Marriott And Hilton Announce New, Hard-Hitting Cancellation Policies

Major Hotels Are Amping Up Cancellation Fees
The exterior of a Marriott hotel is viewed in Santa Clara, Calif., Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2010. Marriott International Inc. will let investors know on Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2010, if it is seeing any signs of recovery when it reports its third-quarter results after the stock market closes. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
The exterior of a Marriott hotel is viewed in Santa Clara, Calif., Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2010. Marriott International Inc. will let investors know on Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2010, if it is seeing any signs of recovery when it reports its third-quarter results after the stock market closes. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

The era of carefree hotel booking is officially over.

Both Hilton and Marriott have announced plans to charge a fee of one night's stay to guests who fail to cancel before 11:59 p.m. on the day before their scheduled check-in, The New York Times reports.

Fees will go into effect on Jan. 1... and we're less than thrilled about them.

Currently, many hotels have fairly lax cancellation policies that even allow guests to cancel reservations up until 6 p.m. on the day of check-in. Under Marriott and Hilton's new policies, this will be no longer be the case.

Starting in the new year, Hilton guests will give a credit card number when they book a room and get hit with a fee if they fail to cancel in time, Hilton spokesperson Astrid Egerton-Vernon told The Huffington post in an email. Some hotels might have even more restrictive policies in place, she warns. How does this change from Hilton's current cancelation policy? "Current policies vary," Egerton-Vernon added. "By updating our guidelines we’re providing our guests and owners with greater consistency and reliability."

Not every Marriott-franchised hotel is required to adopt the new cancellation policy, BoardingArea notes, but most are expected to do so, and those that don't want to must request permission first. Marriott did not respond to HuffPost's requests for comment.

The fees will prevent rooms from going empty for a night due to late cancellations when they could've instead be flipped and given to travelers looking for last-minute accommodations, hotel reps say.

But let's not forget they'll also pile more onto the billions that hotels already rake in from fees. U.S. hotels are reportedly projected to make $2.25 billion in fees and surcharges this year -- and these new cancellation rules will only add to that number.

Well, at least these new cancelation policies are not as bad as illegally blocking guests' Wi-Fi connections.

Before You Go

No. 1 Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Kapolei, HI
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On Oahu’s western shore, the beachfront Aulani embraces Hawaiian tradition while making it easy for families to feel at home—from the bassinets and baby-proofed balconies that come with most rooms to the complimentary kids’ club. Guests can explore the private snorkeling lagoon, relax in the infinity-edge grotto, or tube through the caverns on the lazy river.Parents Love: Private, naturalist-guided hikes through Manoa Valley’s bamboo forest to a majestic 200-foot waterfall.Kids Love: The Starlit Hui, a night of ukulele music and hula dancing hosted by Uncle, the resort’s resident storyteller.

Photo: The Walt Disney Company
No. 2 Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Lake Buena Vista, FL
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Keep an eye out for zebras, giraffes, and gazelles on the 43-acre wildlife preserve of the Animal Kingdom Lodge. You can spy wildlife from your own private balcony, or from an open flatbed truck during the three-hour signature safari experience. African influences turn up everywhere from the grand lobby with its thatched ceiling to the upscale restaurant Jiko, which serves piri-piri chicken and South African wines. Make a reservation for two and drop the kids at Simba’s Clubhouse. Parents Love: A sunrise wildlife excursion, followed by a private breakfast buffet at Pizzafari.Kids Love: The 67-foot waterslide at the savanna-facing, zero-depth-entry Uzima Pool.

Photo: The Walt Disney Company
No. 3 Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, SC
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From the oak-lined-avenue entrance to the fictional family portraits, everything about this beachfront resort feels like an authentic antebellum mansion. It also has a comprehensive kids’ program, with everything from glassmaking and tie-dyeing to guided nature hikes, fly-fishing lessons, and archery. You can rent beach cruisers from the Bike Pavilion or head farther afield to soak up Charleston’s history.Parents Love: Cocktails at the Ryder Cup Bar after a round on the seaside Ocean Course, the site of the 2012 PGA Championships.Kids Love: Friday night ice cream socials at Beaches & Cream, the Sanctuary’s own sweet shop.

Photo: Kiawah Island Golf Resort
No. 4 Cloister at Sea Island, GA
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The resort’s luxurious English manor–style suites come with a kitchen, a fireplace, and a balcony. Still, the kids will get antsy sooner or later, and when they do, there are plenty of opportunities for adventure on this Georgia barrier island. Try open sea kayaking, beach horseback riding, or skeet shooting. Indoor activities come courtesy of the children’s center and the movie theater. Parents Love: Sunset cruises around the island aboard the Cloister Belle, a restored vintage yacht.Kids Love: Learning how to bait hooks and cast rods on a fishing trip to the salt marsh.

Photo courtesy of Sea Island
No. 5 Hammock Beach Resort, Palm Coast, FL
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Let the kids loose at this Atlantic Coast resort’s 91,000-square-foot water park, complete with a lazy river, water flume, and multilevel pool complex—all while you relax on the stretch of pristine pink shell beach. Another perk: the convenience of staying in a two- or three-bedroom unit with a full kitchen.Parents Love: Hitting the links at one of the resort’s two golf courses, designed by legends Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson.Kids Love: The s’mores kits and hot chocolate served with a personal fire pit rental on the lawn.

Photo: Hammock Beach Resort
No. 6 Four Seasons Resort, Hualalai, HI
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Baby-proofed rooms with ocean views, a lounge for teens, and a dreamy location between white sand and lush rainforest are a few of the reasons to book your next family getaway at this five-star resort. See if you can spot a humpback whale from the wave-protected ocean pool or one of 10 seats at the ‘ULU Sushi Lounge.Parents Love: Private chartered helicopter rides over an active volcano, followed by a picnic lunch in the valley.Kids Love: Feeding the spotted eagle rays at King’s Pond, a snorkeling aquarium carved from lava rock.

Photo: Don Riddle/Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
No. 7 Tides Inn, Irvington, VA
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This tranquil waterfront hotel has old-school charm and first-class service. The Tides Inn Marina, on-site sailing school, and paddle-powered watercraft also provide unfettered access to the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River. And junior tees are available at the Golden Eagle Golf Club, situated around a 50-acre lake.Parents Love: Any of the marine-inspired treatments at the Journey Spa. Try the signature Tides of Change for a full-body scrub and massage.Kids Love: Milk and homemade cookies in the View Room before bedtime.

Photo courtesy of Tides Inn

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