What does free cancellation mean for a hotel booking?

In short

  • Free cancellation means you can cancel a hotel booking without penalty up to a deadline set by the hotel - usually 24-48 hours before check-in.
  • After the deadline passes, the booking is treated as non-refundable - cancellation forfeits the full amount.
  • Free cancellation rates are usually 10-30% more expensive than non-refundable rates, in exchange for the flexibility.

How free cancellation works

When a hotel labels a rate as "free cancellation", it means you can cancel any time before a deadline they set and get a full refund. The deadline is usually expressed as a number of hours or days before check-in - for example, "free cancellation until 6:00 PM on the day before arrival".

Free cancellation on trip1

On trip1, the exact cancellation deadline appears on every rate at checkout and is repeated in your confirmation email. Cancel before the deadline using the "Manage booking" link and CoinGate sends your crypto refund within 24-48 hours. After the deadline, the booking converts to non-refundable status.

When to choose free cancellation

  • Your travel dates aren't 100% confirmed.
  • You're booking far in advance and want to keep options open.
  • The premium over the non-refundable rate is small enough to be worth the insurance.

Related articles

Free cancellation explained - FAQ

Free cancellation means no fee if you cancel before the hotel's deadline - usually 24-48 hours before check-in. Cancel after the deadline and the booking becomes non-refundable.

No. Free cancellation is usually 10-30% more expensive than the non-refundable rate at the same hotel - on trip1 and across the industry.

Free cancellation typically covers the entire booking. You can cancel any portion of unstayed nights before the deadline for a proportional refund.

On the rate at trip1 checkout and again in the confirmation email. The exact date and time is listed under the price summary.

CancellationRefundsHotels

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