Can I cancel my Hotwire booking and get a refund?

 

Whether you can cancel your booking for a refund depends almost entirely on the type of rate you selected. Hotwire is famous for its steep discounts, but these often come with strict "final sale" terms.

2026 Cancellation Rules:

• Hot Rates®: These are strictly non-changeable, non-refundable, and non-transferable. Once you book, your credit card is charged the full amount, and no refunds are given for unused portions of the trip.

• Standard Rates: For hotels and cars booked at standard rates, cancellation policies vary by the individual provider. You can find the specific deadline in your confirmation email or under the "My Account" section.

• Low-Price Guarantee: If you find a lower rate for the exact same hotel stay within 24 hours of booking, Hotwire may refund you the difference. Note that this link only appears for 48 hours after booking.

• Trip Protection: If you purchased Allianz Global Assistance insurance during checkout, you may be covered for a refund in specific cases like medical emergencies or natural disasters.

How to cancel: Log in to your account, go to My Account, and select the trip. If a "Cancel" button is available, your trip is eligible. If it is missing, your booking is final.

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Can I make changes to my Hotwire booking?

Amendments to Hotwire bookings—especially Hot Rates—are generally prohibited.

• Hot Rates: You cannot change dates, times, or locations for Hot Rate flights, hotels, or cars, even for a fee.

• Standard Rates: Changes are subject to the fees of the airline or hotel. For flights, airlines typically charge between $200 and $300 USD per ticket, plus any fare difference.

• Self-Service: You can check for modification options by selecting your reservation in "My Account."

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Can I change the name on my Hotwire booking?

No. Hotwire has a very strict policy: you can add a guest name to a hotel booking, but you cannot change the primary name. The person whose name is on the original reservation must be present at check-in.

Why this matters for reselling:

Because the primary name cannot be changed, you cannot "transfer" a Hot Rate booking to another person through the Hotwire system. However, for Standard Rate bookings with flexible hotel partners, you may be able to call the hotel directly to update the guest list.

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What if I can't use my non-refundable booking?

This is where Gadobo helps! While Hot Rates are notoriously difficult to change, many travelers with Standard Rate bookings or flexible hotel reservations find themselves stuck with a "no-refund" situation.

Gadobo is a peer-to-peer marketplace that connects you with travelers looking for deals. Instead of losing 100% of your money to a cancellation penalty, you can find a buyer for your stay or flight. We provide a secure platform with fraud protection for both buyers and sellers to ensure every transaction is safe.

List Your Non-Refundable Booking on Gadobo today and turn your unused Hotwire reservation back into cash.

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