How To Get Early Check In At Hotels

Hotel Check-In and Check-Out Times: Can You Bend the Rules?

The issue of difficult hotel check-in and check-out timings is one that every traveler must deal with. However, what if you could get a couple more hours of sleep or avoid having to wait in the lobby?

This article explains how to improve your chances of securing a late checkout or early check-in. We'll explore the strategies that can improve your hotel stay, such signing up for a loyalty program, making reservations in advance, and even taking advantage of off-peak times.

The check-in and check-out times for hotels are intended to facilitate business travel. It guarantees that the following visitors may settle in promptly and gives housekeeping ample time to prepare the room for them.

Hotels should set aside specific times for guests to check in and depart so that they may schedule the work schedules of their employees appropriately. But sometimes guests find these times inconvenient, especially if they have early morning travel commitments or require a little extra time to pack before leaving.

Hotels are known for their friendliness, so they always try to meet their visitors' demands when they can, but they are unable to fulfill every request. Luckily, there are a few strategies you can use to stack the odds in your favor and save yourself a few additional hours of sleep or avoid having to wait in line.

5 ways to secure early check-in and late checkout

When staying at a hotel, check-in time is typically around 3 p.m., and checkout time is typically between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.

It's nearly hard to guarantee that your itinerary will align with a hotel's schedule when traveling because there are so many factors to consider. Because of this, it's a good idea to bear in mind the following five guidelines when asking for modifications to your check-in or check-out time:

1. Be a rewards member

The majority of hotels provide loyalty programs where you can accrue points for free stays in addition to other advantages. The ability to quickly request an early check-in or late checkout is one of those benefits.

You will receive more preferential treatment the more you show that you are a chain loyalist. Because of this, it's critical to pick a hotel chain that you truly like, sign up for their rewards program, and make all of your trip reservations through them. As a result of your increased status, the hotel will be more inclined to comply with your requests.

2. Book and request early

Making a last-minute reservation decreases your chances of getting your desired time slot. This is particularly valid if the season you have in mind for your preferred site is busy.

Making reservations in advance and immediately requesting early check-in or late checkout are your best options. Since there will be more general availability, the hotel will probably have more wiggle room in their schedule to meet your request if you book far enough in advance.

Just make sure your request gets recorded in their system and shows up on your confirmation of reservation.

3. Call ahead

After reserving your accommodation, you might not have known you would need to arrive early or depart a little later than anticipated. If this is the case, simply call the hotel to see if you may extend your stay in your room, as soon as you have a better sense of when you will be free.

4. Always be polite

A small act of kindness has a big impact. This is particularly true for those employed in the travel and hospitality sectors, as they frequently deal with tired tourists who occasionally vent their resentment on the employees.

One small step can go a long way toward encouraging the concierge to assist you, such as asking them how they're doing that specific day.

Concierges are problem solvers after all. If you're polite and courteous, they could be willing to assist you in coming up with an alternative solution even if they are unable to give you longer time in the room!

5. Travel on weekdays

Try booking your trip for a weekday if you want to guarantee an early check-in or late checkout. Weekdays are often less crowded for travel, and they also offer greater flexibility in hotels due to their lower occupancy rates. As a result, there's a greater chance that they can make accommodations for you.

Off-peak travel seasons are the same. There will be more downtime, more opportunities for the hotel to shuffle customers about, and a greater likelihood that you will sleep in a little longer if there are more unoccupied hotel rooms.

What if nothing works?

There's no assurance that you'll receive the desired response, even if you've attempted all of the aforementioned advice. There's just nothing a hotel can do when its cleaning staff is fully booked or limited to working particular hours. Thankfully, you have a few more options to consider when this occurs.

When you have time to kill and no hotel room, here’s what you can do:

• Request that the hotel hold your bags.  Before or after check-in, the majority of hotels will take care of this for its visitors. In this manner, you can go out to lunch, have a leisurely stroll, or even schedule a tour to pass the time and explore a little bit of the area.

• Ask permission before using any hotel facilities.  You can still use the spa, fitness center, pool, and business space even if your accommodation isn't available. Until it's time to check into your room or leave for the airport, you can alternatively spend your time hanging out in the restaurant or bar of the hotel. Just keep an eye on the clock!

• Ask the concierge for suggestions.  Concierges are happy to assist you in addressing problems because their profession involves innovative problem solving. For instance, if you need it, they might be able to secure you a cheaper room.

Conclusion

It might be difficult to negotiate hotel check-in and check-out timings, but you can improve your chances of getting an early check-in or late checkout by using these tips.

Keep in mind that you can increase your chances of success by traveling during the week, requesting lodgings in advance, and being a rewards member.

If nothing else works, ask about having your bags stored and making use of the hotel's services while you wait.

You may improve your trip experience and successfully negotiate hotel times by using these suggestions.