Budget-Friendly Hotel Chains Everything You Need to Know about Hotel Cancellation Policies (2024)

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When it comes to booking accommodations, one of the first things I look at is the hotel cancellation policy. While my travel plans are usually set, I want to make sure that I have the flexibility to change my mind if needed. Hotel cancellation policies can vary, and if you’re not paying attention, you could end up being charged even if you don’t show up.

While getting the lowest rate is important for some people, it’s crucial to consider the hotel cancellation policy before booking a non-refundable rate just because it’s cheaper. Anything can happen, and having the option to cancel or change your reservation can save you from losing money. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, it’s essential to understand how hotel cancellation policies work.

Booking directly online

In general, booking directly online will give you the best hotel cancellation policy. Most hotels offer a fully refundable room if you cancel within 24-48 hours of your stay. In some cases, you may even be able to get a refund within 24 hours if you call the hotel and have a valid reason.

For example, a few years ago, I got caught in a snowstorm in Amsterdam, which resulted in the cancellation of my flight to Scotland. The storm came out of nowhere, and I only found out about the canceled flight a few hours before departure. I immediately called my hotel in Scotland, and they waived the cancellation fees. While not all hotels do this, it’s worth giving them as much notice as possible if you need to cancel.

It’s important to note that when you book directly online, the hotel’s cancellation policy will usually apply. However, the specific room rate and property you’re booking may have its own policy, which takes precedence.

Read your rate details

Many hotels offer different rates for the same room. There could be regular rates, member rates, rates for booking in advance, prepaid rates, and more. Each of these rates has its own hotel cancellation policy or grace period. This can be confusing, as you might be looking at the details of one rate but end up choosing a different rate when you’re ready to book.

In many cases, the regular rate or member rate will give you the best hotel cancellation policy, but you may have to pay a slightly higher price. Essentially, you’re paying more for the ability to access a better hotel refund policy.

If you want complete flexibility, make sure you’re booking a rate that allows for a full refund if you cancel. However, keep in mind that the hotel cancellation policy may be stricter during certain holidays or specific periods. Always read the terms and conditions of your rate details before booking.

Avoid non-refundable rates

Non-refundable rates are usually the cheapest option available. However, as the name suggests, these rates are not refundable. It doesn’t matter if there’s a natural disaster or a family emergency; you’re unlikely to get a refund if you book a non-refundable hotel. The only exception may be if you have travel insurance.

That said, some hotels may offer a refund if you’re unable to cancel before the cancellation deadline due to a valid reason. However, it’s up to the individual hotel to decide whether to grant the refund.

Know the property details

Even if a specific property is part of a large hotel chain, it may have its own hotel cancellation policy that differs from the chain’s standard policy. For example, Design Hotels and Homes & Villas by Marriott International have their own cancellation policies that are separate from the standard Marriott policy.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that the cancellation policy is worse; it’s just different. Hotel chains have various brands with different policies, much like other major corporations with different business lines.

Timeshares operated by major chains but available to the public when owners do not book them may also have their own hotel cancellation policies based on the rate details. If you’re an owner of a timeshare, your hotel cancellation policy will differ from the one available to the general public.

Group bookings made directly with a property usually have their own hotel cancellation policy, which may or may not affect your decision to book with them.

Booking via a third-party site or travel agent

Booking hotels through third-party websites or travel agents, such as Expedia, Priceline, or Orbitz, can be more complicated when it comes to cancellation policies. The hotel cancellation policy will depend on the provider you booked with. Most travel agents and many third-party travel websites will only issue a credit that must be used within a certain period of time.

It’s important to note that even if the room you booked has an open cancellation policy, you’re bound by the refund policy of the provider you booked with. Each website and travel agent has different policies, so it’s essential to know the details before making a reservation.

Booking.com is a popular third-party hotel reservation website known for its generous cancellation policy. However, they clearly state that the refund policy is based on the trip provider’s policy, including hotels. This means you need to know what you’re getting into before confirming your reservation.

For example, if you book a vacation package through Booking.com that is provided by another operator, you would have to wait for Booking.com to receive a refund from the operator before any refund is offered to you.

Booking with points

Booking with loyalty points usually comes with the most flexible cancellation policies. Free nights booked with loyalty programs like Marriott Bonvoy are fully refundable as long as you cancel at least 24 hours before your arrival date. Many other hotel loyalty programs have similar cancellation policies.

