Updated Hotel Cancellation Policies During Coronavirus Outbreak

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Last updated on March 1st, 2023

As the coronavirus continues to spread, more and more companies are unveiling plans to deal with the uncertainty surrounding global travel. Dozens of airlines have. Many airlines are waiving cancellation fees, and now leading hospitality chains are following suit. Here are the latest updates on hotel cancellation policies during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Current Hotel Cancellation Policies

Accor

Travelers with reservations in China, Hong Kong, Iran, Italy, Macau, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Taiwan can cancel without penalty through March 21, 2020.

Best Western

No cancellation policy yet. The chain did announce that Best Western Rewards members will retain their current status through 2021, regardless of reaching the necessary qualifications.

Caesars

No cancellation policy for their Macau property yet.

Choice

Choice Hotels is waiving cancellation fees for anyone traveling to a U.S. or Canadian property from China. It will also waive cancellation fees for any reservations at Chinese properties due to COVID-19.

Hilton

A Hilton statement confirms modifications to cancellation waivers for those traveling to (or through) China, Israel, Italy, Saudi Arabia, or South Korea. The group also says that Hilton Honors members from those regions will maintain their membership status through 2021, of reaching the necessary qualifications

Hyatt

Hyatt will waive cancellation fees for customers with reservations in China, Italy, Japan, or South Korea through March 31, 2020. This waiver also applies to customers residing in those regions with reservations at any Hyatt property worldwide.

Hyatt is also making accommodations to World of Hyatt members with Advance Purchase Rate reservations. Those members can receive 10,000 World of Hyatt rewards points as compensation for their lost reservation.

IHG

InterContinental Hotels is waiving cancellation fees for those traveling to/from China, Hong Kong, Italy, Macau, South Korea, or Taiwan.

Marriott

Marriott is waiving cancellation fees through March 31, 2020, for those traveling to/from the following locations:

Australia Bangladesh Bhutan
Cambodia China Fiji
French Polynesia Hong Kong India
Indonesia Japan Malaysia
Maldives Myanmar Nepal
New Caledonia New Zealand Philippines
Samoa Singapore South Korea
Sri Lanka Thailand Vietnam

Those who live in China, Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan and are Marriott Bonvoy members will have their elite status extended through February 2022.

MGM

No cancellation policy for their worldwide yet.

Radisson

Radisson is waiving cancellation fees for reservations through April 30, 2020, for select travelers. This waiver extends to those traveling to or originating from China, Italy, Iran, Japan, or South Korea.

Wyndham

Cancellation and change fees are waived through March 31, 2020, for those traveling to/from China, Italy, or South Korea. Wyndham Rewards members in the Pacific Rim will maintain their elite status through 2021.

How to Protect Yourself from Future Travel Emergencies

Predicting future outbreaks and emergencies is impossible. Fortunately, trip cancellation insurance protects credit cardholders from a variety of emergencies. Covered events include:

  • Illness, injury, or death of the cardholder, traveling companion, or a cardholder’s immediate family member
  • Jury duty or court subpoena
  • Terrorist attacks or flight hijackings
  • Severe weather resulting in the cancellation of the flight or trip
  • Financial insolvency of a company directly affecting the trip

Trip cancellation can also protect against pathogens, such as COVID-19.

While not all credit cards come with trip cancellation insurance, there are several that do offer this protection. These cards typically charge an annual fee but provide greater peace of mind when making travel bookings. Some examples of cards that offer these protections are the Bank of America Premium Rewards, as well as the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred.

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About: Cory Santos
Cory Santos

Cory is the senior credit card editor at BestCards, specializing in everything credit card-related. He’s worked extensively with credit cards and other personal finance topics, including nearly five years at BestCards. Cory’s extensive knowledge is an essential part of the BestCards experience, helping readers to live their best financial lives with up-to-date insights and comprehensive coverage of all facets of the credit card space, including market trends, rewards guides, credit advice, and comprehensive credit card reviews.

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