score:11
It is not uncommon for a property to take a deposit at the time of booking, even if there is a free cancellation period.
If they don't do this, then they have no way of knowing that the credit card number provided for the reservation is valid (or will be valid at the time of the stay), and thus they potentially have no way to charge you fail to show up for the booking, or attempt to cancel after the cancellation deadline.
By taking a deposit at the time of booking, if you fail to show, or attempt to cancel after the cancellation date, then they already have your money so there's no way for you to skip out without paying!
Generally they will only take the charges for 1 night as the deposit, as that's normally what the late cancellation/no-show penalty is.
If you cancel your booking before the allowed cancellation date then they will issue you with a full refund shortly after you cancel.
Upvote:5
Yes, if promised free cancelation you get free cancelation even when a part or the whole has already been paid.
They will return your money to you.
That being said, as they have your money, it will be harder to force your point if there is a problem.