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Cancellation Policies Explained

How cancellation terms work in hotel bookings, what to look for, and how to protect your trip if plans change.

Cancellation terms vary by hotel, rate type, and booking partner. The exact terms for any reservation are shown on the hotel's listing page before you confirm the booking — read them.

Three Common Rate Types

  • Flexible / refundable — typically allows free cancellation up to 24-72 hours before check-in. Costs more than non-refundable rates.
  • Non-refundable — usually charged in full at booking, with no refund if you cancel. Cheaper but riskier.
  • Partially refundable — allows cancellation with a fee, or a partial refund within a specific window.

What to Verify

  • The exact cancellation deadline (date and time, in the hotel's local time zone).
  • Whether modifications are allowed without a full cancellation.
  • Whether the booking is changed automatically if rates drop later (rare, but a few partners offer this).

If Your Plans Change

Contact the booking partner you reserved through — not the hotel directly — to cancel or modify. The partner manages your reservation, refund (if applicable), and confirmation.


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