When you book a hotel, you’ll usually see two prices for the same room. One is cheaper but locks you in. The other costs a little more but lets you change your mind. Picking the right one comes down to a simple question: how sure are you about your plans?
This guide explains how each rate works, when each one makes sense, and how to choose during our current sale, where the gap between the two is bigger than usual.
What Is a Non-Refundable Rate?
A non-refundable rate is the cheapest way to book. In return for the lower price, you can’t cancel or change the booking. If you can’t make the trip, you won’t get your money back.
It’s a good fit when your dates are fixed. A graduation, a show you’ve already got tickets for, a work trip that’s in the diary. If nothing’s likely to move, there’s no point paying extra for flexibility you won’t use.
What Is a Standard Rate?
A standard rate costs a little more per night but comes with more flexible booking terms. Depending on the hotel’s policy, you can usually cancel or amend your booking up to a set point before arrival without a charge.
That flexibility is worth having when plans could shift. Flights get cancelled, rail strikes happen, and meetings move. If you’re booking months ahead or travelling from further away, the extra cost buys you peace of mind.
How the Rates Compare in Our Sale
During the Crown Group sale, you can save:
- 30% off standard rates
- 45% off non-refundable rates
To put that in simple terms, for every £100 of the full rate, you’d pay £70 on the standard rate or £55 on the non-refundable rate. On a single night, that difference might not matter much. Over a long weekend or a week, it adds up.
The sale covers stays from 17 to 26 December 2026, 2 January to 11 April 2027, and 16 July to 31 August 2027, at all six of our hotels. You’ll find the full details in our central London hotel sale guide, and the latest rates on our special offers.
Which Rate Should You Choose?
Go non-refundable if:
- Your dates are fixed and unlikely to change
- You’re booking a short stay closer to the time
- You want the lowest possible price and you’re comfortable with the risk
Go standard if:
- You’re booking several months ahead
- You’re relying on flights or long-distance trains
- Your trip depends on something that could move, like a meeting or an event
If you do book non-refundable, it’s worth checking whether your travel insurance covers cancellation and what it actually includes. Many policies won’t pay out just because you’ve changed your mind.
A Few Practical Tips
Read the cut-off time. With standard rates, check exactly when free cancellation ends. A 24-hour window is very different from seven days.
Keep an eye on travel news. If you’re travelling by train, National Rail lists planned disruption. Once you’re in London, TfL’s status updates show what’s running.
Book direct. Booking on our website means the sale discount is already applied, and you can contact our team directly if you have a question about your booking.
Does Your Rate Change Your Stay?
No. Whichever rate you book, you get the same room, the same welcome and the same help from our team. Need directions, a local tip or an early check-in? Just ask, and we’ll help where we can, subject to availability.
Every room is prepared to the same standard. You can see what goes into that in our look behind the scenes in housekeeping, and read how we handle guest feedback.
Choosing Where to Stay
Once you’ve picked your rate, it’s about picking your base. Bloomsbury puts you close to the British Museum and a 15 to 20 minute walk from the West End, at the Bloomsbury Palace Hotel, Arran House Hotel or Hotel Cavendish. Hotel Cavendish and Arran House include continental breakfast in every rate, whichever rate you book. The Mabledon Court Hotel is around an 8 minute walk from King’s Cross St Pancras. It doesn’t serve breakfast, but there are plenty of cafés nearby.
For business in the City, the Great St Helen Hotel is close to Liverpool Street, with a short Tube ride to the West End. The Hatton Garden Hotel in Farringdon suits couples and weekenders who want a quieter base with good links across the city.
As a UK-owned group of six central London hotels, we keep things simple. Stay central, pay for what you need, and spend your time exploring.
Book Your Stay
Know which rate suits you? You’ll find the current sale rates for all six hotels on our special offers. Book by 3 December 2026 to save up to 45%.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does non-refundable mean for a hotel booking? It means you pay a lower price but can’t cancel or change the booking. If you don’t stay, you won’t get a refund.
Can I change the dates on a non-refundable booking? No. Non-refundable bookings can’t be amended. If there’s a chance your dates might move, a standard rate is the safer choice.
Is the standard rate always free to cancel? Standard rates come with more flexible terms, but there’s usually a cut-off before arrival. Check the terms when you book.
How much do I save with each rate in the Crown Group sale? 30% off standard rates and 45% off non-refundable rates, already applied to the prices on our website.
Will I get a different room on a non-refundable rate? No. Your rate only affects the booking terms, not your room or the service you receive.
Should I rely on travel insurance if I book non-refundable? Check your policy first. Some cover cancellation for specific reasons like illness, but most won’t cover a simple change of plans.
