A free-cancellation rate usually costs 5 to 15 % more than a non-refundable one but lets you rebook if the price drops or your plans change. It is worth it when your plans may change or you want to check prices again before you travel.
The cheapest offer is often non-refundable. Whether the flexible rate is worth the extra money depends on how sure you are of your plans.
When free cancellation pays off
- Your plans are not fixed (work, weather, visa).
- You booked far in advance, and prices can still drop.
- You travel in a busy season when you want a room secured early.
A simple trick
Book a free-cancellation rate early. A few days before the deadline, check the price again. If it is lower, book the cheaper offer and cancel the first one. Prices moved by 10 to 25 % within a day in our measurements, so this can work.
Traps
- The free-cancellation deadline can be days before check-in. Note the exact date and time zone.
- "Free cancellation" on one site may be partly refundable on another.
- Some small sites charge a handling fee for cancelling.
- Only cancel after the new booking is confirmed.
Careful: Non-refundable means exactly that. If you must choose it, book only when your plans are fixed.
Questions
Is a non-refundable rate always cheaper? Usually, but not always. In our comparison, offers with free cancellation are marked so you can see the price difference.
Can I cancel after the deadline? Normally not for free. Ask the hotel, some will help in an emergency.
Does Google show free cancellation? Yes, and our comparison shows it next to each offer.