Free cancellation or non-refundable rate: which to choose?

The basics, in a nutshell

With a flexible rate, you can cancel for free until a deadline. Non-refundable is cheaper, but if you cancel or change your dates, the money is gone.

When to go flexible

If your dates aren't fixed yet (leave not approved, flight not booked), if you're travelling as a group or booking far ahead, go flexible. Better to pay a few euros more than lose a night.

When non-refundable is worth it

When your dates are set for good and the price difference is really worth it. Just one habit to keep: avoid having a flight AND a hotel that are both non-refundable. If one changes, you lose on both.

Check the deadline date and time

“Free cancellation until…” is often a few days before you arrive, in the hotel's local time. Pop it in your calendar straight away and you're sorted.

“Pay at the property” doesn't mean cancellable

Watch out for this one: some offers are paid on arrival but stay non-refundable, or charge you a fee if you don't show up. Take two minutes to read the conditions before you confirm.

The trick: book flexible, then keep an eye on the price

You took a cancellable rate and the price drops? As long as the deadline hasn't passed, you can cancel and book again for less.

Good to keep in mind

The exact conditions depend on each hotel, and you'll see them with the partner before you pay. Keep the confirmation email, and the cancellation one if you cancel.

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