Q: When I am waiting for a hotel per the new provision and I decide to self-help and reimburse my own room, when does the delay clock stop?
Receiving a hotel room key is the end of the delay. Once you receive the key for the self-help room you booked and will reimburse, you must call CS and let them know you have the key.
The reporting and timeline requirements are very clear in the provision – the Flight Attendant must follow the procedure to receive compensation.