Anybody ever have any luck getting out of a nonrefundable hotel room?

[rella's fan]

To make a long story short, I thought I would try and save a few bucks by booking a hotel room (Crowne Plaza) using the nonrefundable rate. I'm supposed to be going to a concert next Monday and I'm travelling to get there, however it looks like it could possibly be cancelled (they've cancelled the last 5 shows so it's not looking good - singer is injured). I know it's my own fault for using that rate but just wondering if anybody has ever had any luck getting a refund. I think I can get a credit for airfare (Southwest)?

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Only time I know someone who got out of one was when one of the Hurricanes were going to hit us, and I do mean hit us where we live... other than that, nope...
I take that back, I was set for staying at the Beach Club in Disney and within my 3 day no refund period, I found out my Mom was going into the hospital for an emergency operation for her cancer.. Disney gave me a full refund..and they did another time I had to cancel within the 3 day period due to Charlie hitting my house.

 

[annsteere]

Sounds like that is the chance you took when you chose to book at the non refundable rate.

Any chance the venue that cancels the concert will help?

 

[msmayor]

I've never seen anyone able to get out of the non-refundable rate...because the terms were fully disclosed at time of purchase, they have no incentive to allow you to cancel.

Here's a hint for the future though...next time, book the room at the refundable rate to ensure you have a reservation. Then, on the morning of your planned arrival you should know that you will indeed keep the reservation. Get on line and check for availability on the non-refundable and THEN make the purchase. Once that happens, cancel the original refundable reservation (double check the cancellation period...most require cancellation by 6pm on date of arrival, but some now have anywhere from 24 -48 hours prior to arrival or you will be charged for one night).

 

[Ava]

If you can't get out of the hotel, you could always just take a mini-vacation anyway, even if the concert is cancelled. Where is it? Maybe we can give you some ideas for fun (inexpensive) things to do there.

 

[Parkers_girl]

I know someone who was in almost the same situation as you, and wasn't having any luck getting a refund through the hotel. She called her credit card company and said she lost her card, they sent her a new one and the hotel was never able to charge her card. Not saying this is something you should do, but hey, it worked for her.

 

[Chicago526]

I'm a travel agent and the only time I've had luck is when I have a relationship with that hotel already.

That said, it never hurts to call and ask. Try calling the hotel directly and not the 800 number. If they say 'no', ask for a supervisor, assistant manager, or manager on duty and ask again. Be nice and polite, it always goes farther than anger and name calling.

If that fails, I think you're stuck.

 

[carmie3377]

I'm supposed to be going to a concert next Monday and I'm travelling to get there, however it looks like it could possibly be cancelled (they've cancelled the last 5 shows so it's not looking good - singer is injured).

Is this Aerosmith? We're scheduled to go 7/17 and I'm worried it will be canceled too.

Let us know if you get things resolved. Sending your way.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

I have been able to get a credit (minus a fee) to use within a certain amount of time on a nonrefundable room. I believe it was with Orbitz and Expedia. But both of them were well in advance of the actual date. Being a week out I don't know if you'd be able to. Good luck! It never hurts to ask...politely .

 

[MichiganKris]

I did this earlier this year, I got no where with the 800 number, but then I decided to call the hotel directly. They had me talk to the manager. I explained why I wasn't going to be there, and asked if they could do anything to help my situation. The manager told me that they would give me a credit for part of a future nights stay, or cancel the reservation if the whole hotel filled up. I would suggest being very polite, and explain what your situation is and see what they do. It can't hurt to try.

 

[Marva]

Not yet, but I hear that it is possible

 

[iadis58]

One time when I had booked through Travelocity, I was able to cancel but then it was still about two months out. E-mailed the hotel direct and they canceled it no problems. Price line is a different animal, I tried a couple of times to cancel because things came up and they in no way would budge. I even talked to the manager but they all say the same thing, since it was booked through an on line broker, there was nothing they could do. I have learned to stay away from non refundable rates, seems something always comesup since I tend to book so far out. Agree with the other poster, book the refundable room and then try the lower rate right before your stay. I guess my situation is too fluid to make long term arrangements with no refund chance.

 

[tinkarooni]

I did cancel a non-refundable room and get my money back, the day of arrival even. It was about ten years ago and we drove to Florida, we arrived and really didn't like the looks of the hotel or the area. It was a Holiday Inn but I have no idea now which one it was. I called the hotel and told them we would not be arriving after all and asked very very nicely if I could cancel my reservation. They first woman told me no but I asked for a manager and the mgr agreed. I couldn't believe it myself. Than we went up the street and walked into another hotel and got a better deal in a nicer place. (It was September in Disney, you can walk in just about anywhere it's so quiet, at least you could ten years ago) Did you try to call the hotel and ask?

 

[WeLuvTink!]

I agree with previous posters and recommend you call the hotel directly and plead your case. I did this successfully last year when a class I was taking for work got canceled. The 800# folks said "no" but the local hotel staff said "no problem".

 

[rella's fan]

Yes, it's Aerosmith - I'm a huge fan. The show is in Fort Lauderdale on Monday so there is still time for him to get better. If not, the mall across the street from the hotel looks great (Sawgrass Mills). Could be an expensive shopping trip LOL. Anything else fun to do in Fort Lauderdale? Thanks for all the suggestions, I'm going to wait it out and then it doesn't hurt to call the hotel if the concert is cancelled.

 

[Sam's_Mom]

Several times lately we have arrived at a hotel that was a nonrefundable prepaid stay and have discovered that we weren't charged in advance. In those cases if I had called the hotel directly I could have canceled without trouble.

I did cancel a Holiday Inn stay that was prepaid in Daytona with no trouble in the last few weeks.

 

[rella's fan]

Just wanted to update that my concert was cancelled. I called the hotel directly and spoke with 2 different people. One gave me a glimmer of hope and the other basically said I was out of luck. Good news - I checked my online credit card statement and the charges were refunded. Learned a valuable lesson - I'll never book a prepaid non-refundable room again!!! This was a Crowne Plaza.

 

[carmie3377]

Just wanted to update that my concert was cancelled. I called the hotel directly and spoke with 2 different people. One gave me a glimmer of hope and the other basically said I was out of luck. Good news - I checked my online credit card statement and the charges were refunded. Learned a valuable lesson - I'll never book a prepaid non-refundable room again!!! This was a Crowne Plaza.

Sorry to hear the concert was cancelled, but at least you got your money back on the hotel room. Any word on any reschedule of the concert and if so, you plan on going?