WHO remembers getting notice of any of this from their processor in 2011? I certainly did not.
A very confusing document! It appears that there are 2 services which a hotel can sign up for: read the * at the bottom of page 19 where it says;
"*A merchant may participate in either the Hotel Reservation Service or the Advance Deposit Service (ADS). A merchant may not, however, apply both of these services to one transaction"
Personally I did not sign up for either! I wonder if the processor does that? And if so, seems THEY should go over that with you prior to selecting.
Under the info for Hotel Reservation Service On page 19, #3 states:
Explain your cancellation policy. Let the guest know if the rules below (or other rules) apply:
• Cancellation notification may be required up to 72 hours before the scheduled arrival date.
• If the cardholder makes the reservation within 72 hours of the scheduled arrival date, the cancellation deadline must be no earlier than 6:00 p.m. (local time) on the scheduled arrival date.
• Guaranteed rooms must be held until check-out time on the day following the scheduled arrival.
If the room is not claimed or cancelled on time, the cardholder may be billed for one night’s stay (plus tax).
Point to Remember
If your deadline is earlier than 6:00 p.m. (local time) on the scheduled arrival date,
confirm with the guest the date and time of your deadline, then send a follow-up mailing
with the cancellation policy.
KEY words here are "OR OTHER RULES" -
The rules under ADS are less regimented but it states in the 'Point to Remember' on page 24, that a signed ADS contract must be on file.
Then later on page 25 it states the 72 hr cancel policy AGAIN and if the reservation is made within 72 hrs cancellation deadline must not be any earlier than 6pm on day of arrival.
Needless to say this all SUCKS!.