Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.

[Expired] Hotel Cancellation Policies Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Everything You Need To Know

Katie Corrigan Seemann's image
Katie Corrigan Seemann
Edited by: Keri Stooksbury
Jump to Section

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Update: The details below have expired and are no longer valid.

The ongoing outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has changed daily life and put a halt to many travel plans. If you have a hotel stay that’s been affected by COVID-19, you may be wondering what your options are as far as modifying or changing your reservation.

We detail the cancellation policies of major hotel chains and online travel agencies so that you can easily get the information you need. The current situation is ever-evolving, so these policies are subject to change.

For each hotel chain, we’ve also included the recommended way to cancel or change your reservation if there is one. If there isn’t a specific cancellation method listed, your best bet would be to email or call the hotel chain directly.

For information about airlines and cruise lines check out cruise cancellation policies due to COVID-19 and airline cancellation policies due to COVID-19.

Hotel Cancellation Policies Due to COVID-19

Accor

Currently, there are no special COVID-19 cancellation policies for stays in Europe and North America. The policy that was stated at the time of booking will apply.

For hotels outside of Europe and North America, guests with reservations for a stay on or before June 30, 2022, may change their reservations without a fee (subject to availability and applicable rates and conditions).

To cancel a hotel reservation, contact the hotel directly.

For more information about Accor’s response to COVID-19, click here.

Best Western

Best Western does not currently have any enhanced cancellation policies due to COVID-19. Refer to your hotel’s specific policy for more information.

For more information about Best Western’s response to COVID-19, click here.

Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels does not currently have any enhanced cancellation policies due to COVID-19. Refer to your hotel’s specific policy for more information. You can modify a cancellable rate online.

For more information about Choice Hotel’s response to COVID-19, click here.

Hilton

All Hilton hotels now offer free changes and cancellations to any reservation, with most locations honoring this policy until up to 24 hours before your stay.

If you booked on the Hilton website or via the Hilton app, you can change or cancel your reservation by contacting the Hilton Guest Assistance team. Phone numbers for each country can be found here.

For more information about Hilton’s response to COVID-19, click here.

Hot Tip: Don’t forget to check your hotel’s elite status policy changes due to COVID-19.

Hyatt

Any reservations booked on or after July 1, 2020, are subject to the cancellation policy disclosed at the time of booking.

To cancel your reservation booked through Hyatt, use the website or mobile app.

For more information about Hyatt’s response to COVID-19, click here.

IHG

All reservations at IHG hotels can be changed without penalty and most can be canceled without a fee.

You can change or cancel your reservation that was booked directly with IHG online or by phone.

For more information about IHG’s response to COVID-19, click here.

Marriott

Currently, there are no special cancellation policies due to COVID-19 — the hotel’s individual cancellation policy at the time of booking will apply.

For more information about Marriott’s response to COVID-19, click here.

Radisson

The cancellation policy at the time of booking applies to your reservation with the exception of the following:

  • For stays in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, India, and Asia Pacific through December 31, 2022, changes and cancellations can be made without a fee up to 24 hours before the arrival date.
  • For stays in the Americas, individual hotel cancellation policies in place at the time of booking will apply.

For Radisson’s full policy regarding COVID-19, click here for Radisson Hotels Americas and Radisson Hotels.

Wyndham

The hotel’s individual cancellation policy stated at the time of booking will apply.

For Wyndham’s full policy regarding COVID-19, click here.

Hot Tip: The policies above apply for direct bookings with the hotel chain or property. If you booked your reservation through a third party, like a travel agent or online travel agency website, you’ll need to contact your booking provider to change your reservation.

Online Travel Agency Cancellation Policies Due to COVID-19

book hotel online
Your cancellation policy is dependent on where you booked your room. Image Credit: Angelov via Adobe Stock

If you booked your hotel through an online travel agency, you may be held to different cancellation policies than those offered by the hotel itself.

Agoda

Free cancellation will be available on some reservations online in the My Bookings section.

If your travel is more than 2 weeks away, Agoda recommends waiting to cancel or modify your reservation, as your reservation’s free cancellation eligibility can change.

For Agoda’s full policy regarding COVID-19, click here.

AmexTravel.com

Bookings made through AmexTravel.com are subject to each hotel’s individual cancellation policy.

For AmexTravel.com’s full policy regarding COVID-19, click here.

Booking.com

No updated cancellation policy has been published. Booking.com advises you to contact the individual hotel or visit its online help center if you need to change or cancel a reservation.

Capital One Travel

The procedures to change or cancel your travel booked with Capital One Travel may vary based on if you booked before or after August 26, 2021. You can find the cancellation policies in your confirmation email or call 844-422-6922 for more information.

For Capital One Travel’s full policy regarding COVID-19, click here.

Chase Travel Portal

If you booked a hotel room through the Chase Travel portal, your reservation is subject to the hotel’s individual policy regarding changes and cancellations.

For Chase Travel’s full policy regarding COVID-19, click here.

Citi ThankYou Rewards

Citi’s travel portal is powered by cxLoyalty and most hotel bookings are refundable until 72 hours before check-in.

