Even the most meticulously planned trips can encounter unexpected changes. Whether it’s a last-minute schedule shift or an unforeseen event, knowing how to manage existing hotel reservations is crucial for any frequent traveler.
What You Need to Know
This guide delves into the cancellation and rebooking policies of three major hotel chains: Hyatt, Marriott, and Hilton, providing a clear roadmap for navigating these situations.
As with any process like this, it’s always important to read through and understand the Terms and Conditions of the hotel you’re booking. This should be one of the final things you check as you’re working through award searches to make sure that you won’t be forced to pay some exorbitant cancellation fee if your plans change.
Hyatt
It’s no secret that we love Hyatt around these parts. their consumer-friendly policies, incredibly talented customer service reps, and top quality hotels make it a no-brainer for travelers looking to make a booking they’ll be pleased with. So it goes without any surprise that they’re cancellation policy is usually incredibly generous.
- Cancellation: Hyatt offers a user-friendly online platform for managing reservations. Simply log in to your World of Hyatt account, navigate to “My Reservations,” select the desired reservation, and click “Cancel.” Be mindful of the cancellation deadline, which varies depending on the chosen rate. Non-refundable rates typically involve a full charge upon cancellation.
The screengrabs below show the process of selecting your existing reservation, confirming cancellation, and reviewing the many different kinds of cancellation policies that you may stumble across during the process.
Keep in mind that not every hotel has the same cancellation policy, and the policy can change from day to day (especially during peak or holiday times).
- Rebooking: If your plans change, you can attempt to rebook your reservation online, subject to availability and potential rate adjustments. Alternatively, reach out to Hyatt customer service for assistance.
Marriott
Another one of the big 3 hotel brands popular among travel hackers, Marriott has the largest footprint and brands all around the globe. Biggest isn’t always best, but in the case of cancellations and rebookings they have a pretty generous policy.
- Cancellation: Similar to Hyatt, Marriott allows online cancellation through your Marriott Bonvoy account. Navigate to “My Trips” and locate the reservation you wish to modify. Click “Cancel Reservation” and follow the on-screen prompts. Familiarize yourself with the cancellation policy associated with your specific rate category.
The great part about this cancellation process is that they’ll tell you exactly how many points they’ll be refunding to your account, leaving the sleuthing around the cancellation policy itself to a minimum.
- Rebooking: You can attempt to rebook your Marriott reservation online, considering any rate differences between the original and new dates. Alternatively, connect with Marriott customer service for personalized assistance.
Hilton
Last up in our trifecta of hotel giants is Hilton. They’re a great mix of customer service and quality with a footprint somewhere in the middle of Hyatt and Marriott.
- Cancellation: Hilton reservations can be canceled online through your Hilton Honors account. Log in, go to “My Reservations,” select the desired reservation, and click “Cancel Reservation.” Cancellation fees may apply based on the chosen rate and proximity to the arrival date.
- Rebooking: Rebooking through the Hilton Honors online platform is possible, with potential rate adjustments depending on availability and chosen dates. For more complex modifications or personalized assistance, contact Hilton customer service directly.
General Tips
There’s certainly a lot of flexibility with these brands when it comes to canceling or rebooking your stays, but there are still a few things you need to be on the look out for.
- Review the cancellation policy: Always carefully examine the cancellation policy associated with your chosen rate before booking. This information is usually readily available during the booking process and on the hotel chain’s website.
- Act promptly: The earlier you address a cancellation or rebooking request, the greater the chance of securing a full refund or finding suitable alternative accommodations within your desired timeframe.
- Contact customer service: If you encounter any difficulties with the online cancellation or rebooking process, don’t hesitate to contact the respective hotel chain’s customer service department for personalized assistance.
Getting to the Point
By understanding the cancellation and rebooking procedures of these major hotel chains, you can confidently navigate changes in your travel plans and minimize any potential financial impact. Remember, planning and proactive communication are key to a smooth and stress-free travel experience, even when faced with unexpected situations.
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