No-Show
What is No-Show?
A no-show occurs when a guest holds a confirmed reservation but fails to arrive and does not cancel in advance. In hotel terms, the room has been held off the market for that guest — preventing other bookings — and the property is entitled to charge a no-show fee, which typically equals one night's room rate.
Most hotels have a cancellation window (commonly 24-48 hours before check-in) within which guests can cancel without penalty. Booking a non-refundable rate and then failing to appear results in the full booking being charged. For travellers, the practical risk is highest when booking non-refundable advance rates: they may save £40 upfront but cost the entire booking value if plans change.
Example of No-Show
Aiko's flight to Tokyo was cancelled due to a typhoon. By the time she rebooked, it was past midnight in Japan — well after the 11pm cancellation cut-off at her non-refundable hotel. She called the property, explained the disruption, and asked for an exception. The duty manager confirmed the weather event and waived the no-show fee. It's always worth asking, she told herself. The worst they can say is no.