Some Hotel Coronavirus Change and Cancellation Policies are Changing as of 10/1/20 either for reservations or stay dates, so it's time for a recap of what the major hotel brands are doing. More flexible change and cancellation policies are a particular advantage when booking resorts, where there are usually far more stringent cancellation policies due to the remote location.
Since the pandemic is far from over and circumstances can easily change between making a reservation and the stay dates, be sure to double check the hotel cancellation policy prior to reserving, and also deposit policies.
Hyatt
24 Hour Cancellation Policy
Most Hyatt reservations made 7/1/20 or later for stays through 7/31/21 can be cancelled without penalty up to 24 hours before the arrival date. Note that there can be exceptions for certain high-demand periods such as holiday dates or special events.
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Four Seasons
24 Hour Cancellation Policy
There's an incentive to make Four Seasons Preferred Partner reservations by September 30, 2020, since bookings (including pre-paid reservations with pre-paid deposits) made by that date may be changed or cancelled at no charge up to 24 hours before the reservations's arrival date.
Keep in mind that certain holiday and high demand periods are excluded, as are certain suite categories at some properties. Note that unlike some other hotels, the hotel's usual cancellation policy will still display, so it's critical to contact TravelSort or the hotel directly to understand whether the Four Seasons Covid-19 Policies override the hotel cancellation policy or not.
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Marriott Bonvoy
24 Hour Cancellation Policy
Most Marriott hotels are offering a 24 hour cancellation policy for all stays with an arrival date on or before 9/30/20, except for prepaid rates, which are subject to the rate rule described at time of booking (typically prepaid = nonrefundable).
Reservations for Arrival Dates of October 1, 2020 or Later
Note that reservations for stay dates of 10/1/20 or later are subject to the cancellation policy as laid out at time of booking.
Refunds
Beware that Marriott refunds can take up to 90 days from the date of cancellation to be processed. If this is too long, don't reserve with Marriott.
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Peninsula Hotels
The Peninsula, which has temporarily closed its Peninsula New York, Peninsula Bangkok and Peninsula Manila properties due to the pandemic and border closures, is waiving cancellation fees for all bookings for stays through December 2020, per its Covid-19 Cancellation Policy.
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The Verdict
Our clients' experience thus far has been best with Four Seasons, which has offered 24 hour cancellation not just of regular rates but even of lower prepaid rates, which are usually entirely nonrefundable. Four Seasons properties have also been more prompt with refunds than Marriott properties.
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