Many hotel stays are refundable as long as you cancel within at least 48 hours. But some aren't. If you leave without making any arrangements, the hotel probably will charge you for the full stay. Experts say hotels consider refund requests on a case-by-case basis.

Securing a full refund, especially for a "non-refundable" booking or one past the deadline, requires a strategic rather than an aggressive approach. First, check if your reason falls under "Force Majeure" or significant travel disruptions (like a natural disaster or government restriction), as hotels often grant automatic refunds in these cases. If the reason is personal, such as a medical emergency or a death in the family, gather documentation (like a doctor's note) and contact the hotel directly—preferably the General Manager or Director of Operations via email rather than a front desk agent. Acknowledge the policy you agreed to, then politely explain your exceptional circumstances. Many hotels, out of "goodwill," will offer a full refund or a "transferable credit" for a future stay to avoid a negative review. If the booking was made through a third party like Expedia, you must often get the hotel's approval first before the agency can release the funds. Lastly, check your credit card benefits, as many premium cards offer trip cancellation insurance that covers the cost.