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Different Rate Types Explained

Hostelworld offers several rate types that determine how bookings, cancellations, refunds, and payments are handled. Understanding these helps your property manage guest expectations correctly and avoid disputes.

 

1. Free Cancellation

  • The guest pays a deposit when making the booking.

  • If the guest cancels within the property’s allowed cancellation window through their Hostelworld account, the deposit is refunded.

  • The property should not charge the guest if the cancellation is made on time.

  • If the guest cancels after the deadline or does not show up, the deposit is non-refundable, and the property may charge any applicable cancellation or no-show fee according to its policy.

2. Standard Flexible Booking (Cancellation Protection)

  • The guest pays a deposit plus a small fee for Cancellation Protection.

  • If they cancel within the allowed timeframe, Hostelworld converts the deposit into a voucher (not a cash refund).

  • The voucher can be used for a future Hostelworld booking.

  • The property does not receive payment for cancellations made under this protection.

3. Standard Non-Flexible Booking

  • The guest pays a deposit but does not add Cancellation Protection.

  • If they cancel or do not show up, the deposit is non-refundable, and no voucher is issued.

  • The property may charge the guest in line with its stated cancellation or no-show policy.

4. Non-Refundable

  • This rate usually offers a lower price but with strict terms.

  • The guest’s deposit is non-refundable under all circumstances.

  • The property is entitled to charge the full booking amount once the reservation is confirmed, even if the guest cancels.

  • Hostelworld will not refund any part of the deposit.

5. Flexible Non-Refundable

  • The guest’s deposit is non-refundable, and the property may charge the full amount.

  • However, the guest may contact the property directly to request new dates.

  • Any date change is at the property’s discretion and subject to availability.

  • Guests cannot amend bookings in their Hostelworld account — they would need to cancel and rebook if the property cannot accommodate the change.

6. Non-Refundable Pay Now

  • The guest pays the full booking amount upfront to Hostelworld at the time of booking.

  • This payment is non-refundable.

  • Hostelworld then transfers the property’s share according to our payment schedule.

  • The property should not charge the guest again, as payment is already processed by Hostelworld.

7. Group Online Bookings

  • For online group bookings, the deposit paid at the time of booking is non-refundable.

  • Guests wishing to change their dates must contact the property directly, and any change is at the property’s discretion and subject to availability.

  • Alternatively, guests can cancel and rebook, but they must follow the cancellation policy of the specific booking.

  • The property’s group booking policy applies to any remaining balance.

🧭 Key Points to Remember

  • Guests can only cancel bookings through their Hostelworld account.

  • Amendments (such as date changes) are not supported — guests must cancel and rebook if they wish to change their travel plans.

  • Refunds and vouchers (where applicable) are handled by Hostelworld, not by the property.

  • Always ensure your cancellation and payment policies are correctly set to reflect the rate types you offer.

💡 Rate Type Comparison Table

Rate Type Deposit Refundable Voucher Issued Property Can Charge Full Amount Guest Can Change Dates
Free Cancellation ✅ Yes (if cancelled on time) ❌ No ❌ No (if cancelled on time) ❌ No *
Standard Flexible ❌ No ✅ Yes (voucher from HW) ❌ No ❌ No *
Standard Non-Flexible ❌ No ❌ No ✅ Yes (per property policy) ❌ No *
Non-Refundable ❌ No ❌ No ✅ Yes ❌ No *
Flexible Non-Refundable ❌ No ❌ No ✅ Yes ✅ Yes (directly with property) *
Non-Refundable Pay Now ❌ No ❌ No ❌ No (HW pays property directly) ❌ No *
Group Online Booking ❌ No ❌ No ✅ Yes (per group policy) ✅ Yes (directly with property) *

* Customers can change any booking by cancelling and rebooking, but they need to bear in mind the rules of your cancellation policy on the specific booking.