Cancellation policies vary more between individual hotels than most travelers expect, and the difference between rate types at the same property can mean the gap between a full refund and losing the entire booking.
Common Policy Types
- Free cancellation up to a cutoff — typically 24, 48 or 72 hours before check-in; cancel after that window and you're usually charged for at least the first night.
- Non-refundable — usually offered at a discount versus the flexible rate, but full payment is charged regardless of whether you cancel.
- Deposit-based — common for longer stays or peak-season bookings, where a partial deposit is charged upfront and is non-refundable past a certain date, with the balance due at check-in.
Reading the Fine Print
The cutoff time is usually specified in the property's local time zone, not yours — a "cancel by 6pm" deadline can catch travelers out if they're calculating from a different time zone. Always check whether the policy is measured from your booking date or your check-in date, since both phrasings are common.
Protecting a Non-Refundable Booking
- Travel insurance with a "cancel for any reason" or trip-interruption clause can recover non-refundable costs in genuine emergencies — check the policy's specific triggers before assuming coverage.
- Some properties will allow date changes even on non-refundable rates, even though they won't issue a cash refund — it's worth asking directly rather than assuming the rate is entirely rigid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "free cancellation" usually mean?
It means you can cancel without penalty up until a specified cutoff, usually 24–72 hours before check-in — after that point, standard cancellation charges typically apply.
Can I get a refund on a non-refundable booking?
Not directly from the hotel in most cases, though travel insurance with the right coverage, or a direct request to the property for a date change rather than a refund, are worth exploring.