You’ve just wrapped up an incredible getaway and your suitcase is packed and resting by the door. There’s just one more task you need to do before going home: checking out of the hotel.
But how do you know when the hotel check-out time is? And do you need to actually go to the front desk before leaving? What are you supposed to do with your room key and how much should you tip housekeeping?
These are all great questions and they all have pretty straightforward answers. Keep scrolling to learn everything you need to know.
Understanding the hotel check-out time
Every hotel has a set time for guests to check-in and check-out. This schedule ensures everything runs smoothly on the hotel’s end since it constantly has guests coming and going.
The hours between check-out and check-in give housekeeping enough time to completely clean and refresh it before the next guest arrives.
While some hotel guests simply walk out without properly checking out, hotels prefer for their guests to notify them when they leave their rooms. This allows the housekeeping staff to enter earlier and gives them more time to clean the room.
Properly checking out is also important for the guest as it gives you an opportunity to settle the bill and return your key.
How to check out of a hotel
Checking out of a hotel has never been easier. In fact, you have a handful of options to choose from.
Visit the front desk in person
After leaving your room, head to the front desk and inform them that you’re checking out. They’ll likely request your room key, confirm the card on file is correct, confirm your loyalty number, and provide you with an itemized bill that you can settle in person.
Call the front desk
You can call the front desk to initiate hotel check-out. Simply call them, inform them that you’re ready to leave, and they’ll walk you through the process.
Mobile app
Some hotels allow you to check out via a mobile app. When you’re ready to depart the hotel, open the app, review your charges, and initiate the check-out process.
TV check-out
Similarly, some hotels with in-room TVs have enabled a check-out process via the TV. Click the check-out option, review your bill, and follow the prompts.
Express check-out kiosks
Some hotels have installed check-out kiosks in the hotel lobby that allow guests to check out digitally before leaving. You can typically review and settle your bill here, and there’s often a slot to place your room key.
Walking out
If you’ve found yourself very low on time and need to rush out the door, fret not. This happens more often than you think, and you likely won’t be penalized by the hotel.
Still, it’s a courtesy to let the hotel know you’ve left. Consider calling them on your journey to the airport (or the next leg of your trip), or initiate the check-out process on the mobile app (if possible) once you’re able.
If you’re checking out on a mobile app, via TV, by calling the front desk, or by simply walking out, leave your room key in your room. If you receive a bill later and need to discuss it, simply call or email the hotel.
At this time, you can also make sure that the hotel has your loyalty number so you can earn points toward your next stay.
Hotels with late check-out
If late check-out is important to you, confirm the hotel’s check-out time before booking a room. (This is also good advice if you prefer an early check-in). When booking on KAYAK, check-in and check-out times are clearly displayed at the bottom of the hotel page.
Note that some hotels allow you to upgrade (sometimes for a fee) to an earlier check-in or a later check-out time depending on availability. This is a perk I’ve taken advantage of several times, especially when I arrive at my destination very early in the morning and I need to rest, or if I know that I’m leaving the city late and could use some extra time in my room.
For example, on a recent trip from Phoenix to Finland I took a red eye flight that touched down just past sunrise. Knowing I’d be exhausted after my hours-long journey, I’d paid for an early check-in so I could have a place to recoup before embarking on the day. Similarly, I’ve had numerous flights that didn’t leave until late afternoon or evening, and paying for a late check-out time was a nice luxury.
What to do when a late check-out is not possible
If you forgot to request a late check-out in advance or your hotel is unable to grant a late check-out at the last minute, not all’s lost. First, make sure to properly check-out. Then consider one of the following options:
Store your bags: Most hotels will store your luggage and allow you to pick it up long after checking out. Do this if you want to leave the hotel for more sightseeing and exploration.
Keep your bags in your car: If you rent a car, toss your luggage into the trunk and spend your day however you like.
Use a luggage locker: If your hotel doesn’t store bags after check-out, look for a luggage locker in the city. You will pay a small fee to access a locker that fits all your belongings. (This is more popular in Europe, but lots of big cities in the US have them, too.)
Enjoy the spa: If your hotel has a spa, consider pampering yourself. This is a great way to spend the final hours of your vacation.
Relax in the lobby: Spend your extra hours in the hotel lobby, which likely has seating and free Wi-Fi. Some may also have restaurants or bars you can take advantage of.
Head to a café: Alternatively, venture to a nearby café. They likely won’t mind if you bring your luggage (permitting it’s not more than one or two bags) and you’ll be able to sip on drinks while relaxing or getting work done.
Go to the airport early: Most major airports are full of shops and restaurants and offer free Wi-Fi, which makes them an easy place to spend your extra hours.
How much to tip housekeeping
Tipping your housekeeping staff during your stay or upon your departure isn’t mandatory. However, it’s considered proper etiquette in some countries and your gesture will go a long way.
1Unite Here, a hospitality workers union in the United States and Canada recommends tipping housekeeping staff a minimum of $5 per day. Ideally, you should leave the cash tip in a labeled envelope in your hotel room each morning before leaving for the day. If you’re staying at a luxury hotel, or if you have more than three guests in the room, aim for $10 to $20 per day.
Personally speaking, I like to budget and plan for tipping before my trip so it’s a streamlined process. I’ll prepare the cash tips in envelopes (one for each night) and pack them in my luggage. That way, it’s as easy as taking the envelope out and placing it on the table before heading out of the hotel for the day.
Conclusion
While it may seem like a drag, checking out of a hotel doesn’t take much time and it's considered courteous. Many hotels have made the process especially easy by offering mobile, kiosk, or in-room TV check-out. Learning how to check out of a hotel before your stay can help streamline the process.
If you would like to get more tips on searching and booking a hotel, you can check out KAYAK's articles written by expert travelers. Here are a few suggestions:
FAQs
Do you have to check-out of a hotel?
Hotels prefer that guests check out so they can prepare the room for the next arrival. However, if you have to leave quickly without checking out, you probably won’t be penalized. (Do familiarize yourself with the hotel’s procedures just in case.) It’s a courtesy to leave your key in the room and call the hotel, or use the check-out feature on their mobile app, to let them know you’re gone.
What time is late check-out?
Hotels have a standard check-out time between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Late check-out times range from one hour to several hours. When booking on KAYAK, look for the hotel check-out time at the bottom of the hotel page. This details whether late check-out is available, when late check-out time is, and how much it costs to request a late check-out.
Do hotels charge for late check-out?
Many hotels can accommodate a slightly later check-out time as a free courtesy to guests who request it in advance or on the night before/day of their departure. However, if you need an especially early check-in or an especially late check-out, the hotel may charge a fee. This ranges anywhere from $20 to the cost of an additional night’s stay.
