The time it takes for a Hilton hotel to refund can vary from one hotel to another. Usually, it takes 48 to 72 hours. It can take up to 30 days max. The best way to determine is to get in touch with the Hilton hotel where you are staying.
It is always essential to read the cancellation policy before the payment when booking hotel rooms.
But with changes and unavoidable circumstances, we sometimes must cancel reservations. And so, despite reading the policy, we cannot avoid cancellations.
But again, it helps to know where you stand.
Here, I will be talking about the cancellation policy of Hilton. I will also discuss how to check the cancellation terms and conditions. We discuss flexible and non-refundable stays, too.
The Hilton Cancellation Policy
Generally, Hilton will need you to send in your cancellations 48 to 72 hours before the check-in date. But it sometimes depends on the type of room that you booked. It also depends on the location of the Hilton hotel.
There are also rates like the advanced purchase rates that you cannot refund. Although some say there are workarounds, these are those you can never cancel.
You should know that you could cancel your Hilton booking at least 24 hours before the check-in date in the previous years. But beginning 2017 until today, they changed the policy to 48 to 72 hours before the check-in date.
The Differing Cancellation Policies
Not all Hilton hotels (or those under the Hilton brand) have the same guidelines as above.
There are Hilton properties where canceling 72 hours before the check-in date is unacceptable. Some properties accept cancellations 24 hours before the check-in date.
It simply means that cancellation guidelines differ from one Hilton property to another.
You would also notice that the different policies are not applicable per property. You will also find differences in the types of room rates.
For example, flexible rates require that you cancel within 48 to 72 hours. The same is valid with Honors discount rates.
On the other hand, some semi-flex rates require that you cancel at least five (5) days before the check-in date.
I suggest you read through the cancellation policy before finalizing that booking to be safe.
The Cancellation Restrictions
I believe you should also be aware that there are cancellation restrictions.
For example, there are hotels (and very common in resorts) where cancellation restrictions are far out. For instance, Hilton’s Kings’ Land has a 30-day cancellation policy.
And in some instances, when you cancel a flexible fare way past the cut-off time, you will find yourself charged the cost of the first night. So, if you cancel after the cut-off time, it will feel like you still went through with your booking.
The same is true with your points.
If you booked using your points, you would eventually lose the points for the first night that you must pay for.
If you find yourself with a hotel booking with cancellation restrictions, I have one suggestion. The suggestion is that you re-book instead of canceling.
Some would re-book it at least 30 days later. After a while, they would cancel the reservations and get a refund.
Hilton Cancellation and Points
Sometimes, you book yourself a Hilton property using your points.
When canceling, the same cancellation policy applies.
First, it depends on the Hilton property. Some would send you back and refund. Some will not.
Other Hilton properties can refund your points after 48 to 72 hours. Other properties will refund it 30 days later.
Waiving Cancellation Fees
Hilton can waive cancellation fees in some instances.
For example, natural disasters like hurricanes can be a reason enough for Hilton to be reasonable. They can work with you and cancel even the non-refundable ones.
But if, for instance, you are canceling because of a canceled party, the story may be a bit different. You may find it hard to convince Hilton to cancel without any penalty.
In cases of bad weather, you can try calling the property first. See what the Hilton property can offer.
But in cases when you want to cancel a non-refundable rate for no apparent reason, you may have to get in touch with Hilton Honors and try your luck.
Guests with elite status like the Diamond status can call the Hilton Diamond desk. This way, you can try to reason out with Hilton.
There are non-refundable rates that get easily refunded. There are also those that you cannot. Things like this are those they handle on a case-by-case basis. They would like to hear your reasons for canceling.
At some point, Hilton may make one-time exceptions. They may allow you to cancel without incurring penalties. But this is never always the case.
List of Contents
Do Hilton points get refunded?
When you book a Hilton property using your points, you can still refund them when you cancel. You have to log in to your Hilton Honors Account, manage reservations, and cancel the booking.
Each hotel may have different cancellation policies than the others. Hilton Honors says that each hotel establishes additional procedures in its terms and conditions. It means that the cancellation policy you should follow is that of the hotel you booked in.
An advantage when booking in a hotel chain like Hilton is the chance to cancel your booking without penalty.
But what if you booked the property using your points?
Can you still refund your points after cancellation? Or is it time to say goodbye to these hard-earned points that you used?
Generally, when you book with an established hotel chain through its website, there is no qualm when you have to cancel.
But remember that there are always restrictions. One of these restrictions is to book the property at a refundable rate. You should not be booking a prepaid, in this case.
Aside from that, the other restriction is that you have to cancel your booking within a specific timeframe.
