Originally Posted by SanDiego1K

It is possible that if you speak directly to the hotel, they will cancel with no penalty.



You have to actually stay.



If the hotel will not allow you to cancel with no penalty, I would do this. Check in and leave. Don't bother to check out. Many of us don't. You will be auto checked out the following morning.

Originally Posted by craigthemif

Unless you check-in, you won't get anything. It doesn't matter what you think you are entitled to - the rules are the rules.

If you can pass by the hotel, however briefly, and check-in... that is your best bet. Don't check out unless you want to screw everything up. It will happen automatically the next morning.