Hotels with free cancellation

These rates can be cancelled free of charge up to a deadline set by the property, typically 24 to 72 hours before check-in. Booking flexibly usually costs a little more than a non-refundable rate, and whether that premium is worth paying depends entirely on how firm your plans are.

Before you book, check

• The exact deadline, in the property's local time zone. We show it in full on every rate.
• Whether the deadline is the same for every room in the property. It often is not.
• Whether cancelling reverses the payment or leaves a credit. Card holds are released rather than refunded, which can take a few days to appear.
• Whether a deposit is taken at booking or the card is only held.

Worth it for: Trips built around something that can move: a connecting flight, a match, a meeting, weather.