Usually, the timeframe is 48 to 72 hours before your check-in date. However, there are times when the time frame is longer than 72 hours. There are also times when the time frame can be as short as 24 hours.
The same rules apply to Hilton properties if you booked the property using your points and not cash. You can also refund your points with Hilton. It is always common in large hotel brands like Marriott, Hyatt, and IHG.
The most common is up to 72 hours before your arrival at the property when it comes to the timeframe.
Here are other examples of hotels where you can refund your points.
– Marriott – cancellation should be 48 hours before the arrival.
– Hyatt – cancellation should be 48 hours before arrival
– IHG – cancellation should be 24 hours before arrival
– Wyndham – you need to cancel 24 hours before the arrival at the property
As always, remember that some Hilton hotels have varying cancellation policies. It is true even in points.
The reason for this is that some of these hotels operate as franchises.
One instance is the Millennium Hilton Hotel in Bangkok. They have a stricter cancellation policy.
If you can check the Hilton Honors terms and conditions, you will find the statement that says:
“Additional cancellation policies are also established by each hotel and may differ from the general cancellation policy. In that case, the hotel’s cancellation policy applies.”
You should know the refund policy upon booking. If this is not part of the discussion upon booking, the assumption is that you will get your points back.
But nothing beats reading the cancellation policy instead of just assuming.
Make sure always to read the terms and conditions. Familiarize yourself with the hotel’s cancellation policy.
What happens when I cancel a non-refundable reservation?
If a reservation is non-refundable, there is nothing much that you can do. You will most likely not get your money back.
Now, there are times when a hotel is already booked. But for one reason, you have to cancel.
If you booked a refundable Hilton property, there should be no problem at all. But in cases when you have a non-refundable Hilton reservation, I’m afraid there is nothing much that you can do from here.
More likely, you will not be getting your money back.
But there are cases when you have to cancel because of unavoidable circumstances.
These circumstances can be typhoons, a tragedy, or anything similar in nature. Should that be the case, you can contact Hilton customer service.
By contacting them, you can ask for an exception to the rule. Hilton may grant you an exception. Or they may not.
But if there is one thing you should learn here, it never hurts if you ask.
So, go ahead.
Dial that phone now and ask.
Why do hotels ask for deposits?
Ultimately, the main reason for deposits is to ensure a reservation. It is the hotel’s way to guarantee a booking. A deposit separates a guest that is sure to check in from a guest who may just be asking around.
Generally, when guests make bookings for hotel rooms, he or they may get to pay an advance deposit.
Most hotels do this. The amount varies depending on the hotel. And the manner of payment is usually through credit card or check.
Some hotels charge you for the same amount of a night’s stay. Other hotels charge a percentage of a night’s stay.
Whatever the cost may be, the reason for deposits is simple. It is to guarantee a booking.
Deposits help hotels, motels, resorts, and inns get ready for the guest’s arrival. These should also allow the hotel to budget finances and other things.
Not all hotel rooms require an advance deposit. But this is becoming more and more popular as of late. It is especially true among big brands and more luxurious accommodations.
Before Checking In
As soon as you arrive at the property, just before your check-in, the front desk staff will always ask for a credit or a debit card.
This step should allow them to put the charges on the card. But don’t worry. Because before they put the costs on the card, they must let you know first.
The charge is now what we call the advance deposit.
Usually, it is less than the cost of a night’s stay at the hotel. There are rare instances when hotels charge far more than that. But these hotels are scarce.
As mentioned earlier, hotel staff should let you know of this payment upon booking. This should avoid any surprises on the part of the cardholder. It should also prevent awkward questions later on.
Also, the hotel staff would notify you if you incurred additional charges. Examples of these charges are pet charges, cleaning fees, parking, and a lot more.
If you use a debit card and not a credit card, the amount is deducted right away from your account. Unlike credit cards, the banks allow a hold of the funds available to your name.
On the other hand, debit cards have limitations based on your available funds. Be careful which cards you should use.
Before Booking
There are other more expensive and luxurious hotels. In these hotels, the advance deposits can be more expensive than others.
You may want to stay in these types of rooms. But you hesitate because of restrictions on cancellation.
Should this be the case, always read the cancellation policy. The one statement you should look out for is the one that says, “advance deposits are non-refundable.”
Once you see this, think things over.
This step is beneficial, especially during common holidays.
Hotels sometimes become stricter in their cancellation policies during holidays and significant events. Be careful.
Some hotels are strict when it comes to timelines. Make sure to familiarize yourself with that as well.
And finally, sometimes, you book hotels through third-party websites. These websites, for example, are Expedia, Agoda, or Priceline. There are a lot more websites like these three.
Each booking platform has its cancellation policy. It should be helpful to be familiar with them before you book. If you booked through them, read through their cancellation policies as well.