What is your opinion of this resort's cancellation policy?

Asked by jca2 (16826

) April 29th, 2024

I am considering a four or five night stay at a resort in a touristy area this summer. It would be about a thousand dollars for the stay. I usually prefer chain hotels (like Holiday Inn or Hampton Inn) because of their liberal cancellation policies. I know that locally owned places have their own rules.

The closest chain hotel to this touristy area is about an hour away, and I checked the rates for our dates and they’re not cheaper in any way, just that their cancellation policies may be better.

Here’s from the site that I am looking for your opinions on:

“General Policies:

One night’s deposit and a valid credit card is required to guarantee a reservation. Guests must be 21+ to check in to the resort. Room rates are based on double occupancy, room type and include complimentary breakfast. Additional guests, 6 years and older, will be charged to your accommodation based on the number of guests selected. Children ages 0–5 stay for FREE. Guest parking is self-parking on-site. State Lodging Tax of 9% is calculated on all room rates and additional guests and pet fees.

Guarantee and Deposit Policy:

Reservations require a deposit of one (1) night’s stay (plus 9% state Lodging Tax) per room reserved. This will be charged to your credit card at the time the reservation is made. The reservation will be guaranteed to the credit card provided at the time of booking. In the event of a no-show, the credit card will be charged for the remainder of the booking plus tax.

Advanced Purchase – Non-Refundable bookings:

If you book a non-refundable, Advance Purchase Rate, 100% of the rate will be charged to your credit card at the time the reservation is made. No refunds, changes, or cancellations may be made after booking, for any reason.

Cancellation Policy:

If you cancel your reservation more than 14 days before arrival, a cancellation fee of $25 applies. If you choose to reschedule your reservation you will not be charged the cancellation fee and the deposit will be converted into a lodging credit valid for one year. Deposits become non-refundable for cancellations within 14 days of the arrival date. There is no refund for a no-show or early departure for any reason.

Travel Protection warranty:

Guests who pre-purchase the Travel Protection warranty at the time of booking must pay 100% of the reservation at the time of the booking plus the warranty fee. Travel Protection may only be purchased at the time of booking. Cancellations within 14 days of the reservation for reasons that are covered by the Travel Protection warranty may be eligible for reimbursement if the terms and conditions are met. Click here for more information about Travel Protection.”

This is from the link under “Traveler Protection.” I haven’t put in details to get a price.

https://worryfreebookings.com/protect-your-travel-plans.html

My credit card might have built in traveler protections, I’m not sure. I’m just leery of anything where I end up losing money.

Observing members: 0

Composing members: 0

6 Answers

Not into it. They have a rather stingy refund and cancellation policy, purposefully trick you into buying non-refundables, AND try to sell you insurance to make up for the gaps in their policy? No thanks.

Smashley (12573

)“Great Answer” (4

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It doesn’t seem that out of line for a popular touristy area. But I would check other places in the area before agreeing to it.

I would expect that kind of policy at a place like Lake Tahoe or Cape Cod/Martha’s Vineyard, but not year round, only at the busiest of times.

I would bet anyone a dollar that all the places on Mackinac Island have a policy like that,

zenvelo (39546

)“Great Answer” (2

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I think they deserve to be punished for that. It’s not cool, on several points.

I’d avoid booking there, if at all possible. Even IF my credit card’s travel protection would fully cover it, because I wouldn’t want to reward those people for their uncool policy.

Zaku (30571

)“Great Answer” (3

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These people do not like you; do not do business with them. I got lost reading all of their rules and terms.

SnipSnip (7154

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They do not have the right customer service attitude – or they’ve been burned too many times! I would not book there.

janbb (63219

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Sounds like they are a smaller, possibly family owned, hotel. As such they can’t absorb losses as easily. They will honor a cancellation 2 weeks before the reservation which is a long time. If something comes up within that 2 weeks you are screwed. But they allow you to reschedule and move your deposit to the new reservation.

It really comes down to what is important to you. If being close is what you are looking for you may have to settle for this. If you don’t mind driving, you could get a much more reasonable cancellation policy but you would be farther away from where you want to be. I personally don’t like being tied in like that. I’ve had too many times that life has thrown me a curve ball. I might have every intention of keeping that reservation, but something else of more importance might come up. Hell, my car might break down. If something like that happens you are out at least your deposit.

seawulf575 (17084

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