Can a hotel charge a cancellation fee?

Question

Hello,

I have made a reservation with a hotel, however it happens that I can not make it there and have cancelled 2 days before my reservation arrival. The hotel says they will charge me one day cancellation fee with the credit card I gave them over the phone. The only place that the policy is written is on their website and it says 3 days notice is required (I think that's alot). Is this allowed and can I dispute with visa since I have given more than 2 days notice and no service was given and if so, what is required? Thanks

Answer 1

They stated their policy and that's what you have to go by.  Ask if they will give you a credit for one nights stay in the near future.

Answer 2

most hotels have a 50 dollar cancellation fee...i was going to stay at a hotel in Desdin Florida...when i got there, it was filthy and the ocean front view didnt exist...needless to say even though they lied..it cost me 50 dollars...some will work with you though if you call them...but some wont!

Answer 3

you can't do anything about it, especially since the website states clearly 3 days.

Sorry bout your luck ;(

Answer 4

The policy, as you stated, says 3 days notice is required -- if you're only giving 2 days notice, then they have every right to charge you the cancellation fee (as you would have needed to cancel more than 3 days before checking-in.

Don't even think about disputing the charge, that would be unethical.

It's not that "no service was given" -- the real issue is that they held a room for you, and they will now most likely not be able to fill that room, hence, they will lose the money they would have gotten from you.  Be glad they are not charging you for the whole stay (there are some hotels that do that).