Yes, a hotel can cancel your booking on Booking.com, though they are generally required to provide a valid reason. Common reasons in 2026 include credit card failure (if the card on file is declined during a pre-authorization check), "force majeure" (such as a burst pipe or power failure), or a "rate error" where the room was listed at an impossibly low price due to a technical glitch. If the hotel cancels your reservation, Booking.com’s 2026 policy generally requires the property to help you find "alternative accommodation of equal or better quality." However, if the cancellation is due to your card being invalid and you fail to update it within 24 hours of being notified, the hotel can cancel without penalty. To protect yourself in 2026, always ensure your contact information is correct and read the "Fine Print" on your confirmation, as some smaller boutique hotels may have stricter "re-confirmation" rules than large chains.