Hilton—Can I do this?

[Anonymous]

We have a suite booked at a Hilton for a small wedding, sort of as a gathering place where we will provide some refreshments as the bridesmaids and bride get prepared. When I booked it months ago I booked the “flex option” where I could cancel up to a day before. Out of curiosity today I looked and the same suite is $150 cheaper if I book it “non-refundable” right now. The wedding is this weekend. Any harm if I rebook and then cancel? I mean, is there a catch I’m not seeing?

[Anonymous]

If the storm moved in you can’t cancel and you risk losing the room if someone rebooks before you do

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If the storm moved in you can’t cancel and you risk losing the room if someone rebooks before you do

We are in Florida.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If the storm moved in you can’t cancel and you risk losing the room if someone rebooks before you do

If it's available right now, you avoid the swoop in by booking the non-refundable room before canceling the refundable one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have a suite booked at a Hilton for a small wedding, sort of as a gathering place where we will provide some refreshments as the bridesmaids and bride get prepared. When I booked it months ago I booked the “flex option” where I could cancel up to a day before. Out of curiosity today I looked and the same suite is $150 cheaper if I book it “non-refundable” right now. The wedding is this weekend. Any harm if I rebook and then cancel? I mean, is there a catch I’m not seeing?

No I have done that with flights in the past- booked fully refundable, and then couple days before, once plans were solidified, the non-refundable option was $100 cheaper. Cancelled, rebooked.

Of course only do that if everything is in good shape and you don't see any reason that you would cancel after rebooking into the non-refundable option.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If the storm moved in you can’t cancel and you risk losing the room if someone rebooks before you do

If it's available right now, you avoid the swoop in by booking the non-refundable room before canceling the refundable one.

Yup smart move.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have a suite booked at a Hilton for a small wedding, sort of as a gathering place where we will provide some refreshments as the bridesmaids and bride get prepared. When I booked it months ago I booked the “flex option” where I could cancel up to a day before. Out of curiosity today I looked and the same suite is $150 cheaper if I book it “non-refundable” right now. The wedding is this weekend. Any harm if I rebook and then cancel? I mean, is there a catch I’m not seeing?

No I have done that with flights in the past- booked fully refundable, and then couple days before, once plans were solidified, the non-refundable option was $100 cheaper. Cancelled, rebooked.

Of course only do that if everything is in good shape and you don't see any reason that you would cancel after rebooking into the non-refundable option.

Thanks. I will likely wait until there are only a couple hours to spare, since I’ll be paying anyway at that point. I just wanted to be sure I wasn’t missing something!

[Anonymous]

Personally, I would call and have someone do this for me on the phone. I would be afraid of something disappearing online. Just explain the plan and maybe they can just adjust it for you.

[Anonymous]

I just did this with a Hilton property last weekend. I made the new reservation before cancelling the old one. Please note that the new one didn't show up in upcoming stays immediately. It was probably 5 or so minutes later and even a bit after I'd received email confirmation of the new reservation.

[Anonymous]

I work for a hotel company and yes, you can do this. Book the prepaid rate before you cancel the other rate.

[Anonymous]

We do this with our summer vacation all the time. We book refundable in February and when we get to a week out, we check rates and rebook non refundable if they are lower. Typically, everything is sold out and we keep the initial reservation, but it's saved us some money a few times

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If the storm moved in you can’t cancel and you risk losing the room if someone rebooks before you do

STorm???

[Anonymous]

I work for a hotel company

So, Hotel Person .. does the hotel see this? np here. Does the hotel notice when customers are trying to be clever. Just asking.

[Anonymous]

The hotel sees this, but it’s “legal.” You are booking a publicly available rate. You are also taking the risk of not getting a free cancellation.

Personally, they get cancellations all the time for refundable rate rates. If you have a valid booking, they will give it to you.

[Anonymous]

Why not just call them and ask them if they'll reduce the price?