By Lucy Richardson, Editor
Desperate to go on holiday, but still a little nervous about committing money to it? We know the feeling. So we’ve combed our collection to find places with the best flexible rates – i.e. minimal upfront payments, and no cancellation charges until close to your travel dates.
Here are 10 flexible favourites, ranging from a Cornwall B&B to a Croatian villa. Plus 3 pieces of advice as you browse: 1) Some hotels offer a choice of rates: make sure to select the flexible one. 2) When booking, you’ll pay a small deposit online: this is protected by our Flexible Booking Promise. 3) If you need flights, BA have a similar policy to us: free date changes, or cancel and get a voucher.
1. L’Albiousse, Uzes, France
We’re chuffed that travel restrictions for entering France have now been lifted because it means we can visit this romantic B&B in Provence. It’s located on one of the oldest streets in Uzes and houses just five luxurious rooms, each dressed in elegant interiors. Start the day with yummy breakfasts in the courtyard, then head out to explore the town’s famous market.
Flexible rate: No additional prepayment is required, and bookings can be cancelled with no additional charges up to 3 days prior to arrival.
2. Hotel Cerro de Hijar, Nr Ronda, Spain
Expect soaring mountain views from this hilltop retreat between Ronda and Malaga. The walks from the door are spectacular, and the tranquillity is intoxicating. But it’s the food that steals the show: six-course feasts created by a Michelin-starred chef.
Flexible rate: Pay at the time of stay; cancellation incurs no extra charges until 3 days prior to arrival.
3. Exmo Hotel, Porto, Portugal
Soak up glistening Douro views, 14th-century heritage and industrial-chic styling at this fashionable retreat in vibrant Porto. It’s plum in the centre of town, within walking distance of major attractions, and yet rooms are pin-drop quiet – good job breakfast is served until a very leisurely 1pm!
Flexible rate: The hotel charges a small €5 fee to secure a booking, but there’s no other commitment until 3 days prior to your arrival date.
4. Portrait Roma, Rome, Italy
Fashionistas will rejoice at this uber-stylish Roman townhouse owned by the Ferragamo family, famous for their exquisite shoes. You can expect equally fabulous designs inside the hotel, which houses 14 beautiful rooms and a huge rooftop terrace with views over Rome and towards the Spanish Steps.
Flexible rate: Payment is taken at the time of stay, and you can cancel your booking without any extra charges until 1 day before arrival.
5. Torre de Palma, Alentejo, Portugal
This family-friendly wine hotel in quiet Alentejo countryside is fun for all ages. Kids will find horses to feed, groom and ride, bikes to zip about on, a pool to splash in and balls to kick around; adults can explore the vineyard and taste the wines – perfectly paired with five-course tasting menus in the evening.
Flexible rate: Pay at the time of stay; can be cancelled with no extra charge until 2 days before arrival.
6. Palazzo Marletta Hotel, Sicily, Italy
Stay in the former home of 18th-century Italian nobility at this lovingly restored sanctuary in central Catania. This is a great starting point for your Sicily holiday, with a plethora of cultural offerings on the doorstep – cathedral, a host of museums, restaurants and shops, and Catania’s world-famous fish market.
Flexible rate: No additional prepayment is required, and you can cancel without extra costs up to 3 days before arrival.
7. Nakar hotel, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
This fabulously sophisticated hotel features high-tech rooms and a dazzling rooftop pool overlooking Palma. It’s hip and romantic, with jacuzzis in some rooms, a poolside cocktail bar with resident DJs, an underground spa, and an outstanding restaurant with a suntrap terrace.
Flexible rate: Payment is taken at the time of stay, and you can cancel with no additional charges up to 7 days before arrival.
8. The Sandy Duck, Falmouth, UK
This sweet B&B overlooks the coast of ever-popular Cornwall. Expect stylish rooms with Scandi influences, homemade cakes, and a kick-your-shoes-off vibe. Delightful Falmouth is a 10-minute stroll in one direction; beaches are 10 minutes the other way.
Flexible rate: Balance is due 7 days prior to arrival, cancellation up until this point will face no additional charges.
9. The Pakleni Island Hideaway, Nr Hvar, Croatia
Fancy hiding away on a secret, semi-inhabited islet near Hvar? Try this secluded villa (sleeps 8) on the far end of Sveti Klement island, off Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. It’s surprisingly contemporary inside and fully self-sufficient, with solar panels and its own water supply. Spend sunny days kayaking, SUPing, sailing or scuba diving off the coast.
Flexible rate: Villas have stricter policies than hotels, so an additional 30% deposit is required when booking, but it’s refundable up until 30 days prior to arrival.
10. Liodentra, Peloponnese, Greece
For a big family holiday by the sea, this rustic beachside estate on the unspoiled Peloponnese peninsula ticks all the boxes. It incorporates two large villas set among tranquil gardens planted with olive trees, rosemary and lavender. There’s a swimming pool on site, and the beach is a mere 50 metres away.
Flexible rate: An additional 30% deposit is taken when you book, but this is refundable if you choose to cancel more than 20 days before your arrival date – very reasonable for a rental.
Looking for more options? See more flexible hotels and flexible rentals in our collection.