Cancelation fee and refund

I made a booking for Accommodation this morning 21 May 2026. I had to unfortunately cancel due to an emergency that came up. I canceled after about an hour and requested cancelation and expecting a refund. Booking.com advised Cape town Lodge Hotel will charge me 100% cancelation fee. Is this practice even legal? It should not be allowed. Very disappointed. I just received harsh and unfriendly responses from the Manager at the Hotel.