How to Cancel Booking.com Reservations and Close Your Account in 2026

Booking.com doesn't have a subscription — it's free to use. But you might need to cancel a hotel reservation, understand the cancellation fee situation, or close your account entirely. Here's every scenario.

Cancel a Hotel Reservation

1. Go to secure.booking.com/mybooking
2. Or: click Manage booking in your confirmation email
3. Enter your booking confirmation number and email
4. Click Cancel booking
5. Review cancellation terms and confirm

Free Cancellation vs Non-Refundable — The Key Difference

• Free cancellation: Cancel before the deadline shown in your booking (usually 24-48 hours before check-in). Full refund.
• Non-refundable: Cheaper rate, but no refund if you cancel. The entire amount is charged.
• Check your booking email — it clearly states which type you booked and the free cancellation deadline

Cancel a Non-Refundable Booking (Options)

If you booked a non-refundable rate and need to cancel:

• Contact the hotel directly: Some hotels will waive the fee if you call them (not Booking.com) and ask politely. They have flexibility Booking.com doesn't.
• Request date change: Hotels are often willing to move your dates instead of canceling
• Travel insurance: If you have trip cancellation coverage, file a claim
• Credit card protection: Some premium cards (Chase Sapphire, Amex Platinum) include trip cancellation benefits
• Contact Booking.com support: In extenuating circumstances (illness, natural disaster), they may help mediate with the hotel

Booking.com Genius — Nothing to Cancel

Booking.com Genius is a free loyalty program — there's no subscription:

• Genius Level 1: Automatic after creating an account — 10% off select properties
• Genius Level 2: After 5 stays — 10-15% off + free breakfast at some hotels
• Genius Level 3: After 15 stays — 10-20% off + upgrades + breakfast
• There's nothing to cancel or pay for — it's loyalty rewards based on booking frequency

Close Your Booking.com Account

If you want to delete your account entirely:

1. Make sure you have no upcoming reservations
2. Go to secure.booking.com/myaccount
3. Navigate to Privacy settings or Account management
4. Click Delete account
5. Under GDPR (if in EU), you can request full data deletion

Deleting your account means losing your Genius level, booking history, saved payment methods, and past reviews.

Alternatives

• Hotels.com — earn 1 free night per 10 stays (Rewards program)
• Expedia — bundling flights + hotels often saves more
• Direct booking — hotels often price-match or beat OTA rates + offer better cancellation terms
• Google Hotels — compares prices across all platforms instantly