What do the phrases ‘no free cancellation’ and ‘no refunds’ mean?

• The ‘free cancellation’ clause means that if you cancel your booking within a specified period, you can do so without paying any cancellation fees. This period may vary from hotel to hotel and is usually a timeframe set before the check-in date. If you cancel within the free cancellation period, the amount you paid will be refunded to you.

• The "non-refundable" clause, on the other hand, indicates that the amount you have paid will not be refunded even if you cancel the booking. Such bookings are usually offered at discounted rates and have stricter cancellation terms. If you cancel a booking with a non-refundable policy, the hotel may retain all or part of your payment.

When making a booking, it is important to review these policies carefully and, if flexibility is required in your travel plans, to opt for hotels that offer a free cancellation option.