However, if you’re booking a hotel with a bank travel loyalty program like American Express Membership Rewards or BMO Rewards, you need to read the fine print. Generally, the hotel cancellation policy will be based on the rate details available.

The complication arises because bank travel portals don’t have access to all the different rates, so you might only have one option available when looking at a specific hotel. Additionally, you may not be getting the best price. If you need to cancel your hotel reservation, your points will be refunded to you.

Using travel insurance to cancel a hotel

While some hotel cancellation policies may be strict and non-refundable, you may still be able to get a refund if you have travel insurance. However, keep in mind that you would only be eligible for a refund if there’s a qualifying reason covered by your travel insurance policy.

It’s also important to note that if you’re using a credit card with travel insurance, you’ll need to charge at least part of your hotel stay to your credit card for the travel insurance to be valid.

If you do qualify for a refund, you would typically be reimbursed for the portion of your reservation that is non-refundable. For example, if you had to cancel a five-night reservation less than 24 hours before your arrival, you might only be charged for one night based on the rate details. In this case, your travel insurance would reimburse you for that single night.

How to get the best hotel cancellation policy

To ensure you have the most flexibility, follow these steps when booking a hotel:

1. Book directly with the hotel website.
2. Read the rate details carefully.
3. Choose a rate that offers a satisfactory cancellation policy.
4. Use a credit card that provides travel insurance coverage.

Unless you’re absolutely certain that you won’t need to cancel, it’s best to book rooms that offer a good cancellation policy. There have been occasions where having the ability to change dates or cancel without fees would have been helpful. Based on my experience, I now prioritize booking rooms with a flexible cancellation policy.

Hotel cancellation policies of popular hotel chains

Here are the cancellation policies of some popular hotel chains:

Hilton Hotels cancellation policy

Cancellation policies for Hilton Hotels vary depending on the hotel and the rate booked. To avoid charges or the forfeiture of a deposit, cancellations must be made before the hotel’s specified cancellation deadline.

Hyatt cancellation policy

Cancellation and deposit policies at Hyatt hotels vary by location and rate. The specific policies for each reservation are provided at the time of booking.

Holiday Inn cancellation policy

Holiday Inn offers different rates with varying cancellation policies. The “Book Now, Pay Later” rate allows cancellations up to 24 hours before the stay, while the “Best Flexible Rate” offers maximum flexibility with cancellations allowed until 6 pm on the day of arrival.

Best Western cancellation policy

Best Western’s cancellation policies vary by location. It’s important to review the policies of each individual hotel during the reservation process.

AccorHotels cancellation policy

AccorHotels’ cancellation policies are outlined in the sales conditions for the reserved rate. It’s important to refer to the terms and conditions of sale for specific details.

Marriott cancellation policy

Marriott’s cancellation policy depends on the reservation date. For existing reservations made before a specific date, the original cancellation policy will be honored. New reservations made within a certain time frame allow for changes or cancellations at no charge up to 24 hours before arrival. Reservations made for dates after a specific date are subject to the hotel’s individual cancellation policy.

Choice Hotels cancellation policy

Cancellation policies at Choice Hotels vary based on the reservation and rate. The specific policy for each reservation can be reviewed during the booking process.

Wyndham Hotels cancellation policy

Cancellation policies at Wyndham Hotels are determined by the individual hotel. It’s important to contact the specific hotel or check the reservation details for the cancellation policy.

Radisson Hotels cancellation policy

Radisson’s cancellation policy is determined by the hotel and is provided during the reservation process.

Motel 6 cancellation policy

Motel 6 requires cancellations to be made by 6 pm (or 4 pm at some locations) on the arrival date to avoid charges. Special events, holidays, and weekends may have different cancellation policies, so it’s important to contact the hotel for details.

Booking.com cancellation policy

Booking.com’s cancellation policy is based on the cancellation policy of the trip provider, including hotels. It’s important to review the relevant cancellation and no-show policy of the provider before making a reservation.

Knowing the cancellation policies of popular hotel chains can help you make informed decisions when booking accommodations. Remember to always read the terms and conditions and choose a rate that offers the flexibility you need. By following these steps, you can ensure you have the best hotel cancellation policy for your trip.