Both Marriott and Hilton are tightening up their cancellation policies, with plans to charge a fee of one night’s stay to guests who fail to cancel before 11.59pm on the day before their scheduled arrival.

The changes will go into effect on 1 January. Hilton says it will give guests and owners greater consistency and reliability and will allow hotels to sell rooms to those looking for last minute deals, rather than leave them stand empty.

Although many hotels are more relaxed than airlines with their cancellation policies, an increase in last minute cancellations is leading to many hotels tightening up in this area, sometimes requiring several days’ notice

US hotels are reportedly projected to make $2.25bn in fees and surcharges this year, from cancellation policies, revenue for WiFI and resort fees.