No-show meaning, hotel fees and how to manage missed arrivals
A no-show is a guest who does not arrive for a confirmed booking and does not cancel in time. For a hotel it means a room held back and a lost opportunity. Clear cancellation terms, a deposit or card preauthorisation can protect the first night's revenue.
What happens when a hotel guest does not arrive?
The property records the booking as no-show and applies the published policy. A non-refundable rate may allow the first night to be retained; a flexible rate may allow a stated penalty if the deadline was clearly shown before confirmation.
Deposit or preauthorisation?
A deposit is collected in advance. A preauthorisation is only a temporary card hold, usually valid for 7-31 days depending on the network, and can be captured when the no-show occurs. An integrated PMS and gateway reduces manual work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can a hotel charge for a no-show?
In practice it is often the first night, provided the cancellation policy was clear and accepted before booking.
Is a no-show fee legal?
It can be, when the policy is disclosed, accepted and proportionate, and the merchant has the required consent for a card-not-present charge.
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