Booking.com Failed to Return Money After Approved Free Cancellation

I made a reservation through the Booking.com app for a stay at Hotel Le M covering the dates September 13–16, 2025. I canceled this reservation using my free cancellation right. However, one day after the cancellation, on September 6, 2025, a charge of $430.53 USD was made to my TEB Bank credit card.

Despite sending multiple emails to both the property and Booking.com regarding this issue, no solution was provided. Eventually, in October, I was able to reach Booking.com’s UK customer service, where I was told that my refund had been processed and that the process could take up to 30 business days. However, even though it is now December, no refund has appeared on my credit card.

This charge, made in relation to a reservation I canceled while in Istanbul and for which I had free cancellation rights, is unlawful. I demand that this issue be resolved immediately and that the $430.53 USD charged to my credit card be refunded in full, without any deductions, to the same credit card as soon as possible. Otherwise, I hereby notify you that I will escalate this matter to the Consumer Arbitration Board and pursue all other necessary legal channels.