Orbitz is really confusing me about their cancellation policy for hotel bookings. First, they make this claim:
Cancellation: Plans change, we understand. Orbitz doesn't charge a fee when you cancel your reservation. However Best Western Chincoteague Island may charge change and cancellation fees.
Ok, so I suppose I'll see cancellation policies that parallel those on the hotel's own website. But, no they seem to be completely different. For example, on a rate that is cancellable until 4 pm the day of arrival at the hotel site, Orbitz claims this is the hotel's policy (and I'm seeing the same sort of differences for EVERY property I have checked so far):
Pre-payment: Prepayment by credit card required
Hotel change and cancellation policy:
Cancellations or changes made within 1 day prior to 12:01 AM local hotel time on the day of arrival are subject to a $103.94 charge. Cancellations or changes made after 12:01 AM local hotel time on the day of arrival are subject to a 100% charge. We are sorry but refunds are not available for early check-out.
What the heck is going on here - is Orbitz lying about not charging a fee that the hotel does not normally charge?
And what does this really mean:
Will my credit card be charged for the entire stay at the time of booking? (the same rate booked through the hotel would not be charged anything ahead of time)
Will I get a full refund if and only if I cancel before 12:01 AM the day before arrival or is 12:01 AM the day of arrival they really mean?
I can understand their twisted language and don't want to get caught with unexpected charges.