How to Sell a Non-Refundable Hotel Booking
Check whether your hotel permits an authorised guest change, then review the listing, transfer, dispute, and payout steps.
Can You Sell a Hotel Booking?
A non-refundable hotel booking is eligible to list only after the property and booking channel give written approval for lead-guest substitution on the exact reservation. An editable name field, typo correction, or permission to add a companion is not enough.
On SpareHolidays, an eligible booking can be listed after the seller confirms the property's rule. The buyer pays before the seller completes the official guest-change process, and the transaction records evidence, confirmation or dispute, and payout status.
The written approval must identify the reservation, confirm that the original lead guest can be replaced, state who will make the change, and record any property charge, deadline, and incoming-guest check-in requirement. Cancellation followed by a new booking is not a transfer of the original reservation.
Step-by-Step Guide
Check the Transfer Policy
Before listing, obtain written approval from every required party that the lead guest can be replaced on the exact reservation while the dates, room, rate, payment status, and inclusions remain unchanged. Record the charge, deadline, method, and check-in requirements.
Create Your Listing
Create the listing with the hotel, dates, room, inclusions, asking price, redacted booking evidence, redacted written approval, property charge, deadline, and authorised handover method.
Wait for a Buyer
Review the draft, confirm the details and transfer rules, then submit it for team review. After approval, buyers can see and buy it only when Stripe confirms buyer payments and bank payouts are enabled. Buyers can then purchase or make an offer.
Transfer the Booking
Once payment is recorded, use only the substitution method approved for the exact reservation. Upload the redacted updated confirmation naming the incoming guest.
Get Paid
For a booking with travel dates, payout is scheduled two calendar days after the trip ends. The transaction shows its current status, and an open dispute can pause normal release. SpareHolidays charges the tiered platform fee to the buyer rather than deducting seller commission from the asking price.
Evidence Required Before Listing
The listing should let a reviewer and buyer verify eligibility without treating a broad chain policy as proof for this reservation.
Exact-reservation approval
A written property or booking-channel response that identifies the reservation and approves replacement of the lead guest.
Booking terms and preserved details
The current cancellation and modification terms plus confirmation that dates, room, rate, payment status, and inclusions remain valid after substitution.
Handover method and incoming-guest requirements
Who will make the change, how the updated confirmation is issued, and what identification, payment card, deposit, or incidental requirement applies at check-in.
Property charge and deadline
The exact supplier charge, who pays it, and the final time for completing the approved change. If any of these are unknown, resolve them before listing.
Redact payment-card, identity-document, booking-login, and other sensitive details. A marketplace review does not replace provider approval or guarantee check-in.
Tips for Selling
- List only after confirming the current supplier transfer rule, fee, and deadline. More time before travel can make the handover easier to schedule but does not guarantee buyer interest.
- Attach a clear, redacted booking confirmation so the listing details can be reviewed.
- Compare the buyer's total platform and supplier cost with current direct alternatives, then choose the asking price you want to test.
- State exactly which party approved lead-guest substitution, when it was approved, how the change will be completed, and which charge the buyer will bear.
- Answer buyer questions through the available listing or transaction message route and keep the material details in the recorded flow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check the rule, then the handover
Written Approval for the Exact Reservation?
Obtain written approval from the property and booking channel for lead-guest substitution on the exact reservation before listing. Include the redacted approval, preserved booking details, charge, deadline, and handover method.