Marriott Charges Card for 1 Night even though Room Was Cancelled

Basically the title says it all. Reserved a room last tuesday for checkin Wed. Cancelled the room shortly after making the reservation (4 hours later) and received Cancellation email as usual from Marriott in my inbox. Cancellation Policy only required notice by 6pm day of arrival. On Friday I was emailed a copy of my invoice for my stay in room 415 for the night I had booked as if I had checked in and actually stayed at the hotel.

I called the hotel and spent 25 minutes on the phone with them trying to figure out what happened. Got an apology at minute 24 on the call. As of Today there is still no credit on my CC so I disputed the Charge took about 30 seconds online. I don't know if Marriott was planning on doing it or not, but I refuse to spend more time dealing with this.

Just a FYI out there for folks as something tells me this must happen to others. Had I not gotten the email showing my invoice for my phantom "stay" I may have never noticed the charge. The Credit Card I use is loaded with business expenses for several employees and typically includes stays at this hotel and other marriott properties. I was awarded points and night stay for my "phantom" trip too. I assume those will be reversed when the credit is issued.


Just a Heads up for everyone.