bookings.com very deceptive practices Internet

I booked a hotel room 6 months in advance.  I decided because of family reasons (a 90 yr. old mother with a sudden health issue) that scheduling anything that far was a cap shot.  The next day I tried to cancel  and was told I would have to pay for the first night  anyways.

I called customer service and was told to take a leap. I can not believe that  6 months  in advance and I can not get a full  refund. 

 I asked for a credit not even a full refund and was told NO.  Worse yet, the refund (or lack of) policy  is not despatched until the have your cc#.