Hotels.com Waives Cancellation Fees for Gulf Bookings

As the oil spill in the Gulf continues to devastate the region, local tourism industries are trying to convince travelers to spend their vacations at the beach. Last month, Orbitz got in on the act, offering a full refund on hotel bookings if nearby beaches were closed due to the spill. Now, Hotels.com is partnering with select Gulf-area hotels (all located in Florida) to waive cancellation fees if the hotel’s beach is closed because of the oil spill.

To receive the guarantee, you have to use the coupon code “OILFLEX” when you book one of the participating hotels through September 6 for stays through September 30. You can cancel without incurring fees anytime up to 5:00 p.m. on the scheduled day of arrival by calling Hotels.com.

The Hotels.com guarantee isn’t as attractive as the one provided by Orbitz. The annoying coupon code, for example, could be easy to forget, and Orbitz offered to notify customers of local beach closures. However, it’s nice to see booking companies partner with hotels in the Gulf. The offer provides peace of mind for travelers, but also helps to encourage tourism in affected areas, creating a win-win scenario for both.

For more information about how the oil spill might affect your Gulf vacation, check out The Oil Spill and Tourism: What You Need to Know.

Readers, does this guarantee make you more comfortable booking a vacation in the Gulf? Leave a message in the comments section below.