When booking a hotel stay, you want to know exactly what to expect at check-in. One common question travelers have when reserving a room with Marriott is how much the hotel will hold on your card when you arrive.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Marriott typically places a hold on your credit card at check-in for the total cost of your stay plus an additional daily incidental deposit, usually $50-$100 per day.
Understanding Marriott’s Check-In Hold Policy
When checking in at a Marriott hotel, you may notice that a hold is placed on your credit card. This temporary hold, also known as an authorization, serves a specific purpose and is a common practice in the hospitality industry.
Purpose of the hold
The main purpose of the check-in hold is to ensure that guests have sufficient funds available to cover any potential charges during their stay. This includes room charges, taxes, incidental expenses, and any other fees that may be incurred.
By placing a hold on your credit card, Marriott can verify that your card is valid and has enough credit available to cover these potential expenses. It also serves as a form of security for the hotel in case of any damages or unpaid charges.
How much is held
The amount held by Marriott varies depending on the specific hotel and the length of your stay. Typically, the hold amount is equivalent to the total cost of your room plus an additional amount to cover any incidental expenses.
For example, if your room rate is $200 per night and you are staying for three nights, the hold amount may be $700 ($200 x 3 nights + incidentals).
It’s important to note that the hold does not necessarily mean that this amount will be charged to your card. It is simply a temporary authorization that places a hold on those funds.
When the hold is released
The hold placed on your credit card is typically released shortly after you check out, once all charges have been finalized and settled.
The exact timing may vary, but it is usually within a few days. It’s important to keep in mind that the release of the hold by Marriott does not mean that the funds will immediately be available in your account.
Depending on your bank or credit card issuer, it may take a few days for the hold to be fully released and for the funds to become available for use.
If you have any concerns or questions regarding the check-in hold or its release, it is always best to contact the specific Marriott hotel where you made your reservation. They will be able to provide you with more detailed information and address any specific inquiries you may have.
Types of Holds Placed at Check-In
When checking in at a Marriott hotel, guests may notice that a hold is placed on their credit card. This is a common practice in the hospitality industry, and Marriott is no exception. These holds serve to protect the hotel and ensure that guests are able to cover any charges that may arise during their stay.
Let’s take a closer look at the different types of holds that Marriott may place at check-in.
Room rate hold
The most common hold placed at check-in is the room rate hold. This hold is an authorization for the total cost of the room, including taxes and fees, for the duration of the stay.
The purpose of this hold is to ensure that guests have sufficient funds available to cover their room charges. The amount of the hold will vary depending on the length of stay and the room type.
Incidentals hold
In addition to the room rate hold, Marriott may also place a hold for incidentals. Incidentals include charges for room service, minibar items, and any other additional services or amenities that guests may use during their stay.
The amount of the incidental hold will vary depending on the hotel’s policy and the expected charges for these services. It is important to note that this hold is separate from the room rate hold and will be released upon check-out if no additional charges are incurred.
Miscellaneous fees
Marriott may also place holds for miscellaneous fees, such as parking fees or resort fees. These fees are not included in the room rate and are charged separately. The amount of the hold for these fees will depend on the hotel’s policy and the expected charges.
It is important to review the hotel’s terms and conditions or contact the front desk for more information about these fees.
It is worth mentioning that the holds placed at check-in are not actual charges. Instead, they are temporary authorizations that reserve the funds on the guest’s credit card. These holds are typically released within a few days after check-out, but the exact timing may vary depending on the guest’s bank.
If you have any concerns or questions about the holds placed at check-in, it is always best to reach out to the hotel directly. They will be able to provide you with more specific information and address any concerns you may have.
Incidental Hold Amounts by Brand
JW Marriott
When checking in at a JW Marriott hotel, guests can expect an incidental hold to be placed on their credit card. The exact amount of the hold can vary depending on factors such as the length of stay and the specific hotel location.
Typically, the hold ranges from $50 to $150 per day. It’s important to note that this hold is separate from the cost of the room and any additional charges.
Autograph Collection
Similar to JW Marriott, Autograph Collection hotels also place an incidental hold on guests’ credit cards upon check-in.
The amount of the hold can vary, but it usually falls within the range of $50 to $150 per day.
It’s always a good idea for guests to check with the specific Autograph Collection hotel they plan to stay at for the exact amount of the incidental hold.
Renaissance Hotels
When staying at a Renaissance Hotel, guests can expect an incidental hold to be placed on their credit card.
The amount of the hold may vary, but it typically falls within the range of $50 to $100 per day.
As with other brands, it’s important to check with the specific Renaissance Hotel for the most up-to-date information on incidental hold amounts.
Marriott Hotels
Marriott Hotels, the flagship brand of the Marriott International, also places incidental holds on guests’ credit cards. The amount of the hold can vary depending on factors such as the hotel location and the length of stay.
On average, guests can expect an incidental hold of $50 to $100 per day.
It’s always a good idea to check with the specific Marriott Hotel for the exact amount of the incidental hold.
Sheraton
Sheraton hotels, which are part of the Marriott International portfolio, also place incidental holds on guests’ credit cards.
The amount of the hold can vary, but it usually falls within the range of $50 to $150 per day.
As with other brands, it’s important to check with the specific Sheraton hotel for the most accurate information on incidental hold amounts.
Other Brands
In addition to the brands mentioned above, Marriott International also operates several other brands, each with its own incidental hold policy. These brands include Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn, and more.
The incidental hold amounts for these brands can vary, so it’s best to check with the specific hotel for the most up-to-date information.
It’s important for guests to be aware of these incidental hold amounts when checking in to a Marriott hotel. These holds are put in place to cover any potential charges or damages that may occur during the stay.
It’s always a good idea to budget for these incidental holds to avoid any unexpected surprises on your credit card statement.
Tips for Minimizing Holds
When checking in at a Marriott hotel, it’s important to be aware of the amount that may be held on your credit or debit card as an authorization for incidentals. However, there are several ways to minimize these holds and avoid any unexpected surprises.
Pay room rate in full upfront
One way to minimize holds is by paying the room rate in full upfront.
By doing so, you eliminate the need for any additional authorization holds for incidentals. This can be especially beneficial if you know you won’t be using any extra services or amenities during your stay.
Check hold policies at specific hotel
Each Marriott hotel may have different hold policies, so it’s a good idea to check with the specific hotel you’ll be staying at.
You can often find this information on their website or by calling the front desk directly. By knowing the exact amount that will be authorized, you can better plan your budget and avoid any unnecessary holds.
Use debit card instead of credit
If you’re concerned about having a large hold placed on your credit card, consider using a debit card instead.
Debit cards typically have lower authorization limits, which means the hold amount may be smaller. Just be sure to check with your bank to ensure you have enough funds available to cover the hold.
Ask about reducing incidental hold
If you find that the hold amount is higher than expected or necessary, don’t be afraid to ask the front desk if it can be reduced.
Explain your situation politely and see if they can accommodate your request. While they may not always be able to lower the hold amount, it’s worth asking and may save you some money.
Remember, holds are put in place to protect both the hotel and the guest, but understanding the process and taking proactive steps can help minimize any inconvenience or unexpected charges during your stay.
Conclusion
When checking into a Marriott property, expect a hold on your account for the total room rate plus a daily incidental deposit, which varies by brand. The exact amount held can depend on the hotel’s policies.
By paying your room balance ahead of time, using a debit card, or asking to reduce the incidentals hold, you may be able to minimize the hold amount for a smoother check-in experience.
