Yes, most hotels allow you to transfer a confirmed reservation to another person by contacting the hotel or booking platform to change the guest name.
Change of plans can happen. When things come up even at the last minute, you might be wondering what you can do, especially if you can’t get a refund. We have previously shared the policies of major US airlines on name changes and transfers. This time, let’s explore hotel policies on name transfers.
Here's how to transfer a hotel booking in three steps:
Contact the hotel directly or reach out to the booking platform where you made the reservation
Provide the new guest's full name and contact details
Arrange payment with the new guest for any prepaid amounts
Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Yes, in most cases you can transfer your hotel booking. As long as you have a confirmed reservation, you will be able to change the guest name to another person’s, such as your friend’s or colleague’s. However, policies vary by hotel chain and booking type. Some hotels may charge a name change fee, and non-refundable or promotional rate bookings may have restrictions.
Major hotel chains generally permit name changes on reservations:
Marriott and Hilton typically allow name changes on standard bookings by contacting the hotel directly
IHG and Hyatt also accommodate name transfers, though policies may vary by property and rate type
Always confirm the specific policy with the hotel before assuming a transfer is possible
Can I get a refund for my prepaid booking?
Prepayment is taken to secure a reservation, thus you won’t be getting a refund from the hotel if your confirmed booking will be transferred to someone else. You would have to arrange payment yourself with the guest you are transferring to.
What should I do to transfer my booking?
Generally, you can simply inform the property of the name change. However, if you book it through a third-party booking site, it would be best to reach out to them directly, not only for record purposes, but also for your convenience. Travel agents are experienced in handling this request so you are in good hands!
Direct hotel bookings vs. third-party platforms
The transfer process differs depending on how you booked:
Direct hotel bookings
Contact the hotel directly via phone or email
Changes are typically processed immediately
Hotels have more flexibility to accommodate requests
No intermediary fees for modifications
Third-party platforms
You must contact the platform, not the hotel directly
The platform acts as the intermediary and must approve changes
Some OTAs have stricter policies on name changes, especially for non-refundable rates
Processing may take 24–48 hours
The platform may charge a modification fee
What should the new guest need to know about?
The new guest still has to present a photo ID for identification as well as a credit/debit card for incidental charges. They should also have a copy of the updated confirmation showing their name on the reservation.
Frequently asked questions
- Most hotels do not charge a fee for name changes on standard reservations. However, some properties or third-party platforms may charge a modification fee.
- Non-refundable bookings may have restrictions on name changes. Contact the hotel or booking platform directly to confirm whether a transfer is permitted for your specific rate type.
- Request the name change as soon as possible. While many hotels can accommodate same-day changes, allowing at least 24–48 hours ensures the new guest's name appears correctly at check-in.
- Typically, you'll need the original booking confirmation number and the new guest's full legal name. Some hotels may request additional contact information for the new guest.
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