Hotels with free cancellation

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Frequently asked questions

What does “free cancellation” mean on Hotels.com?

Free cancellation means you can cancel a hotel booking before a set deadline and pay no cancellation fee—the full amount gets refunded to your original payment method if you cancel before the cutoff date. It's particularly handy if you need flexibility when traveling.

Just keep in mind that cancellation deadlines vary by property, room type, and rate, so it's always a good idea to check before booking.

How to find hotels with free cancellations?

To find hotels with free cancellation, look for the “Fully refundable” label in the search results when browsing. Most hotels display their cancellation policy in the search results and on the hotel booking page.

There’s also a search filter that lets you find accommodations with free cancellation—here’s how to filter for flexible options:

  1. Enter your destination, dates, and number of guests into the search bar on Hotels.com.
  2. On the search results page, select the “Fully refundable property” filter under Property Cancellation Options.
  3. Browse the available hotels and find the right one for you.
  4. On the hotel’s booking page, confirm the cancellation deadline listed next to your chosen rate.
  5. Complete your booking—the cancellation terms are also included in your confirmation email.

It’s then a good idea to set a reminder in your calendar for a few days before the cancellation date.

How to find last-minute refundable hotels?

To find last-minute hotels with free cancellation, simply enter your dates, destination, and number of guests into the search bar and use the “Fully refundable property” filter.

Just remember that cancellation windows tend to be shorter for bookings made close to the arrival date, so pay special attention to the deadline and time listed on the hotel booking page. Some rates may require same-day cancellation, and the cutoff is always based on the hotel’s local time.

See last-minute hotel deals on Hotels.com.

What does “fully refundable”, “partially refundable”, and “non-refundable” mean?

Hotels.com listings use three main refund labels to describe how much you get back when canceling a booking.

  1. Fully refundable: You get 100% of the booking cost back. The cancellation deadline is typically 24–48 hours before check-in (varies by property). There are no fees if you cancel before the deadline. It is best for trips where plans may change.
  2. Partially refundable: You get a portion of the booking cost back, and the exact amount depends on when you cancel. A penalty applies after a certain date, so check the booking terms for details. A fee or partial charge may apply depending on how close to check-in you cancel. It is best for travelers who want a lower rate with some flexibility.
  3. Non-refundable: You get no refund. There is no free cancellation window, and the full stay is charged at booking, regardless of cancellation. It is best for fixed plans where the lowest rate is the priority.

Always review the specific cancellation policy listed on the hotel booking page, as terms vary.

How to cancel your hotel booking with free cancellation?

You can cancel most bookings in a few steps via your Hotels.com account. If you book a fully refundable rate and cancel before the deadline, you will receive a full refund to your original payment method.

  1. Click the login link or the trips link at the top of the page.
  2. Select the reservation you want to cancel.
  3. Click “Change or cancel” and follow the steps.
  4. Check your email for a cancellation confirmation.

Before canceling, double-check the cancellation deadline listed in your booking details or confirmation email. Cancellation cutoffs are based on the hotel’s local time, so be sure to factor in any time zone differences.

If you can't find an option to change or cancel, your booking is either too close to check-in or non-refundable.

Are there any hidden fees with free cancellation?

No—if a rate is labeled “free cancellation” on Hotels.com, there are no extra fees if you cancel before the stated deadline.

Charges can still apply in a few situations, such as:

  1. Canceling after the deadline has passed.
  2. Booking a partially refundable or non-refundable rate.
  3. If the property has specific terms that differ from the standard policy.

All applicable fees and conditions are outlined on the hotel booking page before you confirm your trip.

How to avoid paying a hotel cancellation fee?

The simplest way to avoid cancellation fees is to choose a fully refundable rate at the time of booking and cancel before the cutoff date.

Here are more tips for avoiding penalties:

  1. Pick a flexible rate. When searching on Hotels.com, use the “Fully refundable property” filter to show only hotels with free cancellation.
  2. Note the cancellation deadline. Every refundable booking has a cutoff date and time—add it to your calendar and set a reminder to avoid missing it.
  3. Cancel early and online. If plans change, cancel within your Hotels.com account before the deadline.
  4. Check the hotel's local time. Cancellation deadlines are based on the property’s local time, not yours—so allow a buffer if you're in a different time zone.

What is Hotels.com’s cancellation policy?

There is no single cancellation policy on Hotels.com—instead, each property sets its own terms. The same hotel can even have different cancellation rules for different rooms and rate types. For example, you might find a non-refundable and fully refundable rate for the same room.

The cancellation policy for your specific booking is shown on the room details page before you pay. After booking, you will then find the cancellation policy in your confirmation email and in your Hotels.com account.

How long does it take to get a refund on refundable hotels?

For fully refundable and partially refundable bookings, Hotels.com typically processes refunds within 24 hours of cancellation. After that, your bank or card issuer takes care of the rest—this usually takes up to 7 business days to appear on your account, and up to 2 billing cycles to appear on your statement.

If you paid with a Hotels.com gift card, a new gift card for the refunded amount is sent to your email within 4 hours. Remember, some hotels are non-refundable.

For the latest details on refund timelines, visit the Hotels.com Help Center.

Why book a hotel with free cancellation on Hotels.com?

Booking a hotel with free cancellation on Hotels.com gives you the flexibility to cancel for free, usually up until 24 or 48 hours before check-in*. It's useful if your plans aren't 100% confirmed, and you may need to change or cancel later.

The “Fully refundable property” filter makes it a breeze to find flexible rates across thousands of hotels worldwide, plus there are countless other filters—such as amenities, location, and traveler experience—that help you narrow down your options.

*Remember to double-check before booking, as each hotel has different cancellation policies.