How to Transfer a Hotel Booking to Someone Else

It depends on the specific property, rate, booking channel, loyalty benefit, and timing. Ask the property and booking provider which party can authorise a guest substitution, whether a fee applies, and what evidence the new guest receives.

A non-refundable reservation is not automatically transferable. Proceed only after the official property or booking-provider process permits the change for that reservation.

Do not ask a buyer to impersonate the original guest or rely only on the original confirmation. Complete the authorised change and keep the written evidence.

How the big chains handle it, as of mid-2026 (property-level discretion dominates, so treat these as patterns, not promises):

Marriott / Bonvoy: front desks generally accept guest substitution by phone. Non-refundable rates can often be modified at the property level if the new guest is checking into the same dates. Marriott corporate's official line is 'subject to property discretion' — so the answer is whatever the actual property says.

Hilton: flexible-rate bookings can be cancelled and rebooked under a different name with no penalty. Non-refundable rates require direct contact with the property; franchise locations vary, branded resorts are stricter than independents flying the Hilton flag.

IHG properties: guest-change handling can vary by property, rate, booking channel, and loyalty benefit. Confirm the current rule with the property and booking provider.

Hyatt: similar pattern — call the property. Globalist members get more latitude. Independent boutique properties under the Hyatt umbrella are usually the most flexible.

Independent hotels: policies vary by property and booking channel. Ask the property whether it permits an authorised guest substitution for the specific reservation, whether a fee applies, and request written confirmation.

Airbnb: short-term rental bookings are non-transferable by host policy and platform policy — the account holder is named on the reservation and the host has the right to refuse a different guest. Don't list Airbnbs on resale marketplaces. Hotels yes, Airbnbs no.

Chain and property policies can change and may differ by rate, booking channel, loyalty benefit, and franchise. Confirm the current rule with the property or booking provider before listing and keep the written response.

The required route depends on the property, rate, and booking channel. Ask both the property and OTA which party can authorise a guest change, obtain the answer in writing, and do not list if the official terms prohibit transfer.

The conversation with the property: 'Hi, I have reservation [number] from [date]. I can't travel, but [buyer name] can. Can the property substitute the guest name on the reservation? I'll send their full name and ID details.' If the answer is yes, get it in writing (email or chat). That email is what the buyer brings to check-in if there's any question.

If the property says no — and a small share will, especially branded hotels with rigid corporate policies — the booking is stuck in your name. At that point your remaining options are an OTA cancellation (you may get a partial refund or credit, depending on the cancellation policy on your specific rate), travel insurance if your reason qualifies, or holding the booking and writing it off.

Booking.com and Expedia both route guest-name questions to the property. Booking.com's own help notes that whether guest details can be edited depends on the booking — some reservations allow editing the guest name in your account, others state it is not possible to change personal details online — and either way the property's policy governs (checked July 2026). Expedia's lodging systems treat a guest-name change as a 'soft change' with no financial adjustment, but flag exactly the non-refundable case as one to handle with care. Translation: the OTA is a middleman; the hotel owns the room reservation. Quote that back to the property if they push back; it usually unlocks things.

Buyers compare the listing's total cost with rebooking the same room directly. Check the current price for the same property, dates, room type, and inclusions before setting your asking price.

Urgency, remaining availability, seasonality, transfer restrictions, and included extras all affect that comparison. Use current alternatives and actual buyer interest rather than assuming a fixed discount or sale time.

SpareHolidays is an early marketplace, so demand varies by destination and date. Compare current alternatives and price for the buyers who are active now rather than assuming a mature-market audience.

The flow below covers the information and evidence the listing form asks you to provide.