Can I Change Reservation Dates?
Most hotel bookings cannot have dates modified after confirmation. However, you have options.
Quick Answer
Standard bookings: Cannot change dates directly
Alternative: Cancel and rebook (if within cancellation period)
Best practice: Contact us first - we'll check with supplier
Why Dates Can't Be Changed
Industry Standard
Hotel bookings are contracts:
- Specific dates agreed upon
- Hotel allocates inventory
- Rates locked at time of booking
- Changes affect hotel's inventory management
System Limitations
Technical reasons:
- Different rates on different dates
- Availability changes
- Multiple suppliers involved
- Pricing algorithms
Your Options
Option 1: Cancel and Rebook
If you have free cancellation:
- Check cancellation deadline
- Cancel current booking
- Search for new dates
- Book new reservation
Advantages:
- ✅ Get new dates you want
- ✅ See current prices
- ✅ Choose from available rooms
Disadvantages:
- ❌ Price may have changed
- ❌ Room might not be available
- ❌ Lose original rate
Example:
Original: Nov 10-15 @ $100/night = $500
Cancel: Within free cancellation ✅
Rebook: Nov 12-17 @ $120/night = $600
Extra cost: $100
Option 2: Contact Support
We can help:
- Contact us before cancelling
- Explain situation
- We'll request supplier to modify
- Supplier decides if possible
- We'll let you know outcome
When suppliers might allow:
- Same hotel, similar dates
- Longer stay
- Off-season change
- At their discretion
No guarantee but worth trying!
Option 3: Contact Hotel Directly
Sometimes hotel can help:
- Find hotel's contact (in confirmation)
- Call them directly
- Explain situation
- Hotel may modify their end
- We'll update our records
Note: Not all hotels can do this, depends on supplier agreement.
Cancel and Rebook Process
Step 1: Check Cancellation Policy
Before cancelling, verify:
- Free cancellation deadline
- Any fees
- Refund amount
- Refund timing
Found in:
- Booking confirmation email
- My Bookings page
- Original booking details
Step 2: Search New Dates
Before cancelling:
- Search your new dates
- Check availability
- See current price
- Verify it works for you
Important: Confirm availability first!
Step 3: Cancel Original Booking
Only if:
- ✅ New dates available
- ✅ Price acceptable
- ✅ Within cancellation deadline
- ✅ Ready to rebook immediately
Step 4: Rebook Immediately
Book new dates right away:
- Same hotel
- New dates
- Current price
- Might be different room type
Cost Implications
Price Differences
New dates may cost:
More expensive if:
- Peak season vs off-season
- Weekend vs weekday
- Special events in city
- Higher demand
- Last-minute booking
Less expensive if:
- Off-season vs peak
- Weekday vs weekend
- No events
- Lower demand
- Early booking
Cancellation Fees
If outside free cancellation:
- Original booking: Penalty applies
- New booking: Pay full price
- Total cost: Original penalty + new booking
Example:
Original booking: $500
Cancellation after deadline: $150 penalty
New booking: $600
Total cost: $750 ($150 + $600)
Special Circumstances
Flight Changes
If your flight changed:
- Contact us immediately
- Provide flight cancellation proof
- We'll request exception from supplier
- May waive change fees
Better chance if:
- Airline-initiated change
- Significant time difference
- Before check-in date
- Documentation provided
Emergencies
Medical or family emergency:
- Contact support
- Explain situation
- Provide documentation
- We'll request exception
Suppliers may allow:
- Date change without penalty
- Full refund
- Credit for future use
- At their discretion
Weather/Natural Disasters
If destination affected:
- Contact us with details
- Provide news/official warnings
- We'll work with supplier
- Usually full refund or free change
Different Suppliers, Different Rules
RateHawk (EmergingTravel)
Typically:
- No modifications allowed
- Must cancel and rebook
- Free cancellation windows available
Hotelbeds
Varies by hotel:
- Some allow changes
- Contact us to check
- May charge fee
GoGlobal
Usually:
- Hotel-dependent
- Some flexibility
- Worth asking
SunHotels
Resort-focused:
- Stricter during peak season
- Some flexibility off-season
- Case-by-case
Extending Your Stay
Adding More Nights
Can't modify original booking, but:
Option A: Book extension separately
- Keep original booking
- Book additional nights
- Same hotel, consecutive dates
- May need to change rooms
Option B: Cancel and rebook longer stay
- If within cancellation period
- Cancel original
- Book full length of stay
- Might get better rate
Shortening Your Stay
Leaving Early
Usually no refund for unused nights:
- Hotel policies are strict
- You're charged for reserved nights
- Even if you don't use them
Options:
-
Contact hotel at check-in
- Explain situation
- They may offer courtesy refund
- Their discretion
-
Contact us before check-in
- If plans change before arrival
- Might be able to modify
- Better chance than mid-stay
Tips to Avoid Issues
When Booking
✅ Be certain about dates ✅ Choose free cancellation if unsure ✅ Book refundable rates for flexibility ✅ Double-check dates before confirming
If Plans Might Change
✅ Book flexible rates (costs more but worth it) ✅ Consider travel insurance ✅ Book closer to travel date ✅ Check cancellation deadlines
Before Requesting Change
✅ Check current availability ✅ Compare current prices ✅ Calculate total cost of change ✅ Ensure within cancellation window
Travel Insurance
Can Cover Changes
Travel insurance may include:
- Trip date changes
- Cancellation for any reason
- Supplier change fees
- Price difference coverage
When to consider:
- Uncertain travel plans
- Non-refundable bookings
- Expensive reservations
- Long-term bookings
FAQ
Q: Can I change just the check-in date? A: No, you'd need to cancel and rebook with new dates.
Q: Will I keep the same price? A: No, you'll pay the current price for new dates.
Q: Can the hotel change my dates? A: Hotels typically can't modify either - you'd cancel and rebook.
Q: What if dates changed by 1 day only? A: Still requires cancel and rebook. No exceptions for small changes.
Q: Can I change to any date? A: Only dates that are currently available for booking.
Q: How quickly can dates be changed? A: As fast as you can cancel and rebook - within minutes.
How We Can Help
Contact Support For
We'll help you:
- Check supplier change policies
- Request exceptions
- Process cancellation
- Guide you through rebooking
- Find alternative dates
- Calculate costs
Contact us:
- Email: support@priceroom.co
- Live chat: 24/7
- Phone: [Coming soon]
Provide:
- Booking reference
- Current dates
- Desired new dates
- Reason for change (helps with exception requests)