Hotel check-in and check-out times can feel restrictive – how many times have you struggled to pack everything up in time for that fast-approaching 10 a.m. exit? But they’re there for a reason – they give the hospitality industry time to turn rooms around in between guest stays.
Before you can put your card in your hotel room door, it needs cleaning, a new set of bedsheets, toiletries refilling and fresh towels on the drying rack. It’s typical to be able to check in around 3 p.m. and check out somewhere between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. the next morning – this crucial three-to-five hour window before the next guests arrive enables the hotel staff to work their magic.
But business meetings and train schedules rarely follow a hotel timetable. For workforce travellers like rail engineers and construction industry workers, late check-outs or early check-ins can provide valuable time to pack or prepare for meetings before heading out to on-site visits.
Hotels aren’t obliged to give you late check-out or early check-in when you request it – but they will when they can. Follow these tips and hopefully, you'll get what you ask for.
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TL;DR
- Many hotels offer late check-outs and early check-ins, but policies vary. Late-night check-in hotels are the same.
- To improve your chances of being able to check in late at your hotel, request late check-outs in advance, join loyalty programs and make your request politely.
- Fees might apply, but you can often avoid them by planning ahead.
- Travelling for business on weekdays can also increase your chances of approval due to lower occupancy rates.
- Use business travel management software like Roomex, which simplifies business trip booking and confirms requests.
Do hotels allow late check-outs?
Hotels know that trains can leave late and that meetings can overrun. Remember, this is the hospitality business, so hotels are incentivised to help you out where they can. If that means letting you stay late to have a shower before you head home, they’ll usually try to accommodate you. Many business travel hotels allow late check-outs, but the policies can vary. Generally, late check-out means you can stay in your room past the standard check-out time, which is usually between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.. Common late check-out times extend to 1 p.m. or 2 p.m..
Some hotels might offer later times, especially if they’re not fully booked. It’s often a good idea to ask about late check-out when booking or during check-in to confirm availability and any potential charges.
What about early check-ins?
Where do you go when your flight arrives first thing in the morning but your hotel doesn’t let you in until early afternoon? Early check-ins can be a lifesaver when you arrive at your destination ahead of schedule. Many hotels do offer early check-in, but availability often depends on room readiness.
Standard check-in times are usually between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., so if you arrive in the morning, you’ll usually need to wait unless the hotel can accommodate you. To improve your chances of an early check-in, it's best to inform the hotel of your expected arrival time in advance.
Can hotels charge for late check-in or check-out?
Unfortunately, yes they can. Because, ultimately, they can be a bit of an inconvenience to the hotel. Charges typically apply if your request significantly extends your stay beyond standard times. For late check-outs, fees might be incurred if you stay past the usual check-out time of 11 a.m. or 12 p.m.. Similarly, late check-ins, especially after midnight, can sometimes attract additional charges or require prior notice because a member of staff needs to be on call to meet you.
It’s not all doom and gloom though. If you want to avoid paying fees for late check-ins or check-outs here are a few things to try:
- Join a loyalty programme – much like getting free upgrades on a flight, hotels are more likely to be lenient on fees for loyal customers.
- Plan ahead – ask for late check-in or check-out when you book.
- Do your research – book hotels for business travel that offer free flexible check-in and check-out times.
How to ask for late check-out: five things you should know
1. Plan ahead
If you can help it, don’t leave your late check-out request until the last minute. Getting organised and asking ahead for what you want is a key way to secure late check-out or flexible check-in times. Here are some points to consider:
- Make your request during booking: Always mention your need for a late check-out or check-in when you make your reservation. This gives the hotel advance notice and allows them to note your request in their system. Early requests are more likely to be accommodated if the hotel can plan their room availability accordingly.
- Check your confirmation emails: After booking, review your confirmation email to confirm your request for late check-out or check-in has been noted. If it’s not mentioned, contact the hotel directly to reiterate your request.
- Follow-up before arrival: A few days before your stay, call the hotel to confirm your late check-out or check-in request. This helps to remind them of your needs and verify that your request is still in their system.
