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Nov 8, 2023 · Learn the basics of how to check out of a hotel, including how to request late check-out and tipping etiquette. Yes, you’re supposed to check out of your hotel on time. Here are methods you can use, plus advice on requesting a coveted late check-out.
- Standard Check-In & Check-Out Time
- Hotel Check-In Rules
- Hotel Check-In Tips
- Hotel Check-Out Rules
- Hotel Check-Out Tips
- Can You Check Out Late at A Hotel?
- Why Is It Better to Check Out at A Hotel?
- Can You Check in Early at The Hotel?
- Can I Ask For A Hotel Room Upgrade?
Hotels independently decide their check-in and check-out times, but very often you can check in after 2 PM and check out until 12 PM. These are the most common times for hotel check-in and check-out, but you should always read through the rules of the hotel you’re staying at and see the exact times they have listed.
The rules for check-in at hotels have been the same for decades, so if you’ve ever previously checked in at a hotel, you already know what to do. And if not, it’s super simple and nothing to worry about!
Double Check Everything
When booking a hotel room, make sure to double-check everything about it and read the fine print. Check when the check-in and check-out times are, whether the hotel has any flexibility regarding this, whether you booked a smoking or non-smoking room, whether there is room service, etc. After you’ve completed the booking, look for the confirmation email, or anything really that states that the hotel has received your reservation. If you don’t get a confirmation email or anything of the kind, c...
Make Requests During Booking
If you have any special requests, make them during or immediately after booking. If you’re a light sleeper and you don’t want a room close to the elevator, request one of the hotel rooms that are as far away from the elevator as possible. If you’re a smoker, make sure to request a smoking room. This also goes for early check-in and late check-out. If you estimate that you will arrive prior to the hotel’s check-in time, let them know your schedule in advance and ask if early check-in is possib...
Check Your Room Immediately
When you complete the check-in process and you arrive at your room, don’t unpack right away. First, check that everything is to your liking – check that the room has the view you wanted, that the bedding is indeed clean, that the toiletries are provided, etc. If you have any complaints, you can settle the issue immediately, and it’s much better to deal with this as soon as you arrive than after you’ve already unpacked and made a mess.
Front Desk Check-Out
When it’s time to check out, head to the front desk if you haven’t requested a late check-out. Make sure you’ve packed everything and bring your room key with you. Go to the front desk and tell the staff that you want to check out. They will ask you for your room key, and usually, they will send a housekeeper to do a quick check of your room, to make sure that everything is in order. You’ll then be asked to settle outstanding bills if there are any – so if you consumed anything from the mini...
Online Check-Out
Some hotels allow for online check-out, and this is great for guests who don’t want to wait in line at the front desk. You can leave the key card in your room and simply walk out the front door when it’s time to leave the hotel. To be eligible for this, you need to give the hotel your contact upon check-in. Give them your email address, and let them know that you want them to send your guest folio. You’ll also need to give them your credit card info, so they can charge you the deposit and any...
Do A Final Room Walk Through
If I had a $1 for every item I left at a hotel, I’d have approximately $10. It’s not a lot of money, but it is too many things to randomly forget in your hotel room. I’ve lost so many phone chargers, toothbrushes, loofas, and other things, simply because I was overly confident that I had packed everything. So, before you head to the front desk to check out, do a final walk-through around the room. Check all the outlets, look inside the drawers and closets, and double-check the bathroom and th...
Check-Out Early On Busy Days
While most people prefer to check out of the hotel at the last minute possible just to get their money’s worth, you could save a lot of time if you check out an hour earlier on a particularly busy day. Sundays and Fridays are often busy for check-outs, and there is a pretty good chance you’ll have to wait in line at the front desk if you check out at the last minute. Isn’t it better to check out an hour earlier, than to have to spend an extra hour at the hotel standing in line?
Request An Itemized Bill
If you suspect that your hotel room bill is higher than it should be and you’re not provided with an itemized bill of all your expenses, you can request one at the front desk. Go through it and make sure that there aren’t any bogus charges – sometimes it can happen by mistake, but it can also be done intentionally and many guests never realize it because they never think to ask for an itemized bill.
Most hotels allow guests to check out late at no extra charge, but this is generally dependent on their booking capacity. If the hotel isn’t completely booked during your stay and there are no new guests arriving who are supposed to take your room, they will most likely allow you to check out late. Many hotels allow their guests to check out as lat...
It’s better to check out at the front desk because you can get an itemized bill of all your expenses. If you sign up for online check-out and leave them with your card number, the hotel will just charge you what they think you owe them and you won’t be able to do anything about this until you get the email with the bill. You can usually go over the...
Many hotels will allow guests to check in early, depending on the room availability. If the hotel is not at full capacity and your room is clean and ready for your arrival, they will usually let you check in a few hours ahead of time. Also, you’ll have a better chance of getting early check-in if you’re not staying at an airport hotel or one that c...
You can always ask the hotel for a room upgrade, and it’s best to do it at the front desk during check-in. It’s best to decide how much money you are willing to spend on a room upgrade and ask them if they have anything in your budget. Some hotels may even offer an upgrade free of charge, but that doesn’t happen very often so don’t expect it. It ge...
Nov 28, 2023 · In this article, we delve into the intricacies of hotel check-in and check-out times, exploring their strictness, the rationale behind the common 11 AM checkout, the 3 PM check-in norm, and the repercussions of deviating from these schedules.
Jan 30, 2022 · The most common hotel check-out time in the United States is 11 am with 86% of hotels choosing that time. Some 6 % of hotels were 1 hour earlier at 10 am, and 6% of hotels were 1 hour later at 12 noon.
Jul 11, 2022 · Hotels advertise their specific check-in and checkout times online. You'll see the indicated checkout time when booking, and you'll probably also receive the information in a confirmation email. When you arrive to check in, staff might notify you of checkout time as well.
- Ben Smithson
Aug 14, 2023 · You’ve had your fun, enjoyed your stay at your hotel, and now it's time to leave. If you’re wondering whether you need to check out of the hotel, the answer depends on where you’re staying.
You do not have to check out of a hotel. But while it may seem a bit inconvenient — especially if you're in a rush — it can help you resolve any discrepancies on your bill (face to face is always better) and it can help the hotel prepare your vacant room in a timely manner for the next traveler.
