How to Sell a Non-Refundable Hotel Booking
Turn your unused hotel reservation into cash. Here is everything you need to know about selling non-refundable bookings safely.
Can You Sell a Hotel Booking?
Many travelers do not realise that non-refundable hotel bookings can often be transferred to a new guest through a name change. While the booking itself is non-refundable with the hotel, the reservation details — dates, room type, and rate — can frequently be updated to reflect a new guest name.
SpareHolidays facilitates exactly this process: you list your booking, a buyer pays, and you coordinate the name change directly with the hotel. Once the buyer confirms receipt, your payment is released from escrow.
The feasibility depends on the hotel's own policy. Some chains allow free name changes, others charge a small fee, and a minority do not permit them at all. The sections below cover the major chains.
Step-by-Step Guide
Check the Transfer Policy
Before listing, contact your hotel directly to confirm they allow name changes. Ask about any fees and the process. Having this information ready builds buyer confidence.
Create Your Listing
Sign up on SpareHolidays and create a listing with your booking confirmation, dates, hotel name, room type, and your asking price. Listings are free to create.
Wait for a Buyer
Your listing goes live after AI verification. Buyers can purchase at your asking price or make an offer. You will receive a notification when someone is interested.
Transfer the Booking
Once a buyer pays, contact the hotel to change the reservation name. Upload the confirmation of the name change to SpareHolidays as proof of transfer.
Get Paid
The buyer confirms they have received the booking. Escrow releases your payment immediately. The full asking price goes to you — SpareHolidays charges a 10% fee to buyers, not sellers.
Hotel Transfer Policies
Name change policies vary significantly by hotel chain and even by individual property. Here is a general overview of what to expect from the major brands.
Marriott / Bonvoy
Most Marriott properties allow name changes on bookings, particularly for non-refundable rates. Contact the property directly at least 72 hours before check-in. A small administration fee may apply.
Hilton Hotels
Hilton generally permits name changes at the property level. Contact the specific hotel rather than central reservations. Flexible rates are easier to change; advance purchase rates may require manager approval.
IHG / Holiday Inn
IHG properties handle name changes case by case. Reach out to the front desk manager of the specific property. Most are accommodating when given sufficient notice ahead of the check-in date.
Hyatt Hotels
Hyatt allows name changes on most reservation types. The process is straightforward when contacting the property directly. World of Hyatt rate rules may affect eligibility in some cases.
These overviews are for general guidance only and policies can change. Always verify directly with your specific hotel before listing your booking on SpareHolidays.
Tips for Selling
- List as early as possible — bookings further from the check-in date attract more buyers and allow more time for the transfer process.
- Attach a screenshot of your booking confirmation when creating your listing to pass AI verification faster.
- Set a realistic price. Research what the same room currently costs on Booking.com or Hotels.com. Buyers expect a meaningful discount compared to booking direct.
- Mention in your listing description that you have already confirmed with the hotel that a name change is possible — this significantly increases buyer confidence.
- Respond to buyer messages quickly. Fast response times improve your trust score and increase the likelihood of a sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
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