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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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.
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.
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:
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:
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:
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?"
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.