Cancelling hotel booking half way through a stay

[Deep]

Hi
I am looking to book a hotel abroad (part of the Accor group if it matters) for a 10 day stay. The problem is I don't know until I get there whether I might want to leave that hotel and city and go and stay somewhere else for a few days.

My ideal scenario would be to decide once I'm there and have settled in for a few days.

The hotel's own booking site says I can cancel the whole stay up until 6pm the night before the start of the booking with no financial penalties. The dates are a few months away.
Would this still apply once I arrive? ie after a few days could I give 24 hours notice and say that I am checking out?

I've emailed the hotel as well to ask the question but thought it was worth asking the well travelled PHers as well in case they had any other pearls of wisdom about how to deal with this.

Thanks

[loskie]

I don't think so as it's one booking and when you check in the contract starts. Why don't you book two blocks to cover the period and you could always cancel the second under the ts and cs. The hotel would probably want you to stayin the same room (mention it first) as it would save on housekeeping.

[jurbie]

It will come down to the rate you've booked but asking AI to have a look at Accors T&C gives the following:

Early Departure (Partial Cancellation):
1-7 Nights:
You may be able to cancel without charge if you notify the hotel before 12:00 PM (Aparthotel local time) on the day of early departure.
8+ Nights:
For stays of 8 nights or more, you may have a longer cancellation window, possibly up to three days before the early departure date.
Important Considerations:
Check your booking confirmation:
Your booking confirmation will outline the specific cancellation conditions for your rate.
Contact the hotel:
If you have any questions about Accor's cancellation policies or your specific booking, contact the hotel directly.

[Deep]

loskie said:

I don't think so as it's one booking and when you check in the contract starts. Why don't you book two blocks to cover the period and you could always cancel the second under the ts and cs. The hotel would probably want you to stayin the same room (mention it first) as it would save on housekeeping.

Two blocks, excellent idea, thank you!

[Deep]

jurbie said:

It will come down to the rate you've booked but asking AI to have a look at Accors T&C gives the following:

Early Departure (Partial Cancellation):
1-7 Nights:
You may be able to cancel without charge if you notify the hotel before 12:00 PM (Aparthotel local time) on the day of early departure.
8+ Nights:
For stays of 8 nights or more, you may have a longer cancellation window, possibly up to three days before the early departure date.
Important Considerations:
Check your booking confirmation:
Your booking confirmation will outline the specific cancellation conditions for your rate.
Contact the hotel:
If you have any questions about Accor's cancellation policies or your specific booking, contact the hotel directly.

I really need to learn to use AI....
Thanks, that sounds promising, I will wait to see what the hotel says.

Thank you!

[dunkind]

loskie said:

I don't think so as it's one booking and when you check in the contract starts. Why don't you book two blocks to cover the period and you could always cancel the second under the ts and cs. The hotel would probably want you to stayin the same room (mention it first) as it would save on housekeeping.

A very good idea

[StevieBee]

loskie said:

I don't think so as it's one booking and when you check in the contract starts. Why don't you book two blocks to cover the period and you could always cancel the second under the ts and cs. The hotel would probably want you to stayin the same room (mention it first) as it would save on housekeeping.

Have done this a few times for work trips. Sometimes more than two blocks!

I would advise that you email the hotel directly after you've booked them to explain your intention. Their booking systems only really recognise booking references, not names so as far as the system is concerned, there's two separate reservations. The only time it becomes apparent that it's you will be when you check in by which time the second booking may have been allocated to another room. The hotel really aren't bothered about the cost of housekeeping and you may well find you need to swap rooms mid-stay. Not the end of the world but a bit of a faff nonetheless.

And don't forget to check out and check in again. Easily forgotten if you intend to stay put.

The other option is to book just a couple of nights and make other arrangements where you're there. You may spot a better located hotel and you can always find a room these days.