That is why you should read and understand the fine print before ever prepaying for anything. On the booking.com website:

1. You contacted us immediately after booking with all the details of the other deal including a link to the offer on the website and the exact price being quoted.
2. The other deal is bookable online and is still available when we check.
3. The other deal is subject to the same booking conditions you’ve chosen with Booking.com. This means:
◦It's the same property.
◦It's the same room type, apartment type, etc.
◦The check-in and check-out dates are the same.
◦It has identical room conditions attached (including the meal plan, cancellation policy, package offer, etc.)

4. The conditions of your booking with us still allow penalty-free cancellations and modifications.


You win some, you lose some. That is the whole idea behind the prepay-non cancellable concept. Hotel is guaranteed that income.