Hotel check in and check out is like second nature to most travellers, but it’s easy to overlook simple mistakes and miss out on extra perks that can make or break your vacation.
When I flew home from Mexico after my 2012 summer vacation, I was basking in the post-holiday glow. It was not until I checked my hotel bill online that I realized my card was charged for more than expected. What happened? There were several minibar items charged to my bill. That’s interesting – I never even opened the minibar.
It turned out that the front desk made an error during my hotel check out. If I had paid more attention while checking out, I could have saved myself some time, a lot of money and a massive headache. Take some time to avoid those mistakes by following our essential tips below:
Hotel check in tips
Hotel check out tips
- Double-check that you have everything before you go
- Ask for the final bill upon hotel check out
- Let the hotel know if you need a late check out
What should you do before your hotel check in time
#1: Avoid hotel check in on Fridays
Most travellers start their weekend holidays on Fridays, so the line during the hotel check in time can be a nightmare. If Fridays are unavoidable, next best option is early check in.
Depending on room availability, the front desk may let you into your room before the usual hotel check in time. Just remember: be polite.
#2: Room upgrades and early check in privileges
If the stipulated hotel check in time isn’t convenient or you just want a good bang for your buck, there’s no harm in asking for an early check in or room upgrade. Early check in and room upgrades largely depend on the night’s occupancy rate.
From better views to more premium suites, I have received numerous upgrades just by being friendly with the front desk. If you’re celebrating a special occasion like an anniversary or a birthday, be sure to mention it.
If the staff is kind enough to offer extra services, tipping is a nice gesture to show your appreciation.
#3: Cash is NOT king
Even if you booked your hotel online, payment of a hotel deposit is typically required during hotel check in. Using plastic can make refund processes a lot easier, not to mention the variety of rewards it comes with, such as mileage points and cash-back bonuses. This applies to your final bill during the check out process as well.
In some cases, dishonest front desk clerks might pocket the cash you pay and still charge the card used during online bookings. To be safe, use your credit card during hotel check in.
READ MORE: When is the best time to book a hotel?
How to check out of a hotel efficiently?
#1: Double-check that you have everything before you go
A friend of mine would leave one of his shoes inside the room’s safe the night before checking out of the hotel. His logic? He literally couldn’t leave the room until he checked in the safe for his belongings.
Sometimes you do not realize you left something behind until you have already settled in at the airport. Before checking out of a hotel, make a list of all your items and check them off before you leave.
Consider packing everything the night prior, and then before you leave the room, do one final sweep under the bed, inside the bathroom counters, under the drawers and inside the safe.
#2: Ask for the final bill upon hotel check out
If you’re a frequent traveller like me, you tend to rush through boring hotel check outs. However, your hotel check out time is your opportunity to dispute anything you find unfair.
Avoid any mistakes that could ruin your vacation by asking for an updated bill when you check out. Make sure that there are no suspicious charges, such as a meal that might have been charged to the wrong room or minibar charges that were mistakenly added.
#3: Let the hotel know if you need a late check out
Typically, hotel check out time is around 11 AM or noon, but sometimes this gets in the way of your last-minute plans. If you need a late check out, just ask politely. Keep in mind that hotels set this time in the morning to give the housekeepers ample time to prepare the room for the next guest.
If you do not inform the front desk that you need to check out later, you make it harder for them to do their job. Some hotels may charge you a fee for a late check out.
READ MORE: Top 10 hotels and flights booking sites for travellers
Vacations are meant to be enjoyed, especially when you get a chance to stay at a dream hotel. Follow our tips to make your hotel check in and check out process is as seamless as possible. Besides, who doesn’t want to save some extra money?
