Hotel Cancellation Policies
Sometimes, our travel plans can change. These changes can create some issues with getting a refund, depending on what you booked and how you booked it. Airlines have varying policies for adjusting award bookings, and hotels certainly vary, too. Travel changes can result in losing money and/or points. To help reduce stress, make sure you're aware of the terms and conditions when you book. We break down the most important thing to do for every hotel booking you make.
Checking the Cancellation Policy Pre-Booking
Anytime you are making a hotel booking, whether with cash or points, read the cancellation policy. We are frequently asked in the group, “If I book this on points, will I get my points back?” Generally, yes, you will get your points back—as long as you cancel within the timeframe allotted by the hotel. But there is no way to know with 100% certainty without checking the cancellation policy first. Hotel cancellation policies can vary based on location, dates and other booking details, especially if there is a special event in town. All inclusives and high-end, popular hotels are well-known for having their own unique policies, too.
Hilton
Hilton makes it a little easier to see hotel cancellation policies during the initial search. Start by using the flexible calendar search tool to find your room.
For a typical domestic Hilton hotel, it will show you the points options and cash rates all on one screen. You can click on “rate details” for both. In this case, it has a similar policy to what we see for most standard Hyatt hotels.
Now, let's search an all inclusive property. While you should still be able to see the rates, the policies are significantly different. A points booking allows a nice flexible policy, while the cash rate gives you a 7-day cancellation policy.
Want a high-end, ToP favorite hotel? In searching the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, I found varying policies. Booking in August? 7 days. Booking in October? 14 days. I have even seen 21 days here. This is a good reminder that regardless of the hotel, you should always check the policy first. Never assume based on prior stays.
Hyatt
Generally, Hyatt hotel cancellation policies allow flexibility up to two days before arrival by 11:59 p.m. local time. But again, remember that each hotel may have a different policy. Policies may vary by brand, at all-inclusives or at higher-end resorts. They can also range widely during special events like concerts and sporting events. To get started finding your award nights, here are Hyatt search tips. Once you find your room, click “View room details.”
From there, you should be able to see the cancellation policy. Points bookings generally are not going to require a deposit or any charges, but always check the fine print.
One downside: If you do not have enough points in your account, it will not show you the screen above with the full info. You can check just one night if you have enough points for that. If not, try switching to a cash booking to see the policy, but you might have to reach out to Hyatt to make sure the points booking matches the cash booking cancellation policy. If you do reach out, make sure it is in writing so you have it documented.
The all inclusives are well-known for more complicated policies, as shown above. With these types of stays, there usually is no deposit, but there could be a cancellation fee even if you booked on points. The details are not always clear, so I will always reach out to Hyatt to verify anything that's confusing. We don't recommend crowdsourcing, either. Don't rely on someone else's booking experience, because it may have included different circumstances.
As you can see, it is very important to always check this. I have shown three different hotels here alone, with three different policies. Although most will be like the first one, the other resorts I mentioned may differ significantly.
IHG
IHG has its own unique hotel cancellation policies, as well. One notable policy is that a points + cash booking is refunded in points. It is basically like buying points to book.
As we always say, check the math on these bookings—and always check the fine print on the cancellation policies.
A regular domestic booking gave me 24 hours the night before by 6 p.m. local time.
For all inclusives, IHG continues to make it pretty easy to see its policies. It is easy to switch between points and cash during any search. When I did not have enough points, it would not let me see the points cancellation policy. But I could switch to cash, which showed me a three-day cancellation policy, even on a premium ToP favorite hotel for many. But again, if you have any concerns, reach out to verify the policy when you don't have enough points to see it.
Marriott
Start your Marriott search with our search tips. Marriott shows the hotel cancellation policies even when you don't have enough points for the entire stay. The standard domestic bookings I looked up seemed to have similar three-day policies. But as always, special events and other circumstances can certainly change things.
I even found some all inclusives with favorable 48-hour policies. But again, you always need to check. As I got into looking at Hawaii, I did find some 14-day policies.
Checking the Cancellation Policy After Booking
After your bookings are done, if you did not make a note anywhere of the hotel cancellation policies, you may need to go check them again. I always recommend looking right after booking, as well. Within your hotel account or app, simply go to your stays and check on the reservation or “manage booking.” Each hotel brand screen may look a little different, but clicking on your “stay details”—or reviewing the email you received—should give you the information. ToP Tip: When you book, save all of your emails for anything trip-related in an organized email folder. I keep a folder for each year and each trip within that year.
Every program handles things a little differently, but usually clicking around your reservation can help you find the cancellation policy.
Hotel Cancellation Policies: ToP Thoughts
We stress often that terms and conditions are a big part of the points and miles hobby. That is no different with hotel bookings—you always need to check policies and read the fine print closely. When in doubt, reach out to the hotel. As mentioned, I like having it in writing. Were you aware of the different hotel cancellation policies? Come over to our Facebook group and let us know.
