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

The basics

A flexible rate lets you cancel for free until a deadline. A non-refundable rate is cheaper, but you lose the money if you cancel or change dates.

When to pick the flexible rate

When your dates are not certain (leave to be approved, flight not bought yet), when you travel in a group, or when you book far ahead. A few euros more beat a lost night.

When non-refundable makes sense

When your dates are certain and the price gap is large. Still check that your flight and hotel are not both non-refundable: if one changes, you lose on both.

Read the deadline date and time

“Free cancellation until…” is often a few days before arrival, in the hotel's local time. Put the date in your calendar when you book.

“Pay at the property” does not mean cancellable

Some offers are paid on arrival but remain non-refundable, or charge a fee for a no-show. Read the conditions before you confirm.

Tip: book flexible, then keep watching

If you took a cancellable rate and the price drops, you can cancel and book again, as long as the deadline has not passed.

Worth remembering

Exact conditions depend on each hotel and are confirmed with the partner before payment. Keep the confirmation email and the cancellation email.

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