I booked a non-refundable hotel room for a conference last year. $240 for one night. The conference got postponed and I assumed I was out $240. The hotel’s cancellation policy said “non-refundable” in bold letters. I almost did not even try.

I got every cent back. Here is how.

The Rebook-and-Cancel Trick

Most hotels will let you modify your reservation more freely than cancel it. So you call and ask to move your reservation to a date two or three weeks later — a date far enough out that the cancellation policy resets. Hotels almost always allow date changes, even on non-refundable rates, because it costs them nothing.

Once the reservation is moved to the new date, wait a day, then call back and cancel. The new reservation typically has a standard 24-48 hour cancellation window. You cancel within that window, you get a full refund. The original non-refundable terms applied to the original dates — which no longer exist.

Yes, this is a bit sneaky. It also works about 80% of the time. The key is to call and speak to a person, not cancel online. Online systems are rigid. Humans have discretion and want to avoid bad reviews.

What to Actually Say on the Phone

Do not demand a refund. Do not threaten a bad review. Say: “I have a reservation for [date] and unfortunately my plans changed. Is there any way you can help me out with a refund or a credit for a future stay?”

Front desk agents hear complaints all day. Someone who is polite and asks for help — not demands — stands out. They will often offer a refund even when the policy says no.

Book Through the Hotel Directly

Third-party booking sites add a layer between you and the refund. The hotel will say “you booked through Expedia, contact them” and Expedia will say “the hotel sets the policy, contact them.” Book directly with the hotel whenever possible. The cancellation policies are often more flexible and you deal with one person instead of two call centers.