Log in to your Citi ThankYou Rewards account and check the My Trips section to make changes online.

For cxLoyalty’s full policy regarding COVID-19, click here.

Expedia

Expedia does not have an enhanced cancellation policy due to COVID-19. Each individual hotel’s policy will apply.

For Expedia’s full policy regarding COVID-19, click here.

GetaRoom

There is no GetaRoom COVID-19 cancellation policy published.

Hot Tip: Does travel insurance cover coronavirus-related claims? Check out our guide to travel insurance and COVID-19 for assistance.

Hopper

Hopper does not have an extended cancellation policy due to COVID-19. If you would like to cancel your hotel reservation, please use the Contact Support option on your trip in the app and then select the Cancel Booking option. You may be asked to fill out a cancellation form that Hopper will send to you in a message.

Hotels.com

If you booked a hotel on Hotels.com, the individual hotel location’s policy will apply. If you need to change or cancel a reservation, you can do so online in your account or via the chat feature.

For Hotel.com’s full policy regarding COVID-19, click here.

HotelTonight

Any reservations made after March 14, 2020, will not have an updated cancellation policy. However, cancellations will be permitted in the following situations with documentation:

  • The guest has contracted COVID-19 or is suspected of being infected.
  • The guest is complying with disease control restrictions implemented by government or health authorities.
  • The guest needs to perform medical or disease control duties related to COVID-19.
  • Flight or ground transportation cancellations by the airline or provider.

You can cancel or change your HotelTonight reservation online or by calling 877-522-3344.

Hotwire

Hotwire‘s cancellation policies and refunds follow the individual hotel’s policy. Hot Rate hotels are non-refundable.

For Hotwire’s full policy regarding COVID-19, click here.

Orbitz

Orbitz is not offering any special cancellation or change policy in response to COVID-19.

Priceline

Priceline‘s cancellation policies and refunds follow the individual hotel’s policy. If your travel is more than 72 hours away, you can cancel your reservation online in the My Trips section of the website.

Travelocity

Travelocity‘s cancellation policies and refunds follow the individual hotel’s policy. To change cancel a refundable rate, visit the customer service portal.

For Travelocity’s full policy regarding COVID-19, click here.

Hot Tip: For more information about these websites, check out our guide to the best websites to book hotels at the lowest prices.

Advertisement

Airbnb Cancellation Policies Due to COVID-19

Airbnb reservations made after March 14, 2020, are subject to the host’s cancellation policy, however, some circumstances related to COVID-19 are covered under the Extenuating Circumstances Policy. This policy’s coverage for if a member of your party gets sick with COVID-19 ends on May 31, 2022.

In addition, the new Airbnb Guest COVID Support Program will cover guests who can’t travel due to government mandates like border closures or extended quarantine requirements that weren’t in place at the time of booking. This new program applies to reservations with a check-in date on or after December 1, 2021. Under this policy, qualified guests who can’t obtain refunds through their Airbnb Host will receive a travel coupon worth 50% of the unrefunded portion of their reservation.

Airbnb will also be introducing a new guest insurance plan in the Spring of 2022.

For Airbnb’s full policy regarding COVID-19, click here.

Final Thoughts

Having to cancel or change a vacation because of something that is out of your control is never fun. Thankfully, many hotels are offering flexible policies that allow you to modify your hotel reservation without penalty.

While the world is still dealing with the ongoing pandemic, just remember it won’t last forever. We will all, once again, be able to travel freely anywhere our heart desires (and anywhere our points can take us)!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I cancel my hotel reservation?

If you booked directly with the hotel, you’ll want to contact it directly to cancel or modify your reservation. If you booked with a third party, you’ll need to contact the booking provider. Regardless, most hotels and online travel agencies are requesting that you fill out their online form or contact them via email in lieu of calling unless your reservation is within 72 hours.

Are there travel insurance options for hotels?

You may be wondering about purchasing travel insurance for any upcoming trips. Check out some of our great guides to help you out.

Are online travel agencies offering free changes and cancellations on hotel rooms?

Most online travel agencies will default to the individual hotel’s cancellation and change policy, so you’ll want to check that first. If you do need to change or cancel your reservation, you’ll have to do so through the agency you booked with.

Are masks required at U.S. hotels?

Mask policies can vary by region and brand, so you’ll need to check with your individual hotel for its policy.

Katie Corrigan Seemann's image

About Katie Corrigan Seemann

Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then, and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, LongWeekends Magazine, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy  and terms of service  apply.

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

We Recommend

Platinum Card® from American Express

  • You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
Show more
  • More Value! With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. * As of 07/2025.
  • More Value! $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
  • More Value! $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at participating partners. Enrollment required.
  • More Value! $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • New! $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: When you use the Platinum Card® to pay at U.S. Resy restaurants and to make other eligible purchases through Resy, you can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter with the $400 Resy Credit benefit. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you, enrollment required.
  • More Value! $209 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account*. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
  • Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
  • New! $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®.*Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
  • $100 Saks Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on the Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. No minimum purchase required. Enrollment required.
  • Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
  • $895 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.
DMCA.com Protection Status