How hotel cancellation policies work

A cancellation policy sets out whether you can cancel a booking, by when, and what it costs. The policy is attached to the specific rate you choose, not to the hotel as a whole, so two rooms at the same property can have very different rules.

Refundable and non-refundable rates

Most sites show at least two rates for the same room. A refundable rate lets you cancel up to a stated deadline at no charge and costs a little more. A non-refundable rate is cheaper, but is charged at booking and not returned if plans change.

Where the deadline shows up

The cancellation deadline appears on the rate itself and on your confirmation, usually as a date and time in the hotel's local time zone. If a rate shows no deadline, treat it as non-refundable until the booking site confirms otherwise.

Late cancellations and no-shows

Cancel after the deadline, or simply not arrive, and the hotel can charge the first night or the full stay. Contact the hotel as early as you can if your arrival is delayed, since a no-show can release the rest of a multi-night booking.

Key points

• The policy belongs to the rate you pick, not the hotel in general.
• Refundable rates cost more but cancel free by a deadline.
• Non-refundable rates are charged at booking and not returned.
• Cancel or change before the cut-off to avoid a fee.

Common questions

Can I always get a refund if I cancel early? Only on a refundable rate, before its deadline. Non-refundable rates do not refund even same-day.

Where do I cancel? Through the booking site or app you used, which holds the reservation and its current terms.