Refundable vs Non-refundable

Refundable vs non-refundable is the most important choice you make when booking a hotel. "Refundable" (also called "Flexible") lets you cancel up to a deadline (usually 24-48 hours before arrival) and pay nothing. "Non-refundable" charges your card immediately at booking and offers no refunds if you cancel, even one minute after you book. The trade-off: non-refundable rates are 15-25% cheaper, sometimes more on resort destinations. When to choose what: non-refundable for confirmed business trips or anniversary dates you can't change; refundable for trips with any uncertainty (kids, weather, work). Pro tip: many hotels honor "goodwill" cancellations on non-refundable bookings if you call before arrival with a legitimate reason, it's worth asking.