To cancel Booking.com reservations is a challenging thing as it is one of the most popular online platforms for people seeking hotels, hostels, or any other accommodation when they’re traveling. Due to its convenient and easy to understand booking style, a lot of travelers use this when they’re planning to go out of town.
However, if a sudden event happens or a special circumstance that you can’t control and you don’t have the choice but to cancel your booking, you’ll be left with the question “How to cancel hotel reservation and get a refund on booking.com?”. Good thing is that it’s not really difficult to do that. In this article, we’ll tell you how you can cancel your reservation and get a refund on the travel site. Also, I strongly recommend having travel insurance whether it be for medical or non-medical, you will not regret it. And also consider getting this e-sim, have it ready as soon as you arrive at your destination. It allows you to make calls easily, especially in emergencies, such as canceling reservations.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Cancel Reservation on Booking.com
The free cancellation booking via email only suits you in case you changed your mind within the permitted period and before the cancellation deadline.
Step 1: Remember that when you book accommodation on Booking.com, you’ll get a confirmation email. In this email, you’ll see a button “Cancel Booking”.
Step 2: Click that button.
Step 3: You will be redirected to the page with the reservation details of your booking.
Step 4: At the bottom page, you’ll find the red button “Cancel Booking.” Just click it and your reservation will be canceled.
REMEMBER THESE:
- Always pay attention to the info written below the red button. It states the period of booking cancellation.
- You can only cancel the booking for free if you chose this option in advance.
- Booking.com usually offers “free cancellation”. Most of the time, the rooms with free cancellation are more pricey so always check the price when booking.
- Please be reminded that free cancellation can be made at least 2-3 days before the date of your first night check-in. Sometimes you need to do it even earlier. Different hotels have different conditions, so make sure you know them before reservation. If, however, you decided to cancel the booking one day before your arrival date, the hotel will charge the fee from the card you entered when you made the reservation. The cancellation penalty depends on the hotel and its cancellation codes or terms.
If the booking cancellation suggests cancellation fees, it will be charged from your bank card. The fine stands as a partial payment of your stay. The reason for this is because the sooner the date of your check-in, the owner of the hotel is more likely to be left with no guests. And that’s the purpose of the penalty.
Booking.com will notify you via email about the fine if they encounter some problems regarding charging the money from your card.
How to Cancel if There’s an Unforeseeable Circumstance
Step 1: Write a formal letter to the hotel. It must include the following:
- The reason for cancellation and relevant information;
- Why you can’t pay the fine;
- Also mention that you really love the hotel and that you’re planning on staying there one day;
- It must be written in English;
- Send your email to the hotel’s email address from the contact information.
Step 2: Expect to receive a reply in a few days. In case you receive a recommendation to cancel the reservation on Booking.com, it means that, unfortunately, you’re offered to follow the standard procedure and that you should pay the penalty fee.
If this happens, you can write another email. But this time, you must write a more detailed one:
- Describe your situation;
- Highlight that you will not stay in the hotel and that you don’t have enough money to pay the penalty fee.
- Ask the hotel politely to contact Booking.com to cancel the reservation without the fine.
- Again, don’t forget to mention that that kind of hotel and related services will be quickly booked by other people. Just be friendly and positive!
Please remember that before you reserve accommodation on Booking.com, always read the policy details and conditions that they have since it depends on the hotel’s cancellation and refund policy. No worries as the cancellation process in Booking.com is smooth!
About the Writer
Hi there! I’m Fatima. My first major travel was in 2016 in the beautiful city of Cebu. After that, I got interested in traveling. Now I enjoy learning languages and other country’s cultures. My goal is to visit at least one country each year and to share my experiences with other people through writing or blogging. Witness my journey by following me on Instagram.
FAQs
Cancellation requests can be submitted up to 48 hours before check-in via the Extranet or Pulse.
Fortunately, most hotels and vacation rentals offer compensation if they cancel on you, especially if it’s last-minute, but you might have to ask for it.
If you cancel a reservation within any permitted cancellation period which may apply, we will refund you the exact same amount we initially charged you (inclusive of any applicable fees in relation to the Pay in Your Own Currency Service).
Yes, travel insurance is important as it provides financial protection for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost belongings, giving you peace of mind while traveling. It can also offer essential assistance and cover unexpected costs, especially for international trips.