Refundable vs Non-Refundable Hotel Rates: Which to Book

Non-refundable rates are usually cheaper, but you lose the money if plans change.

The rebooking trick

Book a free-cancellation rate early, then check prices again a few weeks before your trip. If the same or a better hotel gets cheaper, book the new rate and cancel the old one inside the free window.

Choose non-refundable when

• Dates are fixed and the saving is meaningful.
• You have travel insurance that covers your reasons for cancelling.

Choose refundable when

• Plans may change, it's peak season far ahead, or the price difference is small.

Read the deadline carefully: "free cancellation until 48 hours before arrival" means in the hotel's local time.