Originally Posted by
Scottrick
Several people have given examples of cancellations beyond their control, eg, a snow storm, but these are different because they weren't entirely predictable either.
In my opinion, if you are already thinking of reasons why you would have to cancel, then you shouldn't book a non-refundable rate.
+1, its 1 thing if out of the blue something comes up, be it weather or flight CXed or car accident and thusly not being able to make it 'that' night to the hotel. Its way different when months in advance you think you may have something more important that will prevent your arrival months from now.
For these kind of times I like booking with pts for a free night just make sure you note the CX policy so you dont get caught not being able to get out of it. Then when the day is close at hand I will recheck the rates to see if it now pays to keep the award stay or to book a pd night