Planning a trip and wondering about those pesky hotel security deposits? You're not alone! Many travelers find themselves scratching their heads when it comes to understanding how much Marriott charges for a security deposit, what it covers, and when they'll get their money back.
Let's dive deep into the world of Marriott security deposits, so you can travel with peace of mind and no financial surprises.
Understanding Marriott's Approach to Security Deposits: It's All About the "Hold"
First things first, it's important to clarify that Marriott rarely charges a direct "security deposit" in the traditional sense. What they typically do is place a pre-authorization or hold on your credit or debit card. This hold isn't an actual charge that goes through your bank statement as a completed transaction; instead, it's an amount that your bank temporarily reserves, making those funds unavailable for other use.
This "hold" serves a similar purpose to a traditional security deposit: it's designed to cover potential incidental charges and damages during your stay. Think of it as the hotel's insurance policy.
Why Do Hotels Even Bother with These Holds?
Hotels, including Marriott properties, implement these holds for a few key reasons:
To cover incidentals: This is the primary reason. Incidentals can include anything from room service, mini-bar purchases, pay-per-view movies, or even additional charges for things like extra occupants or resort fees (if applicable).
To safeguard against damages: While rare, accidents happen. The hold ensures the hotel can cover the cost of any damage to the room or its contents beyond normal wear and tear.
As a guarantee for payment: It ensures that even if you settle your room charges with points or a different card, there's a financial guarantee for any services used or damages incurred.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Navigating Marriott Security Deposits (or Holds)
Let's walk through the process so you're fully prepared for your next Marriott stay.
Step 1: Engage with Your Booking Confirmation!
Did you just book your Marriott stay? Fantastic! Now, before you pack your bags, take a moment to carefully review your booking confirmation email or the details on the Marriott website for your specific reservation. This is often where you'll find the most accurate information regarding any potential incidental holds.
Sub-heading: Why the Fine Print Matters
Each Marriott property, being individually owned and operated (even under the Marriott umbrella), can have slightly different policies regarding incidental holds. A Courtyard by Marriott might have a different incidental hold policy than a St. Regis. This is why checking your specific reservation details is crucial.
Step 2: Anticipating the Amount: What Influences the Hold?
There isn't a universal "Marriott security deposit" amount. The actual figure placed on hold can vary significantly. Here's what typically influences it:
Sub-heading: A. Hotel Brand and Class
Luxury Brands (Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, JW Marriott): These properties often have higher incidental holds due to the potential for more expensive amenities, mini-bar items, and overall higher value furnishings. You might see holds ranging from $100 to $300+ per night, or even a flat amount for the entire stay.
Mid-Tier Brands (Marriott Hotels, Sheraton, Delta Hotels): These typically have moderate holds, perhaps in the range of $50 to $150 per night.
Extended Stay Brands (Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Element): While some extended-stay properties might have lower daily holds, they might also factor in the longer duration of stay, potentially leading to a larger overall hold amount.
Budget-Friendly Options (Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites): These usually have the lowest incidental holds, sometimes as little as $25-$50 per night.
Sub-heading: B. Length of Stay
The longer your stay, the higher the total incidental hold will likely be, as it's often calculated on a per-night basis. For example, a $50/night hold for a 5-night stay would result in a $250 hold.
Sub-heading: C. Specific Property Policies
As mentioned, individual hotels have discretion. A property in a high-demand urban area might have a higher hold than one in a quieter suburban location. Some hotels might even have a flat incidental fee per stay, regardless of the number of nights.
Step 3: The Check-in Process: When the Hold Happens
The incidental hold is almost always placed on your card at the time of check-in.
Sub-heading: Credit Card vs. Debit Card: A Crucial Distinction
Credit Card: When a hold is placed on a credit card, it generally reduces your available credit limit by that amount. The funds aren't actually debited from your account. This is usually the preferred method for guests, as it doesn't tie up their direct funds.
Debit Card: If you use a debit card, the hold acts like a temporary debit. The funds are actually removed from your checking account and held by your bank. This can be problematic if you have limited funds or are trying to manage your budget closely, as those funds will be inaccessible until the hold is released. Be extremely mindful of this difference!
Step 4: During Your Stay: How Incidentals Are Tracked
Any charges you make to your room (e.g., room service, mini-bar) will be added to your folio. These charges will eventually be deducted from the incidental hold amount, or if they exceed the hold, you'll be responsible for the difference.
Step 5: Check-out and Refund Process: The Waiting Game
This is often where the most frustration arises for travelers.
