A host cancellation happens when you, the host, cancel a confirmed booking. Holidu may apply a cancellation fee of 5%, 10%, or 25% of the booking amount, depending on how close the cancellation is to check-in. The minimum fee is €50. The fee can be waived in certain extenuating circumstances.

Why host cancellations matter

When a host cancels a confirmed booking, or is found responsible for a cancellation under this policy, Holidu reserves the right to apply cancellation fees. The only exception is extenuating circumstances.

These measures reflect the impact that cancellations have on everyone involved. They help keep the service reliable and protect the trust guests place in their holiday plans.

• For guests: A cancellation disrupts their plans, causes frustration, and can make them less likely to book again.
• For hosts: Cancellations can hurt your credibility, your property's reputation, and your visibility in search results. They can also affect your future performance on booking channels.
• For Holidu: Cancellations create extra costs for managing disrupted bookings, finding replacements, and handling administrative work.

Host cancellations are uncommon, but their effects can extend well beyond a single booking. Learn more about the impact of cancellations and how to avoid them.

What should I do if I have to cancel a booking?

Accepting a booking is a commitment to your guest. Only cancel when there is truly no other option. If you cannot honour a booking, act as quickly as possible. Offer an alternative property where you can, or cancel early to reduce the disruption for your guest.

Any alternative you offer should:

• Be listed on the same channel where your guest originally booked.
• Be in a similar price range and meet the same or higher standards as the original listing.

When you offer a suitable alternative, Holidu's customer support team can help. They will coordinate with the booking channel and the guest to secure the guest's acceptance and reduce the chance of additional charges.

When does the cancellation fee apply, and how is it calculated?

The cancellation fee applies if you cannot offer an alternative that meets the conditions above and your guest accepts it. The fee reflects the impact on your guest and the cost of finding replacements and managing the disrupted booking.

The fee is a percentage of the booking amount. The percentage depends on how much time is left until check-in:

If the calculated fee is less than €50, the fee is raised to the minimum of €50.

What is the booking amount?

The booking amount is the total price your guest agrees to pay when confirming a booking. For you as a host, this amount determines your expected payout, after any applicable platform fees or deductions.

Example of a cancellation fee

The following example is for illustration only. It shows how the fee is calculated.

• Booking amount: €800
• Cancellation time: 20 days before check-in, which falls in the "Between 48 hours and 30 days" range
• Fee rate: 10%
• Cancellation fee: €80 (above the €50 minimum, so no adjustment is needed)

If the same booking of €300 were cancelled 3 days before check-in, the same 10% rate would apply and the fee would be €30. Because this is below €50, the minimum fee of €50 would apply.

If you are logged in to your host account, you can review your upcoming bookings and check the cancellation fee that would apply to each one.

When might the cancellation fee be waived?

Some situations are beyond your control. In cases involving major disruptive events or other valid circumstances, Holidu may waive the cancellation fee.

If you believe your situation qualifies, share supporting evidence with us. Holidu's customer support team, working with your local Holidu team, will review it carefully before making a final decision. Learn more about qualifying circumstances and how to request a waiver.

How do I submit a cancellation request?

Before you cancel, consider the full impact of a cancellation beyond the fee.

If you still want to proceed after reviewing the consequences, submit your cancellation request here. Cancellations are only legally valid when submitted through this process. Requests sent by email or through other channels will not be accepted.