Hotel check-in times: A complete guide for travelers

Few things rival the comfort of a welcoming hotel room when you’re away from home. It’s a sanctuary from the stress of canceled flights, lost luggage, and other travel woes. Unfortunately, that comfort comes with a firm start and stop: the hotel’s check-in time and checkout time. 

If you've ever arrived at a hotel early or faced a delayed departure, chances are you know the inconvenience of waiting in the lobby or wandering the streets, wishing you were holding court in your very own king suite.

The good news? Often, all it takes to get a little extra time in your room is a polite request at the front desk.

Below, we’ll explain the basics of checking in and out of hotels and offer tips for extending your stay an extra hour or two—sometimes at no additional cost.

Hotel check-in and checkout: Times and processes 

Traditionally, hotels schedule their check-in times in the mid- or late afternoon, while checkouts happen mid-to-late morning. The window allows housekeeping ample time to prepare the room for the next guest. It also helps the front desk manage the flow of arrivals and departures, ensuring a smooth experience for everyone. 

The check-in process itself is designed to streamline all arrivals through a series of standardized steps:

1. Verify and confirm reservations

Guests provide the front desk with their reservation details, including name, identification, and booking confirmation number. 

2. Finalize payment

To secure the booking and cover potential incidentals, guests also provide reception with a credit card for a security deposit in addition to the room fee. 

3. Assign rooms

Depending on the reservation, guest preferences, and availability, the hotel staff assigns guests their room. 

4. Issue key cards

Once reception finalizes the room assignment, they issue guests a key card that provides access to the room and other hotel amenities, such as the fitness center or pool.

5. Share information 

Finally, the front desk staff informs guests about facility policies, services, and amenities. The hotel concierge may also suggest nearby attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest.   

How flexible are hotel check-in and checkout times?

Flexibility with check-ins and checkouts can vary widely between hotel chains. Even if hotel staff is generally accommodating, their ability to honor a late departure or early arrival time usually depends on guest occupancy levels. During peak seasons or when the hotel is fully booked, stricter adherence to standard times is more likely.

To avoid surprises, it’s always best to contact the hotel in advance regarding early check-ins and late checkouts.  

How to secure a smooth check-in + tips for requesting early check-in and late checkout

Travel plans often include unwanted surprises like delayed flights or luggage that takes an unexpected detour. But mishaps don’t have to derail your stay. Here are a few ways to ensure a stress-free arrival and tips to negotiate check-in and checkout times that better suit your schedule. 

Stress-free check-ins 

1. Have your documents and payment methods ready

Arriving at the hotel with a valid ID, booking confirmation, and a credit card for incidentals will speed up the verification process at the front desk.

2. Learn about the hotel’s policies and amenities

Familiarizing yourself with the hotel’s policies and amenities before arrival helps you know what to expect when you check in. 

3. Consider mobile check-ins

Many hotel chains offer mobile check-ins through their apps. The app verifies your reservation, assigns your room, and activates a digital key on your smartphone or tablet, allowing you to skip the front desk entirely.

Tips for checking in early and checking out late

1. Be a rewards member

One of the perks of joining a hotel loyalty program is the flexibility it offers. Members often receive priority when requesting early check-ins or late checkouts. Hotels value repeat customers, and demonstrating loyalty increases the likelihood they’ll allow you to arrive early or depart late.

When you travel with Engine, you can link your hotel loyalty program to our platform and receive extra reward points. Every booking earns you valuable perks from Engine in addition to points with your favorite hotel chains.  

2. Book and request early 

If you know you’ll need flexible check-in or checkout times, let the hotel know as soon as you book the reservation. Early inquiries help the hotel staff meet your needs. 

3. Call ahead

Travel plans often change quickly, and most hotels understand this. If your schedule changes, contact the hotel’s front desk as soon as possible. A quick call is sometimes all it takes to adjust your schedule.

If you booked through Engine, let us know. We’ll handle the negotiations for you so everything is ready when you arrive.

4. Travel on weekdays

Hotel occupancy rates are at their lowest during the week, which means housekeeping staff have more time to prepare rooms. With a lighter occupancy, it’s often easier to secure an earlier check-in or a later departure. 

5. Be polite and patient

Kindness is a two-way street, especially in the hospitality industry. Always treat hotel staff with respect—not just when you need their assistance. A friendly, courteous demeanor builds goodwill and increases the likelihood of getting help when you’re in a pinch.

Remember, concierges and front desk staff do their best, but they may not always be able to meet every request due to circumstances beyond their control. Patience and cooperation often lead to creative solutions or helpful alternatives.

What if nothing works?

Even if the hotel can’t adjust check-in and checkout times, there are still ways to make the most of your time. Here’s how:

1. Store your luggage

Many hotels offer luggage storage before check-in and after checkout. Free of heavy bags, you can explore nearby attractions, enjoy a meal, or take a stroll while waiting for your room or heading to the airport. 

2. Use hotel amenities

Just because you haven't checked in doesn't mean you can't take advantage of the hotel's facilities. Ask reception if you can access facilities like the spa, gym, pool, or business center. If those aren’t available, the hotel restaurant, cafe, or bar could be comfortable places to pass the time.

3. Ask the concierge

If the hotel can’t accommodate your request, the concierge may be able to offer creative solutions, like finding a temporary room or suggesting nearby facilities where you can wait comfortably.

Engine has your back 

Business travel comes with its share of challenges, but with Engine in your corner, you never have to tackle them alone. Our 24/7 Member Support team works directly with hotels to ensure your stay goes smoothly, from check-in to checkout.

Engine is the ultimate hotel booking solution for business travelers. With free access to our platform and travel management tools, becoming a member means simplifying your travel and saving more. Sign up today to get started.

FAQs

What is the normal check-in time for hotels?

The standard hotel check-in time is usually between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. The time for hotel checkout is typically between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.

What happens if you check in late?

Most hotel chains will hold your room until 6 a.m. the following day. If you don’t arrive by then, your reservation may be canceled, and a no-show fee could be charged to the credit card on file.

What happens if you check out late?

Staying past the designated checkout time without prior arrangements can result in a late checkout fee or even an additional night’s charge. In some cases, the hotel may ask you to leave to accommodate incoming guests.