Almost every hotel offers a flexible rate
Across the 134 hotels with rooms on our sample dates, 133 showed a free-cancellation rate. That means you can usually choose between a flexible rate and a cheaper non-refundable one for the same room. Compare the two, because the gap is the price of keeping your plans open.
Read the deadline, not just the label
Booking.com shows free cancellation as a date, for example free cancellation before a set day. After that date the booking may be charged or non-refundable. The deadline can be days before arrival, and it is set in the hotel's local time, so do not leave it to the last evening.
Pay now or pay later
Many flexible rates are pay at the property, with a card guarantee. Others are prepaid. Check whether the card is charged at booking, and whether a deposit or card hold applies on arrival. See our taxes and fees guide for typical deposits.
When flexibility is worth paying for
It is worth paying for if your plans depend on something outside your control: a ballot result, a work trip or a flight that may change. For a fixed trip booked close to arrival, a cheaper non-refundable rate can make sense. Decide before you book, not after.
Hotel mini reviews
Shortlist these hotels first.
Arlo SoHo
- Best for
- Repeat visitors, downtown food, compact-value stays
- Avoid if
- You need large rooms, family space or daily Midtown sightseeing convenience.
- Nearest subway
- Canal St / Spring St area
- Booking notes
- Look closely at room size and bed setup; compact rooms can be a fair trade for the location.
Hotel Beacon
- Best for
- Families, roomier stays, kitchenette convenience
- Avoid if
- You want nightlife on the doorstep or a design-led luxury hotel.
- Nearest subway
- 72 St nearby
- Booking notes
- Check kitchenette, sofa-bed and bed-type details; these matter more than star rating for families.
Riu Plaza New York Times Square
- Best for
- Broadway, first trips, simple sightseeing logistics
- Avoid if
- You want quiet residential streets or boutique character.
- Nearest subway
- Times Square-42 St / 50 St area
- Booking notes
- Useful for theatre-heavy trips; compare final totals because central hotels can add fees and deposits.
Fast answers
Questions UK travellers ask before booking.
Do New York hotels offer free cancellation?
Most do, on at least one rate. For our sample stay, 133 of the 134 hotels with rooms showed one. The rate, deadline and conditions vary by room and date, so check the rate you pick.
Is free cancellation more expensive?
Often, yes. A non-refundable rate for the same room is frequently cheaper. Compare the two on your dates and weigh the difference against how likely your plans are to change.
Sources and update notes
Hotel rates, fees, rules and transport details can change.