How Long Does Marriott Take to Charge? A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Hotel Billing
Planning a trip can be exciting, and part of that excitement involves making sure all the logistics are handled, including payment for your accommodation. When it comes to Marriott, a global leader in hospitality, understanding their charging process can sometimes feel like navigating a maze. Are you charged at the time of booking, check-in, or after you've checked out? What about incidental holds? This comprehensive guide aims to demystify Marriott's billing practices, giving you the knowledge to confidently manage your travel budget.
Step 1: Let's Get Started! What's Your Booking Scenario?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's consider your specific situation. Are you:
Booking a standard, flexible rate?
Opting for a prepaid or non-refundable deal?
Using points for a redemption stay?
Expecting to charge incidentals to your room?
Your answer to these questions will significantly impact when and how Marriott charges your card. It's crucial to understand that there isn't a single, universal answer, as policies can vary based on the specific hotel, rate type, and even where you booked (directly with Marriott or through a third-party). So, let's explore the common scenarios.
Step 2: Understanding the Initial Charge - When Does the First Swipe Happen?
The initial charge you see from Marriott can occur at various stages, depending on your booking type.
2.1: At the Time of Booking (Prepaid & Non-Refundable Rates)
If you've snagged a great deal, chances are it's a prepaid or non-refundable rate. In these instances, Marriott will typically charge your credit card for the full amount of your stay at the moment you complete the booking. This is done to secure the discounted rate and is usually non-refundable, meaning if you cancel, you may forfeit the entire amount.
Key takeaway: Look for terms like "prepaid," "non-refundable," or "advance purchase" during the booking process. These clearly indicate an immediate charge.
2.2: Before Check-in (Common for Flexible Rates)
For many flexible rates, Marriott might not charge you immediately. Instead, they often perform a pre-authorization on your credit card. This is not an actual charge, but rather a temporary hold on a specific amount of funds, ensuring that your card is valid and has sufficient credit to cover the stay.
When does this happen? This pre-authorization can occur anywhere from 24 to 72 hours before your scheduled check-in, or sometimes even on the day of check-in. The amount held is usually for the room and tax for your entire stay, plus an estimated amount for incidentals.
2.3: At Check-in (The Most Common Scenario for Flexible Rates)
For most standard, flexible reservations where no prepayment was made, the final charge for your room and tax will typically occur at check-in. At this point, the pre-authorization (if one was placed earlier) will be converted into an actual charge. You'll also likely have an additional hold placed for incidental charges.
Important Note on Debit Cards: While pre-authorizations are common for both credit and debit cards, using a debit card can tie up your actual funds. It can take longer for a hold on a debit card to be released compared to a credit card, which can impact your available balance. Whenever possible, use a credit card for hotel bookings to avoid potential issues with held funds.
Step 3: The "Hold" on Your Card: Understanding Pre-Authorizations for Incidentals
Even if your room and tax are charged at check-in or later, Marriott hotels almost universally place a pre-authorization hold for incidental charges.
3.1: What are Incidental Charges?
These are charges that aren't part of your room rate, such as:
Room service
Mini-bar purchases
Restaurant meals or bar tabs charged to your room
Spa services
Gift shop purchases
Potential damages to the room
3.2: How Much is the Hold?
The amount of this incidental hold can vary significantly from hotel to hotel, and even based on the length of your stay. It can range from a fixed amount per night (e.g., $50-$100 per night) to a larger, lump sum for the entire stay. The hotel uses this hold as a security measure to cover any additional expenses you might incur.
3.3: How Long Does the Incidental Hold Last?
This is where it gets a bit tricky. While the final charge for your stay typically occurs at check-out, the release of the incidental hold can take longer.
General timeframe: Most banks and credit card companies will release the hold within 3 to 10 business days after your departure. However, some holds, especially for longer stays or specific card issuers, can potentially extend up to 30 days.
Why the delay? The hotel instructs your bank to release the hold, but the actual processing time depends on your bank's policies. Marriott aims to release these holds promptly, but the final step is with your financial institution.
