@Cabahr wrote:
Hello,
I did call the concierge line the following morning (when I noticed) and they rejected my request. That is when they told me to change the guest name at the hotel when I check in (next month). I am just curious if this is going to work, or if they are just brushing me off.
Oh no...
Looks like at this point, I would contact the hotel directly but not wait until check-in day. I would send them an email now (so this is all in writing) and describe the circumstance and ask the question so that you can confirm in writing that you'll at least get your room. I can't say for sure but there's a possibility the hotel may be able to accommodate with opening a case with Booking.com to authorize a cancellation without charge given this circumstance but I can't speak for the hotel. It's their decision. I would ask the question though.
It appears this is now at the hotel's discretion at this point and if they say "no", the points may be out of the question. Hopefully, they can at least get you the room. Give this a try by emailing them. You'll have your answer in writing and what to do when you check in.
Travel Tip: SW Hotels is great source to bank on huge CP-Eligible points. However, I understand there are very limited buyer protections involved when dealing with non-refundable bookings. Unlike air travel bookings in the USA, there is no federal 24-hour grace period law for erroneous hotel reservations made in advance; the buyer is at the mercy of the booking site and hotel for these non-refundable transactions. Until there is a universal 24-hour grace period law in place (which I would support as a buyer), going forward, I would pay the extra few bucks for the Free Cancellation benefit. It will save you a bunch of trouble for a variety of reasons. I've used this benefit a few times whenever I review my bookings and find better pricing or points bonuses.
Hope this helps!