2. Join hotel loyalty programmes
Yes, those little cards hold some sway. Joining hotel loyalty programmes can significantly increase your chances of securing late check-out or check-in. Here’s why:
- Late check-outs are often membership perks: Hotel chain loyalty programmes provide valuable perks to frequent guests. These often include free late check-out, early check-in, room upgrades and other benefits that can make your stay more comfortable and convenient. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular loyalty schemes:
- Marriott Bonvoy® Elite Members, for example, can get guaranteed check-out as late as 4 p.m., depending on their membership level. For those on lower tiers, late check-out may be subject to availability.
- Crystal Hotels in London offer complimentary late check-out to Tier 1 and above loyalty programme members.
- All IHG Elite and HIlton Elite members can request late check-out up to 2 p.m., subject to availability.
- Priority treatment: Loyalty programme members often receive priority treatment over other guests. This means that your request for a late check-out or check-in has more chance of being accommodated, especially during busy periods when other guests are requesting the same service.
- Points and rewards: By joining a loyalty programme, you might earn points for each stay. These points can be redeemed for free nights, upgrades, or other services – including late check-out.
- Personalised service: Hotels often keep track of preferences and special requests for loyalty members. So once you’ve made a request, such as a late check-out, the hotel is more likely to remember and fulfil it during future stays.
3. Be polite
Remember when you were a child and your parents told you if you wanted something you should ask nicely for it? The same applies here. Hotel front-desk staff and managers are more likely to offer you late check-out if you’re polite and respectful when you make your request.
Here are some phrases to try:
"Would it be possible to arrange a late check-out?"
"I have a late flight. Could I please have a late check-out?"
"Could you accommodate a late check-out? It would really help with my schedule."
"I understand if there’s a fee for a late check-out. Can you let me know the cost?"
4. Use a business travel management software to make your booking
Why do all the hard work yourself? You know what it’s like when you travel for business – with so much going on, it can be hard to remember to contact individual hotels with specific requests. Using business travel management software can make it a lot simpler to secure late check-out or check-in options.
What is business travel management software?
Business travel management software helps companies manage and organise their employees’ travel arrangements. Hotel booking companies like these centralise all aspects of travel planning into one easy-to-use platform, from booking flights and accommodation to tracking expenses and generating reports.
Here’s why you should use it…
- Managing all travel-related tasks on one platform saves time with corporate hotel booking, eliminating the need to navigate multiple websites or make numerous phone calls.
- Such software often provides access to corporate rates and discounts, reducing your travel expenses.
- It helps ensure all bookings comply with company policies and travel guidelines, reducing the risk of errors and unauthorised expenses.
- It’s easier to manage special requests, such as late check-out or check-in, by providing clear communication channels and tracking features.
- Analytics features provide detailed insights on travel spending, helping you make informed decisions and optimise your travel budget.
Roomex’s reservation checks do your admin work for you. Our support team periodically checks reservations with hotels to confirm booking details and any additional requests, such as late check-out. This ensures that your requests are noted and confirmed, providing you and your workplace travellers with peace of mind.
5. Time your travel right
This is where business travellers like you have the edge. Travelling on a weekday can increase your chances of securing a late check-out. Here’s why:
- Hotels typically experience lower occupancy rates during weekdays compared to weekends. With fewer people staying, hotels face less pressure to prepare rooms for incoming guests, allowing them to grant late check-out requests more frequently.
- Similarly, while you may be after a late check-out, other business travellers may be checking out early to attend meetings or catch flights, resulting in better room availability.
How Roomex simplifies late check-out requests
And breathe. At Roomex, you’ll find a single platform to manage all your accommodation needs. You can request late check-outs during the booking process and our support team will periodically check reservations for you to confirm all details – giving you the peace of mind that your requests have been noted and approved.
With over two million workforce-suitable accommodation options and an in-depth search and filter function, you can specifically look for hotels offering late check-out. You can also filter for certain hotel chains to maximise the use of any loyalty rewards you may have.
In summary
Late check-outs are usually an option, but you need to play your cards right to get one. By planning ahead, travelling for business on a weekday, joining hotel loyalty programmes and being polite, you can increase the chances of your hotel accommodating your requests.
For business travellers, late check-outs beyond the standard 10 a.m.-12 p.m. provide additional time to prepare for meetings, complete work, pack bags or rest before a late flight. It can reduce the stress of having to rush out of your room and allow for a more relaxed and productive end to your stay. Essentially, late check-outs give you more control over your time and itinerary.
Using business travel management software like Roomex can simplify the process and make sure your requests are noted and confirmed.
