to-date and has sufficient funds/credit. Marriott's terms explicitly state that "Upon check-in, your card issuing bank will place a hold on your debit or credit card for room & tax charges, any applicable resort fees, plus an amount for incidentals per day for the entire stay."
Step 5: Settling Up and Releasing the Hold
At Checkout: When you check out, your final bill will be calculated, including your room rate (if not prepaid) and any actual incidental charges you incurred.
Final Charge: Your card will then be charged for this final, actual amount.
Hold Release: Simultaneously, the hotel will send a request to your bank to release the original authorization hold.
Processing Time:
For credit cards, the hold typically drops off within 2-3 business days after checkout, though it can sometimes take up to 5 business days.
For debit cards, as mentioned, it can take longer, potentially 5-10 business days, sometimes even up to 14. This is because your bank needs to reconcile the final charge against the initial hold and then release the remaining funds.
What if the Hold Lingers? If you notice the hold on your statement for an unusually long time after you've checked out, first contact your bank to inquire about its status. If your bank confirms the hold is still active, then contact the specific Marriott property directly. Have your reservation details and dates of stay ready.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 common "How to" questions regarding Marriott holds and their quick answers:
How to find out the exact incidental hold amount for a specific Marriott hotel?
Quick Answer: The best way is to call the hotel directly a day or two before your arrival and ask their front desk about their incidental hold policy. You can also inquire at check-in.
How to avoid a large hold on my debit card at Marriott?
Quick Answer: Use a credit card instead of a debit card for check-in. If a credit card isn't an option, ensure you have ample buffer funds in your debit account to cover the hold and avoid potential issues with other transactions.
How to get a Marriott incidental hold released faster?
Quick Answer: Unfortunately, the release time is largely dependent on your bank's processing. There's not much you can do to speed it up. However, ensuring you don't incur any incidentals can simplify the final charge and potentially lead to a quicker release of the entire hold.
How to handle a Marriott hold that seems excessive or wrong?
Quick Answer: First, speak politely with the front desk manager upon check-in to understand the breakdown. If you believe there's an error after checkout, contact the hotel directly with your booking details and a copy of your bank statement showing the hold.
How to pay for my Marriott stay with cash if I don't want a card hold?
Quick Answer: Some Marriott properties may accept a cash deposit in lieu of a credit/debit card hold for incidentals. However, this is not universal and entirely at the hotel's discretion. You must call the specific property in advance to confirm if this is an option. Even then, they might still require a cash deposit that is higher than a typical card hold.
How to know if my Marriott room rate is prepaid or will be charged at check-in/checkout?
Quick Answer: This information is clearly stated during the booking process and on your confirmation email/page. Look for terms like "Prepaid," "Non-refundable," or "Payment due at hotel."
How to check my available credit/funds after a Marriott hold?
Quick Answer: For credit cards, check your credit card app or online banking for your current available credit. For debit cards, check your bank account balance. The held amount will appear as a pending transaction or a reduction in your available balance.
How to avoid incidental charges altogether at a Marriott property?
Quick Answer: Simply avoid using any hotel services that would incur additional charges, such as the mini-bar, room service, or paid Wi-Fi (if not included). You can also inform the front desk at check-in that you do not wish to have incidental charging privileges associated with your room. However, some hotels may still place a hold as a general security deposit.
How to dispute a charge from Marriott after the hold has been released?
Quick Answer: If you see an incorrect charge on your final bill, contact the hotel directly first. If the issue isn't resolved, you can then dispute the charge with your credit card company or bank.
How to understand the difference between a "deposit" and a "hold" at Marriott?
Quick Answer: While sometimes used interchangeably, a "deposit" often implies an actual deduction of funds (though refundable), particularly if you're using cash. A "hold" or "authorization" is a temporary earmarking of funds that reduces your available balance but isn't an immediate charge. Marriott typically uses "hold" for credit/debit cards.
