I’m pretty sure that’s how, say, Expedia makes their money. Traditional hotel reservation permit very late cancellation (24hrs typically). Hotels are willing to

I’m pretty sure that’s how, say, Expedia makes their money. Traditional hotel reservation permit very late cancellation (24hrs typically). Hotels are willing to offer a reduced rate if you promise to not cancel. So Expedia is just a front for that other class of bookings that are non-cancellable and they skim a profit from that. Hotels save face as they can just fingerpoint if someone complains yet they gain by getting the non-cancelable bookings.