US Hotel Bookings

SteveyJC

Hello everybody,

This is kind of difficult to explain, so please stick with it, and I will try to explain it the best I can.

I will be going to Los Angeles for a conference in the autumn. The conference lasts for a maximum of 5 days, however, depending on what days certain things are on, it may only be necessary for me to be in Los Angeles for one or two days. I wish to move to a different part of California ASAP after the conference.

I would ideally like to book my hotel now, as I will no doubt get things at a better rate, than waiting until August, when the final timetable of the conference is published. But at this early stage I would have to book it for 5 days, but If I were to cancel and re-book in August, the price will no doubt have increased.

Is there any way I can book this and cancel certain nights without penalty? I guess I could go to the holiday inn, etc website and book each night individually, however, they will prob want me to check out and in every day (not really viable).

Thanks for your help with this matter
Stevey

jenniferpa

Most hotels in the US (well business hotel chains anyway) allow cancellations up to 4 pm on the day of check in. Also, reservations, although made for so many days are generally only payable day by day (you don't actually go to reception to do this, they've already got your CC). In other words, I would anticipate you would have no cancellation charge should you decide to leave early. Obviously tourist style hotels are different. You need to check the individual hotel terms when booking.

Jennifer

weejenny

Stayed in LA in Feb at Wiltshire Grand (got good rate and was upgraded on arrival). After initial booking had to book extra night and this was taken as separate booking. So if you wanted you could book 2 nights then the 3 that you may not need and cancel as required. As Jennifer said it is so easy in US to do this.
If rate comes down after you book you can cancel and rebook at lower rate.
WJ

Bob63

Be careful and check the cancellation policies - for cancellations prior to arrival cancellation and for early checkout. Some hotels, Starwood group for example, do have an early checkout penalty. As long as you know what this is at the time you book you can make a decision on whether to stay at that hotel.

AFAIK the other big chains like Marriot, Holiday Inn and Hilton don't have early checkout penalties. However, as all the US disclaimers say - your mileage may vary, objects in the rear view mirror may closer than they appear.

Mike