Travel plans can change unexpectedly, and when they do, understanding how to cancel your hotel reservation without incurring unnecessary fees is crucial. Whether you’ve booked your stay using cash or points, knowing the ins and outs of IHG’s cancellation policies can save you time, money, and stress.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about canceling an IHG hotel reservation, including the different policies for cash and points bookings, how to cancel your reservation, and tips for avoiding penalties. By the end, you’ll be equipped to handle any changes to your travel plans with confidence.
1. Understanding IHG Cancellation Policies
Before diving into the cancellation process, it’s crucial to understand IHG’s cancellation policies, as they vary depending on how you’ve booked your stay.
1.1. Cash Bookings
When booking with cash, IHG offers different rate types, each with its own cancellation terms:
Flexible Rates: These are the most forgiving. You can usually cancel without a penalty up to 1 to 3 days before your check-in date, depending on the hotel. For example, some properties require cancellation by 6 p.m. local time the day before arrival, while others might give you until noon on the check-in day. If you cancel within this window, you get a full refund. Miss it, and you’re typically charged for one night’s stay.
Non-Refundable Rates: These are cheaper but rigid. Once booked, you can’t cancel or modify without losing the full amount. This includes “Book Early and Save” rates, where you pay upfront for a discount. If your plans are uncertain, these rates carry risk.
Promotional Rates: Some deals (e.g., “Stay Longer and Save”) come with unique cancellation rules. These might require cancellation a week in advance or be non-refundable entirely.
Semi-Flexible Rates: Some properties offer rates that allow cancellation with a fee (e.g., $50) or partial refund up to a certain point. These are less common but worth looking for if you want a middle ground.
Each hotel can tweak these policies slightly, so it’s worth double-checking the fine print when you book. For example, a Holiday Inn might have a stricter deadline than an InterContinental property for the same rate type.
1.2. Points Bookings
Using IHG One Rewards points gives you a consistent cancellation policy across most properties:
- You can cancel up to 1 to 3 days before 6 p.m. local time at the property, depending on the specific hotel’s rules, and receive a full refund of your points.
- If you cancel after this deadline, you’ll be charged a fee equivalent to one night’s stay to your credit card or other guaranteed payment method, and your points will be automatically refunded to your account.
This policy ensures flexibility with points recovery, though a cash penalty applies for late cancellations. Points are typically returned instantly, but in cases like same-day cancellations, it may take up to 7 business days. You can contact customer service to speed up your points refund.
For Points + Cash bookings, the rules are similar but with a catch:
- Cancel within the allowed window (1 to 3 days before 6 p.m. local time), and you’ll receive all points back, with the cash portion converted to points based on the full award night cost.
- If you cancel late, you’ll be charged one night’s stay in cash, and the points will be refunded.
This points conversion can be advantageous if you’re focused on accumulating rewards for future stays.
Related Post: IHG Points & Cash Trick: A Quick and Easy Way to Buy IHG Points
1.3. Third-Party Bookings
If you booked through a site like Booking.com or Expedia, IHG’s cancellation policies don’t apply directly. You’ll need to follow the third-party site’s rules and process. Some offer flexible cancellations, while others lock you into non-refundable terms. Always check the confirmation email from the third-party site for specific instructions.
2. How to Cancel Your IHG Reservation
Once you’ve confirmed your booking is cancellable, IHG offers three main ways to handle it. Here’s how each works.
2.1. Cancel Online via the IHG Website
The website is the easiest option for most people. Follow these steps:
- Log into your IHG One Rewards account at ihg.com, and go to the Stays and Events page.
- There, you can view all your upcoming reservations under the “Upcoming Stays” section. If your reservation isn’t listed, enter your confirmation number and last name to locate it.
- Once you’ve located the reservation, click “Modify or Cancel,” then select “Cancel” and confirm.
- You’ll see a confirmation on-screen, and an email will follow shortly.
Keep that email—it’s your proof of cancellation in case anything goes wrong.
2.2. Cancel via the IHG App
The IHG app is just as straightforward if you prefer your phone:
- Download the app and log into your IHG One Rewards account.
- Find your upcoming reservation under “Stays.”
- Tap “View or Modify,” then scroll to the “Cancel Reservation” button.
- Confirm the cancellation, and you’ll get both an in-app notification and an email.
The app’s interface is clean, and it’s handy if you’re on the go.
2.3. Cancel by Phone
If you’d rather talk to someone, you can call IHG directly. Use these numbers based on your location:
- U.S. and Canada: 1-888-211-9874
- Mexico: +52 800 872 1115
- Europe: +800 2222 7172 (00800 2222 7172 in most countries)
- Other regions: Check ihg.com for local numbers.
If you’re an diamond elite member, log into your account to find a dedicated support line—those queues are usually shorter.
- U.S. and Canada: 1-844-774-7300
- United Kingdom, Germany and France: 00800 95 800 800
- Other European Countries: +44 1950 499397
- China: 400 931 6816
- Asia Pacific: +61 280 743 440
When calling, have your confirmation number ready. The agent will walk you through the process and confirm any refunds or penalties.
Hotels often have some flexibility, even for non-refundable bookings or past-due cancellations. If you contact the hotel directly and politely explain your situation, they might offer a courtesy cancellation—especially if you’re an elite member like Diamond. While policies are in place, individual properties can sometimes make exceptions based on the circumstances. It’s worth making the call to discuss your options, as even if a refund isn’t possible, getting points instead can still be a valuable alternative.
3. Changing Your Reservation Instead
Sometimes you don’t need to cancel—just tweak your dates. The process is nearly identical:
- Use the website, app, or phone method above.
- Instead of “Cancel,” select “Modify” and pick your new dates.
- Confirm the change, and check for any price difference.
IHG uses dynamic pricing, so new dates might cost more (or less) in cash or points. You’ll need to cover any extra cost, but if it’s cheaper, the difference is refunded accordingly.
4. Tips for IHG Elite Members
If you’re part of the IHG One Rewards program, your status can make a difference:
- Exclusive Rates: Members often get access to special rates with better cancellation terms or lower prices. Always log in before booking to see these options.
- Priority Support: Higher tiers like Diamond have dedicated phone lines, which can speed things up if you’re in a pinch.
- Flexibility Perks: Some properties offer elite members waived fees or extended cancellation windows, though this varies by location—call ahead to confirm.
Elite status doesn’t always change the written policy, but it can give you leverage with customer service if you need an exception.
5. Avoiding Common Mistakes
Canceling a reservation seems simple, but a few missteps can cost you. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Picking the Wrong Rate: Non-refundable rates save money upfront but offer no wiggle room. If your plans might shift, stick to refundable options.
- Missing the Deadline: Set a calendar reminder for your cancellation cutoff to avoid fees.
- Forgetting Third-Party Rules: If you booked through a travel site, don’t call IHG—they can’t help. Go back to the original platform.
- Skipping Confirmation: Always verify you’ve got a cancellation email. Without it, you might still be on the hook for the stay.
One extra tip: before booking, screenshot the cancellation policy from the rate details page. It’s a quick way to reference the rules later if there’s a dispute.
6. Final Thoughts
Canceling an IHG reservation is manageable once you know the policies and steps. Whether you’re using cash or points, the key is to check your rate’s terms before booking and act within the allowed time frame. The online and app options are fast and reliable, while phone support is there for trickier situations.
Travel plans change—it’s part of the game. By understanding how IHG handles cancellations and keeping an eye on your deadlines, you can adjust your bookings without losing sleep (or money). Safe travels, and happy planning!