Sub-heading: A. How the Hold is Released
When you check out and your room is inspected (either physically or virtually through their system), if there are no outstanding charges or damages, the hotel will send a release request to your bank.
For credit cards, the hold typically "drops off" within a few business days. Your available credit will be restored.
For debit cards, the funds will be returned to your account. This process can take longer – often 5-10 business days, and sometimes even up to 14 business days, depending on your bank's processing times.
Sub-heading: B. Why Delays Happen
Bank Processing Times: This is the most common reason for delays. Your bank needs time to process the release.
Weekend/Holiday Impact: If you check out just before a weekend or public holiday, the processing time can be extended.
Human Error/System Glitches: While rare, sometimes there can be a delay in the hotel's system sending the release request, or a miscommunication with the bank.
Actual Charges/Damages: If you did incur incidentals or there were damages, the hotel will deduct those amounts first, and the remaining balance will be refunded. This can also add to the processing time as the hotel finalizes the charges.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Marriott Stay Regarding Deposits
Always use a credit card for incidentals if possible. This avoids tying up your actual cash flow.
Confirm the incidental hold amount at check-in. Don't be shy to ask the front desk agent about their specific policy and the amount of the hold.
Do a quick room inspection upon arrival. If you notice anything broken or damaged, report it to the front desk immediately and ask them to make a note of it. Take photos for your own record if you're concerned.
Keep your receipts for any purchases charged to your room. This helps with reconciliation at check-out.
Allow sufficient time for the hold to be released. Don't panic if it's not back in your account the moment you check out. If it takes longer than the advised timeframe (e.g., 7-10 business days), then it's time to follow up.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about Marriott security deposits (incidental holds) to help you even further:
How to find out the exact security deposit amount for my Marriott booking?
The most reliable way is to check your specific reservation details on the Marriott website or your booking confirmation email. If it's not explicitly stated, you can call the hotel directly prior to your arrival and inquire about their incidental hold policy.
How to avoid a security deposit (incidental hold) at Marriott?
Generally, you cannot avoid the incidental hold entirely, as it's a standard hotel policy to cover potential costs. However, some hotels might reduce the hold if you explicitly state you won't be using any incidentals (like mini-bar or room service) and agree to pay for any services directly at the point of consumption. This is at the hotel's discretion and not guaranteed.
How to pay the security deposit if I don't have a credit card?
Most Marriott properties will accept a debit card. However, be aware that the hold on a debit card will temporarily remove those funds from your bank account, and the refund process can take longer. Some properties may accept cash for an incidental deposit, but this is less common and might require a larger sum. Always confirm with the hotel beforehand if you plan to use cash.
How to ensure a quick refund of my Marriott security deposit?
Ensure you leave the room in good condition, settle all outstanding charges at checkout, and use a credit card for the hold if possible. The speed of the refund mostly depends on your bank's processing times.
How to dispute a Marriott security deposit charge or delay?
First, contact the specific Marriott property directly. Provide them with your reservation details and the dates of your stay. If you don't receive a satisfactory resolution, you can then escalate the issue with Marriott's corporate customer service. If it's a financial dispute, you may need to involve your bank or credit card company.
How to know if my Marriott security deposit has been released?
For credit cards, you'll see your available credit limit increase. For debit cards, you'll see the funds reappear in your bank account. It's advisable to check your online banking after the expected refund timeframe.
How to tell the difference between a pre-authorization and an actual charge?
A pre-authorization (hold) will typically show as a "pending" transaction on your bank or credit card statement and will not have fully debited your account. An actual charge will appear as a completed transaction.
How to deal with an incidental hold on a debit card if I have limited funds?
If you're concerned about a debit card hold impacting your available funds, it's highly recommended to contact the hotel directly before your stay. Explain your situation and ask about their specific incidental hold amount and if there are any alternative arrangements, such as a smaller hold or paying for incidentals as you go.
How to check my Marriott Bonvoy points for paying security deposits?
Marriott Bonvoy points cannot typically be used to cover the incidental hold/security deposit itself. Points are primarily for booking the room rate. While you can use points for "Instant Redemption" to offset certain incidental charges on your folio, the initial hold usually requires a credit or debit card.
How to prevent additional charges from being deducted from my security deposit?
To avoid additional charges, ensure you don't smoke in non-smoking rooms (a common cause for deep cleaning fees), don't damage property, and pay for any mini-bar items, room service, or other services you use during your stay directly or ensure they are properly charged to your folio.
