Russia Overhauls Hotel Booking Rules, Shifting Power to Travelers

A significant change is coming for anyone booking a hotel in Russia. Starting March 1, 2026, new federal regulations will govern reservations across all types of lodging, from major city hotels to remote campsites and resorts.

The core shift transfers leverage from the property to the guest. Hotels are now required to hold a reservation for a full 24 hours from the booking time until the check-in hour the following day, and cannot cancel it during that period. This replaces the old practice where a no-show often led to automatic cancellation. Refund policies are also standardized: a full refund is guaranteed for cancellations made before the arrival date. For late cancellations or no-shows, the penalty is capped at one night's stay.

Properties can only refuse a booked room if they fully compensate the guest for any losses. Existing mandates for resorts remain, including providing first-aid kits, summoning emergency services, and offering wake-up calls.

A major new requirement is a national registry for all hotels. Any property not listed will be barred from using major online booking platforms, a move officials say will increase market transparency and consumer protection.

The update comes as domestic travel remains robust. A recent national survey highlighted over 3,000 top-rated hotels across 385 Russian cities, including boutique properties like The Alchemist in Ivanovo and the Rodina Residences in Vladivostok, pointing to a diverse and competitive lodging market adapting to these new rules.