That’s dumb. I used to work in hotels. We hated online bookings because of how terrible those sites handle expectations. A tip for the future is: If you find yourself wanting to take that latter option, odds are it’s the same as booking directly, price-wise. If you book directly, you’re more guaranteed and only have to deal with their own policy. Usually it’s no fee if cancelled the day before arrival. If cancelled same day, a one-night fee applies for holding the room. If you cancelled the day before, could’ve saved.