If you have ever booked a hotel online, then you must have noticed that every hotel has its own cancellation policy. Especially when you book from a big website like Booking.com, you get to see different types of terms. But many people do not read them carefully and later get into trouble. So today we will explain to you in very simple language how Booking.com’s cancellation policy works, when you can get a refund, when not, and what things you should keep in mind before booking.
Policy Visible While Booking
Whenever you book a hotel on Booking.com, there is a section on the booking page itself where it is written what is the cancellation policy of this hotel.
- If you have chosen a rate with free cancellation, then you can cancel the booking before a certain date and time without paying any charge.
- If you have chosen a non-refundable rate, you will not be able to cancel the booking and even if you do not go, you will have to pay the full amount.
Example: Suppose you booked a hotel in Delhi for Rs 2000, whose policy said “Free cancellation till 12 noon on 15 August”. This means that if you cancel the booking anytime before 12 noon on 15 August, you will get the full refund. But if you cancel on 16 August morning, you will either get a partial refund or none at all.
Non-Refundable Booking – Understand the Advantages and Disadvantages
Many times people choose a non-refundable rate because it is cheaper. For example, the normal rate of a hotel is Rs 3000, but the non-refundable rate is Rs 2500. In this situation, if your trip is fixed and there is no chance of changing your plan, then non-refundable booking can be beneficial. But if you think your travel plans might change, this can be risky.
Cancellation Charges and Deposit Rules
Some hotels take an advance deposit at the time of booking. If you cancel on time, they refund the deposit, but many hotels keep the deposit non-refundable.
Example: A resort in Goa asked for an advance of Rs 1,000 at the time of booking. Their policy said “deposit is non-refundable on cancellation”. This means that even if you cancel a month in advance, your advance money will not be refunded.
Changing or Reviewing a Booking
If you booked for the wrong date or want to change the hotel room type, Booking.com gives you the option to do so. But this is possible only if the hotel policy allows it. For this, you have to open your booking confirmation email and click on the “Modify booking” link given there.
Keep in mind that if the date is changed, the hotel can charge a new rate and sometimes a change charge may also be levied.
Why Cancellation Policy is Important – For Both Hotel Owner and Customer
Cancellation policy is very important not only for the customer but also for the hotel and property owner.
- If the policy is very flexible, more people will book because they will be confident that money will not be deducted if the plan is changed.
- But if the guest cancels at the last moment and the hotel does not get a new customer, the hotel suffers a loss.
- On the other hand, if the policy is strict, some people may avoid booking, but the hotel faces less risk.
Flexible Policy – When is it Right?
If your hotel or homestay is in an area that is not very crowded in the off-season, then having a flexible policy is beneficial. For example, Shimla has fewer tourists during the monsoon season. At such times, hoteliers often offer “free cancellation” so that people can book without hesitation.
Strict Policy – When is it Necessary?
If your property is in a location where tourists visit throughout the year and demand is always high, such as a beach-front resort in Goa or a hotel in Jaipur during the festive season, then it is better to have a strict policy. This reduces the chances of last-minute cancellations.
Mixed Policy – The Way to Balance
Many hotels offer both types of rates simultaneously. That is, for the same room:
- Non-refundable rate – lower price
- Free cancellation rate – slightly higher price
This allows the customer to choose as per his convenience and the hotel also benefits.
What to Keep in Mind Before Booking?
- Check the last date of cancellation – Always check the booking page to see when the deadline for free cancellation is.
- Save email – Booking.com sends your booking confirmation email. Do not delete it as it contains your policy details.
- Travel insurance – If you are going on a long or expensive trip, it is a good idea to get travel insurance that covers cancellations.
- Talk directly with the hotel – Sometimes Booking.com policies may seem strict, but if you talk to the hotel directly, they may allow a partial refund or change of date.
Some Real Life Examples
- Case 1 – Riya booked a hotel in Udaipur with a free cancellation policy but had to cancel the trip due to an unexpected office meeting. She cancelled ahead of time and got a full refund.
- Case 2 – Amit booked a non-refundable rate to Goa because it was Rs 500 cheaper. But he missed his flight and couldn’t go on the trip. Result – All the money was gone.
- Case 3 – A family booked a hotel in Shimla but postponed the trip due to bad weather. The hotel allowed them to transfer the booking to a new date I gave permission because this option was there in the policy.
Conclusion
Booking a hotel from Booking.com is easy, but it is very important to understand the cancellation policy and choose the right option. If you choose a flexible policy, your risk will be less, but the price may be a little higher. On the other hand, a non-refundable booking may save money, but if the plan changes, there will be a complete loss.
So, always book keeping in mind the certainty of your trip, budget and possible changes.
