Major Hotel Chains: A Look at Cancellation Policies

It can be exciting to plan a hotel stay, but what if your plans change?

It’s very important to know the cancellation policy of the hotel before you book. This guide will show you everything you need to know about hotel cancellation policies, fees and how to protect your money.

What Is a Hotel Cancellation Policy?

A hotel cancellation policy is just the rules that tell you what happens if you need to cancel your hotel reservation. Each hotel has a hotel cancellation policy, and those policies can vary widely between hotels.

You will know when you make a reservation the hotel’s hotel cancellation policy:

Is there free cancellation?
Is there a charge for cancellation?
When do you need to cancel to get your refund?
Are you going to lose all of your pay?
Most hotels will have their hotel cancellation policy listed on their website, or in your booking confirmation email. Read this carefully before you click “Book Now” and save hundreds of dollars.

Advantages of Hotel Cancellation Policies

Why the hotel cancellation policy matters It’s your money! If something unexpected comes up -illness, an emergency or a change of plans – you need to know if you’re able to get a refund.

Some hotels will keep your entire payment if you cancel too late – this is why hotel cancellation policies are so important. Some allow free cancellation until the day of check in. That changes things a lot!

Knowing the hotel cancellation policy ahead of time means you won’t be surprised with hidden fees later. And you’ll know exactly what to do if anything goes wrong.

Standard Hotel Cancellation Policies

Hotels Free Cancellation

Many hotels have free cancellation policies hotels. That means you can cancel your reservation without paying a fee if you do it before the deadline. The deadline is usually 24 to 48 hours before your check-in date.

Hotels with free cancellation are perfect if your plans aren’t completely set in stone. Best part? You get all of your money back, no fees.

No Refund on Bookings

Some people like to book hotels on a non-refundable basis because they get a lower price. A non refundable hotel booking means you pay less money up front. The tradeoff is that you don’t get your money back if you cancel.

A non refundable hotel booking is a risk. If you just can’t change your plans, it’s a good deal. But if something unexpected might happen, it’s risky.

Partial Refund Policy

Many hotels strike a middle ground. A hotel booking refund can mean you lose part of your payment as a cancellation fee, but get the rest back.

For example, you may lose 50% if you cancel hotel reservation more than 7 days before arrival, but lose 100% if you cancel closer to your check-in date.

What If You Cancel a Hotel Reservation?

Depending on the rules, when cancelling hotel reservation plans, a number of things can happen:

Free Cancellation : Refund will be processed in 5-7 business days.

Hotel cancellation fee: You pay a fixed amount (like $25 or one night’s stay) as a hotel cancellation fee.

Late Cancellation: If you cancel a hotel reservation too close to your arrival date, you may lose all of your payment.

No-Show: If you do not show up and do not cancel you will definitely be charged the full amount.

Always check the exact time for cancellation. Being a day late could cost you a lot of money.

Cancellation Policies of Major Hotel Chains

Here’s how the big hotel chains compare on cancellations:

Hotel Group
Free cancellation policy
Notes

Marriott International, Inc.

• Up to 7 days prior
• Some properties have flexible policies
• Hilton Hotels
• Up to 7 days in advance

Hilton Honours World of Benefits

• Hyatt Hotels Corp.
• Up to 7 days in advance More benefits for World Explorer members

IHG Hotels & Resorts

• As early as 7 days before
• Flexibility for IHG Rewards guests

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Up to 7 days prior Benefits for Club Wyndham members

Important: These are general guidelines. Each hotel in a chain has its own set of rules. Check hotel cancellation policies of your individual hotel before booking.

How to dodge hotel cancellation fees

Smart workarounds for hotel cancellation fee situations:

1. Book Correct Rate Type If you’re unsure of your plans, choose a hotel with a free cancellation option.
2. Read the Fine Print Read the hotel cancellation policy carefully before paying. Don’t skip this step
3. Reserve Early If you need to cancel, the earlier the better (before the deadline) so you don’t incur hotel cancellation fee charges.
4. 5. See Travel Insurance Travel insurance can help to cover you if you need to cancel because of illness or emergency. Call the Hotel Directly Sometimes, hotels will waive a hotel cancellation fee if you call and explain your situation nicely.

Refundable Vs Non Refundable Hotel Bookings

Refundable Hotel Booking: This means you can cancel and get money. More expensive refundable hotel booking options protect you.

Non-Refundable Hotel Booking – Less money, no change of mind. Non refundable hotel booking only makes sense if you are 100% sure about your travel dates

The Bottom Line

Refundable hotel booking is generally the safer option, albeit at a slightly higher cost.

Tips for booking a hotel:
Please note these important points prior to booking:

Always read carefully the hotel cancellation policy
Know the exact cancellation deadline for your room type
Free cancellation Find availability
Keep the cancellation policy written down somewhere safe.
Think about travel insurance for costly bookings

Got questions?

Call the hotel to confirm their cancellation hotel policy

COMMON QUESTIONS

Can I get a refund if I cancel a hotel booking?

Yes, if you cancel before the deadline and your hotel’s cancellation policy provides for refunds. Check the exact deadline on your booking confirmation.

Do all hotels charge a cancellation fee?

No. Many hotels have free cancellation hotels policies with no fees if you cancel early enough.

What is non-refundable booking on a hotel?

A non refundable hotel booking is a cheaper rate but you can’t get your money back if you cancel for any reason.

How many days prior to check-in can I cancel?

That depends on the hotel’s cancellation policy. Most hotels offer free cancellation up to 7 days before your check-in date. Double check your booking always.

What hotel chains have free cancellation?

Most major chains (Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG and Wyndham) offer hotels rates with free cancellation. This depends on the property and room type.

Final Thoughts

It is very important to understand the hotel cancellation policy before you book any hotel. Whether you choose a free cancellation hotel or a cheaper non refundable hotel booking, make sure you know exactly what you’re getting.

Reading the hotel cancellation policy for a few minutes can save you hundreds of dollars later. If you are unsure about your travel plans, always choose refundable hotel options. Your wallet will be grateful.

Happy travels, and be sure to double-check that hotel cancellation policy before you book!