Is Marriott actually offering guaranteed late check out till 4 pm?

A few days back, I wrote about what I called the two-and-a-half new benefits from Marriott, for its elite members. These benefits - Experiences marketplace, Elite concierge service and guaranteed late check-out - were aimed to match what SPG is (was?) already offering its Gold and Platinum elites.


Experiences marketplace is an offering on the lines of SPG Moments, and the Elite concierge service is similar to the SPG Ambassador offering. 

However, one thing that clearly differentiated it for SPG was a guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout, subject to availability at resort and conference center hotels.

Here's what Marriott's new offering read like:
The guaranteed late checkout benefit will be available to Gold and Platinum Elite members of both Marriott Rewards and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards who will enjoy a more seamless travel experience when planning their trip. These members will receive a guaranteed late checkout, which could be as late as 4 pm. [Emphasis mine]

What it read like was as though Marriott guaranteed that the guest would be able to check-out later than the hotel's scheduled check out time, but it was not guaranteed till 4 pm. The extent of delay in checking out would be at the hotel's discretion.

JW Marriott Juhu

I reached out to Marriott Rewards on Twitter for clarification, but haven't heard back from them. However, One Mile at a Time did receive clarification, that the terms have now been updated to state:
Gold and Platinum members may checkout as late as 4pm if they ask. This benefit is guaranteed at all participating Marriott Rewards hotels, except at resort and convention hotels, where it is based upon availability. Marriott Vacation Club is excluded. Guaranteed late checkout launches globally on May 16.

This makes it clearer, that the late check out is guaranteed, as long as it is up to 4 pm, and the guest asks for it in advance. There are restrictions on usage, but those are broadly consistent with SPG's restrictions too.

That must be a relief for SPG loyalists!

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