Step 4: The Final Bill - Check-out and Beyond
4.1: At Check-out
At the time of check-out, the hotel will finalize your bill. This includes:
Your room and tax charges (if not already fully charged).
Any incidental charges you incurred during your stay.
Any applicable resort fees or other taxes.
The pre-authorized amount for incidentals will then be adjusted to reflect your actual spending. If you spent less than the held amount, the remaining funds will be released. If you spent more, the additional amount will be charged to your card.
4.2: When Will the Final Charge Appear on My Statement?
The final charge typically appears on your credit card statement within 1-3 business days after check-out. If you notice any discrepancies, contact the hotel directly.
Step 5: Special Scenarios and Considerations
5.1: No-Show Charges
If you have a confirmed reservation and fail to check in without canceling within the hotel's cancellation policy timeframe, Marriott will typically charge a no-show fee. This fee is usually equivalent to one night's room rate plus tax, though it can vary. The charge will appear on your statement shortly after the scheduled check-in date. Always check the specific cancellation policy of your reservation to avoid these fees.
5.2: Booking Through Third-Party Sites
If you book a Marriott hotel through a third-party website (e.g., Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda), the payment terms might be governed by the third-party's policies rather than Marriott's directly.
Prepaid with Third-Party: Many third-party bookings are prepaid, meaning you're charged by the third-party at the time of booking. The hotel itself then receives payment from the third-party.
Hotel Direct Payment: In some cases, the third-party may simply facilitate the reservation, and you'll pay the hotel directly at check-in or check-out. Always confirm the payment terms on the third-party booking site.
5.3: Reward Stays (Points Redemptions)
If you're using Marriott Bonvoy points for your stay, you generally won't be charged for the room and tax. However, the hotel will still place a pre-authorization hold for incidental charges on your credit card at check-in, just as with paid stays.
5.4: Early Check-out
If you decide to check out earlier than your reserved departure date, your rate may be subject to change, and the hotel may still charge you for the originally booked nights, especially if you had a non-refundable rate or if you did not notify them in advance. Always discuss early departure with the front desk to understand any potential charges.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 common "How to" questions regarding Marriott charges, with quick answers:
How to check when Marriott will charge my card for a specific reservation?
Check your booking confirmation email or the specific rate rules on the Marriott website during the booking process. The terms will clearly state if it's prepaid or if payment is due at the hotel.
How to understand the difference between a pre-authorization and a charge?
A pre-authorization is a temporary hold on funds, reducing your available credit but not actually removing money from your account. A charge is the actual deduction of funds.
How to get an incidental hold released faster?
While the hotel initiates the release, the final processing time depends on your bank. You can try calling your bank after check-out to see if they can expedite the release, but it's not guaranteed.
How to avoid incidental holds altogether?
It's generally not possible to avoid incidental holds entirely, as they are standard hotel policy. Some hotels may allow a cash deposit for incidentals, but this varies and can be inconvenient.
How to verify if a pre-authorization has been released?
Check your credit card statement or online banking app for pending transactions. Once the hold is released, it will disappear from your pending transactions and your available credit will be restored.
How to dispute an incorrect charge from Marriott?
First, contact the hotel directly to discuss the charge and provide any relevant documentation (e.g., receipts). If the issue isn't resolved, you can then dispute the charge with your credit card company.
How to find the cancellation policy for my Marriott reservation?
The cancellation policy is clearly stated in your reservation confirmation email and also during the booking process on Marriott's website.
How to know if my third-party booking is prepaid or direct payment to Marriott?
Review the payment terms and conditions on the third-party booking website where you made the reservation. They will specify when and to whom payment is made.
How to determine the amount of the incidental hold before my stay?
You can call the specific Marriott hotel directly and ask about their incidental hold policy. This is the most reliable way to get the exact amount.
How to ensure I receive a refund after canceling a refundable Marriott reservation?
If you canceled within the hotel's cancellation policy, your refund should be processed automatically. It typically takes 5-7 business days for the refund to reflect on your statement, though it can vary by bank. Keep your cancellation confirmation number as proof.
