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List of hotel change and cancellation policies and refunds due to coronavirus

Last updated: December-2021

The past two years have forced people to cancel bookings left, right, and center. It’s been an incredibly uncertain time for all things travel—be it flights, hotels, or experiences. However, things are returning to how they once were, and more travel options are becoming available.

We’ve compiled a list detailing the restriction put in place by accommodation providers during this uncertain time, as well as guidance on changing any existing bookings.

Quick access: List of hotel coronavirus cancelation policies

COVID-19 required rapid action from hotels all over the world. Cancellation fees were waived and flexible bookings became the norm. 

Some hotels have carried this over to the new normal—others haven’t. Before we dive into our updated list of hotel cancellation policies, let’s take a look at the best practices for changing your existing bookings.

General tips on changing hotel bookings affected by coronavirus

Check online before calling 

Businesses have now had some time to consider and implement an effective booking cancellation process for trips affected by COVID restrictions. New policies should automatically be applied to changes and cancellations if your reservation is eligible.

If in doubt, give them a call. Phone lines are less busy now that the dust is beginning to settle.

Make your request early

Most hotels are saying that guests must make their change or cancellation at least 24 hours before their scheduled date of arrival. Some are asking for a longer notice period, so make sure you change or cancel your booking in time.

Keep an eye out for policy extensions

During the COVID-19 crisis, hotels changed their cancellation policies due to the mass disruption caused by lockdowns all over the world. These policies have mainly reverted back to their pre-COVID conditions, however, some hotels have opted to prioritize flexibility moving forward.

Hotel cancellation policies for coronavirus

Accor

Accor Hotels are still offering some flexibility to customers, but it depends on the location of your booking:

  • Hotels in North America: guests who made bookings prior to the 15th of December 2021 may modify their booking free of charge, or request a credit voucher for use within 18 months at the same hotel. 
  • Hotels in Southern Europe: the deadline for guests looking to change their Southern European bookings free-of-charge was the 30th of June 2021. All changes in these locations are now subject to standard cancellation and change policies.
  • All other hotels: guests who made bookings prior to the 31st of December 2021 may modify their booking free of charge, or request a credit voucher for use within 18 months at the same hotel. 

If the hotel at which you’re staying is closed due to government restrictions during your intended stay, you’re eligible for a full refund.

Airbnb

Reservations made after the 14th of March 2020 are subject to the host’s cancellation policy—unless any of the guests test positive for COVID-19. In this case, you’re covered by Airbnb’s extenuating circumstances policy.

Arlo Hotels

Arlo Hotels has returned to its standard cancellation policy, under which guests are entitled to a full refund if the cancellation is made within 24 hours of the booking. Some rooms and rates are exempt from this policy, so make sure to check in advance if you’re eligible.

Best Western

Best Western’s cancellation policy depends on the hotel you’re staying at, get in touch to find out directly from them. However, generally speaking, they’re now operating under their standard cancellation policy.

Booking.com

Guests are advised to book flexible rates when organizing trips, as failing to book a flexible rate may mean you’re not entitled to a refund. They advise you to always prioritize properties with free cancellation during times of uncertainty.

Cancellations will be handled by the property based on your chosen policy and the applicable consumer law.

Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels advises guests that the cancellation policy in place at the time of booking is the cancellation policy that applies to their booking. They encourage guests to contact the hotel directly to discuss their booking.

Expedia.com

Expedia is encouraging guests to prioritize rooms with free cancellation when making bookings, as the company is now operating using its standard T&Cs. This leaves decisions regarding cancellation to the individual hotels.

Four Seasons

Four Seasons hotels are now operating under their pre-COVID T&Cs. Stays are non-refundable, however most locations will permit a date change.

Hilton Hotels

Reservations made after the 1st of October 2020 are subject to the cancellation policy at the time of booking. Most hotels allow changes or cancellations up to 24-hours before the scheduled arrival date. 

Hotels.com

Hotels.com is advising all guests to choose the free cancellation option when available. They also advise that you check the hotel’s website, as some require that cancellation be no less than 24 hours before the stay in order to be eligible for the refund.

Hoxton Hotel

Bookings are now made under the standard T&Cs, which vary depending on the location of the hotel your stay is at. Get in touch with the hotel you’ve scheduled to stay at.

Hyatt Hotels

Reservations made prior to the 1st of July 2020 can be canceled at no cost, given it’s no later than 24 hours before your stay. Reservations made after the 1st of July 2020 are subject to their standard T&Cs.

Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG)

All bookings made directly with IHG can be changed without charge prior to the cancellation deadline, with special rates and benefits for IHG Rewards members. 

Loews Hotels

Loews Hotels’ standard cancellation policy has been modified following COVID. Before, guests could cancel their booking up to 72 hours before their stay. This is now 24 hours before their stay. Failure to cancel 24 hours before will lead to you being charged the full room rate.

Marriott International

All stays after June 2021 are subject to the individual hotel’s cancellation policy.

Premier Inn

Premier Inn has amended its cancellation policy to allow for changes up until 1pm on the date of your stay—unless you booked a no-flex rate. Cancellations are permitted under the individual hotels’ cancellation policy.

Get in touch with the hotel to discuss canceling your booking, or use their online cancellation service.

Radisson

Radisson Hotels have different cancellation policies depending on where you’re staying:

  • RHG hotels in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, India, and Asia Pacific: the most flexible rate allows for cancellation up to 24 hours before your stay. For other rates, you’ll need to check specific terms and conditions.
  • RHG hotels in North America, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean: guests are advised to contact the individual hotel as the cancellation is per the individual cancellation policy.

Soho House

If your booking includes the flexibility to cancel, Soho House hotels allow guests to cancel reservations free of charge. Reservations must be canceled by 6pm two days in advance of the stay in order to qualify for a refund. 

Travelodge

Travelodge allows free cancellation on flexible rate bookings up to midday on your scheduled arrival date. Saver rate bookings are non-refundable.

Wyndham

Some rates include flexible cancellation policies, however, all properties are required to accommodate non-cancellable rate reservation changes if the reservation was made before the 6th of June 2020. If your reservation was made after this date, check the rate details. 

If guests are prohibited from traveling to their booked hotel under applicable law, cancellation and change penalties will be waived.

1 Hotels

Previously, 1 Hotels implemented a ‘Cancel Anytime’ policy for new bookings. This is no longer available, and business is back to usual. All bookings are made in accordance with their standard T&Cs, which can be found here.

When it comes to COVID, all guests must sign their COVID-19 acknowledgment, waiver and release form upon checking in.

Wrapping Up

That’s all for our updated list of regulations, we encourage you to get in touch with your hotel if you have any further questions.For more information on traveling and managing booking in a post-COVID world. We hope your travels aren’t affected by COVID, but if they are—we’ve got you covered.

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