Handle a Canceled Hotel Reservation

The process you need to follow to cancel a hotel reservation depends on the hotel, and the method you used to book a room. Booking directly with a hotel involves a different set of rules than when you book with an online travel agency. Sometimes, hotels need to cancel your reservation, and you will not always get a lot of notice, or a reason that you find acceptable. Handle a canceled hotel reservation by following all instructions and making sure you get back any money that is due to you.

Steps

1. Save all receipts, confirmations and other communications. When you book a room, you should get a confirmation number, at the very least. Keep all of this information easily accessible.
2. Ask about cancellation policies when you book. Talk to the agent taking your reservation about policies and penalties, or look for language on the website you use to book.
3. Work with a travel agent whenever possible. While most people prefer to book reservations themselves, using a professional travel agent can be useful, especially in situations where a reservation is canceled.
4. Determine whether you made a deposit or paid for the room. If so, you will need to cancel in time to get your money back.
5. Look for an opportunity to cancel online. When you book through a hotel directly, the confirmation page that is emailed to you often provides a link to a page where you can cancel your reservation.
   • Follow the link and the instructions to cancel.
6. Cancel online when you use a site such as Expedia, Orbitz or Kayak. Most sites have a page called "My Trips" or "My Reservations" where you can cancel a reservation.
   • Prepare to pay a cancellation fee. Most reservations on these sites need to be paid in full, so you may not get a full refund of your money. Talk to customer service if you want to make a case for getting your money back.
7. Call the hotel directly to cancel, or confirm your cancellation.
8. Ask for a cancellation number. Whether you cancel on the phone or online, get a cancellation confirmation. This will protect you if you need to dispute charges for a hotel room you never used.

Handling a Reservation Canceled by a Hotel

1. Find out how long a hotel will hold your reservation when you book. You might need to check in by a certain time, or risk losing your reservation.
2. Get as much information as you can. There are many reasons why a hotel might cancel your reservation. They could be overbooked, or something unexpected could happen that requires them to clear the hotel. They might also be switching brands, or involved in some internal complication.
   • Ask to speak to a manager. Most reservation agents will not be able to help you.
3. Ask for help in booking a room at another hotel. Hotels will often help you make other lodging arrangements when they need to cancel your reservation.
   • Request an upgrade. If the hotel is moving you to a different hotel owned by the same brand, do not be shy about asking for something extra in exchange for your trouble. For example, if you booked a single room at a Hampton Inn and your reservation gets canceled, ask for a suite in a Hilton, which owns the Hampton chain.
4. Make sure you get your money refunded. If you paid a deposit, or paid for the room in full, be sure your money is given back to you before you book another room.

Tips

• Take advantage of social media if you feel you have been subject to unfair cancellation practices. Sites such as TripAdvisor allow you to comment on customer service provided by hotels, and there are travel journalists and columnists who help travelers recoup money they feel they are owed when something unexpected happens.
• Confirm your reservation frequently. Call the hotel to make sure you are booked before you begin your travel. This will lessen the chance of being surprised by a cancellation when you arrive to check in.

Things You'll Need

• Confirmation numbers
• Receipts

Sources and Citations

• http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34526333/ns/travel-travel_tips/t/i-canceled-my-room-wheres-my-refund/
• https://faq.orbitz.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1729/~/how-do-i-cancel-my-hotel-reservation-online%3F
• http://www.elliott.org/blog/ridiculous-or-not-hotels-can-cancel-your-reservations-anytime-and-youre-outta-luck/

See also

• Choose a Best Rv Park
• Use Airbnb for a Family Vacation
• Pay for Online Hotel Bookings
• Live on the Street
• Have Fun in a Hotel Room
• Find an Apartment in Japan
• Make Good Hotel Room Coffee
• Check Into a Hotel
• Get the Best Deal Booking a Hotel
• Urban Camp

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What links here

• Book a Hotel Room