I tried to cancel a reservation 4 days before arrival. I couldn't make my reservation due to my mother being ill and in the hospital. They requested a noted from the hospital stating that she was in there. Hospitals don't just give out notes they charge you for it.
I tried going up the chain of management and they kept spewing their corporate policies with no compassion. I will never book through a third party or OTA again. I will pay alittle xtra and call the hotel directly.