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?
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.
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 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
Review the AI-assisted draft, confirm the details and transfer rules, then submit it for team review. Buyers can purchase or make an offer after approval.
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
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.
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 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.
- Mention in your listing description that you have already confirmed with the hotel that a name change is possible — this significantly increases buyer confidence.
- Answer buyer questions through the available listing or transaction message route and keep the material details in the recorded flow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to List Your Hotel Booking?
Prepare the booking details, current hotel transfer rule, asking price, and redacted evidence. Listing is free for sellers.