Checking In/Out Early or Late?
One of the most frequently asked questions for any hotel is whether it is possible to check in or out at unusual times. Sometimes, guests are also surprised at the answers they receive! So here is a bit of helpful information as to what hotels can do and what they can’t in all 4 possible situations!
Checking in Early
Within reason, an early check-in MAY be possible, but please do realise that the guest who has paid for the previous night is entitled to stay until the scheduled check-out time! For most hotels, this will be either 11am or 12 noon. Asking for a check-in before this time may just be impossible to deliver! Even then, do spare a thought for the housekeeper! For a new arrival, the room has to be properly cleaned, bed linen changed, towels changed, toiletries and tea & coffee replenished. These things take time to do properly. It is for this reason that check-in times are usually stated as 2 or 3pm.
Any good hotel will TRY to accommodate an early check-in, but do understand why it sometimes just cannot be done or guaranteed! Of course, you could always book the previous night!!!
Late Check-Out
All of the opposite reasons apply! If there is an incoming guest, they have a right to check into the room that they are paying for and it has to be ready for their use. If there is no-one staying the following night, a small extension may be reasonable (an hour or two) without charge. The key word here is “small”! Mid-late afternoon is not small and will often incur an additional charge to cover a housekeeper being kept on duty and waiting! Any later and don’t be surprised if an additional night is required.
Late Check-In
This will very much depend on the size and style of hotel. Large hotels will usually have night staff who can cover this. Small, privately-run hotels don’t have this luxury! As a guideline, it is always worth calling to check if you are expecting to arrive after 9pm and certainly if you are expecting it to be after midnight! Most hoteliers will appreciate this courtesy and will make sure that your needs are accommodated. These same jovial hoteliers are usually much more grouchy when they have to open up the hotel in their pyjamas at 2am!!!
Early Check-Out
This can be much more problematic! If you are planning to check out before the scheduled opening time, this may require kitchen staff and front of house staff arriving early (for which they will expect to be paid!) and it may not always be possible. It may also be following a very late night for them! As always, efforts are usually made to accommodate polite requests that are made in good time. It will usually be possible to provide a breakfast tray for your room or a cooked breakfast may often be available a little earlier than usual. It is always possible to settle your bill the previous evening. But, please, don’t expect sausage, bacon & eggs at 5:30am!!
