Check-in @ 4pm. Check out @ 11am.
Who Thought This Was a Good Idea?
A hotel hates to see me coming.
I live for hotel lobby bars & rooftop restaurants, free lux lotion/shower gel, turndown service every time I turn-up and return to snack on my pillow. I set my alarm for complimentary coffee in my robe and face mask at 7 am, and a breakfast situation that will get me right for whatever activity the day may bring. When I travel, the hotel has to be on point. The right vibes and the right amenities create an atmosphere for a stay that doesn’t feel like a punishment. While many hotels may have all the above down to a T, why is the check-in, check-out timing process still a hot ass mess?
Checking in at 4 pm and getting kicked out at 11 am - who thought this was a good idea?
Whether it’s for work or vacation, I love to travel early in the morning or late at night. I like to get in and get right to it. To be fair, it all depends on where you’re going and what you’re doing, but for me, I prefer to travel late or early and arrive the same way. With that comes the task of getting into my hotel at a reasonable hour. It depends on the destination and itinerary, but I prefer to arrive either early or late, and I want my room to be ready upon arrival. When my budget allows, I book a day in advance so that my room is always prepared. There’s nothing like landing, getting to the hotel, and standing around waiting for a room to magically become available. Sometimes, that comes with a catch, because many hotels will cancel your booking if you don’t check in on time. A call ahead to the hotel usually helps keep the reservation secure, and often, a pro-rated charge for a partial stay is applied since the room remained empty for most of the day.
The whole timing situation wouldn’t be so bad if hotels offered a little flexibility, but nope. They’re determined to ruin the final hours of your trip by making you wake up early, pack like you’re in a timed competition, and disappear. The late check-out hour they dangle in your face is a tease. Most times, I’m in the streets with my luggage, dragging it through the city until my flight. And yeah, I know you can leave bags at the front desk, but it’s still a pain. One time, I even forgot mine and went straight to the airport. That was fun and a new level of
As I watch these celebrities bop around for the #Sanchezos wedding and hop from yacht to yacht, I have to wonder… Are they checking out at 11 am?
I’ve never seen anyone with luggage as they head out to their next destination. I know most of them don’t pay taxes, but do they at least adhere to the hotel’s check-in and check-out policy? Or does being rich come with a “sleep in and leave when you feel like it” clause I haven’t unlocked yet? Because if Beyoncé ever had to shove her toiletries into a carry-on at 10:57 am while chugging hotel coffee and begging for a luggage cart… I need the footage.
Immediately.