Originally Posted by
BlissWorld
Does anyone know if using a hotels.com coupon code makes a normally refundable reservation nonrefundable? I'm reading the T&C for the hotels.com coupon and it mentioned something to the effect of "coupon is valid on hotels.com pre-paid price guarantee hotels." The fact that hotels.com charges the reservation rate in full at booking scares me.
Shouldn't make a difference. I use hotels.com a lot, and have refunded things several times, including when coupons are used. They refund quickly and it's painless (just click cancel online) -- usually the refund shows up on the CC in 2-3 days.
Just be sure before you book what the cancellation policy is. I always expand out the section about "we don't charge a cancellation fee, but..." to read the cancel/change rules on your rate. Usually it's cancel 2-3 days out or more for a full refund, and you're set. Just check that part because it varies by property and rate.
It's pretty common for these third parties to charge up front, so I wouldn't be scared about it.