You’ve just wrapped up an incredible getaway and your suitcase is packed and resting by the door. There’s just one more task 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 check out? What are you supposed to do with your room key, and how much should you tip housekeeping?
Why do hotels have a set check-out time?
Every hotel has a set time for guests to check in and check out. This policy ensures everything runs smoothly on the hotel’s end to accommodate a constant flow of guests. The hours between check-out and check-in give housekeeping enough time to completely clean and refresh rooms before the next guests arrive.
While some hotel guests simply leave without properly checking out, hotels prefer their guests to notify them when they vacate their rooms. This allows housekeeping staff extra time to clean the room and prepare it for the next occupants.
Properly checking out is also important for guests, as it offers an opportunity to settle any issues with the bill, return your key, and provide feedback about what you liked (or didn’t) during your stay.
Standard hotel check-out times in the US and Europe
- In the US, hotels require guests to check out between 11 am and 12 pm. IHG and Hilton properties both have 12pm as their standard check-out time, while Marriott hotels generally require guests to check out between 11am and 12pm. Still, it’s always a good idea to check with the hotel where you’re staying to make sure you check out on time.
- In Europe, the same rule of thumb generally applies, with standard check-out between 11 am and 12 pm. However, boutique or independently owned properties might have an earlier check-out time. So again, be sure to confirm ahead of time.
How to check out of a hotel?
Checking out of a hotel has never been easier. In fact, there are more ways to do it than ever. Here’s what to know.
Check out at the front desk in person
After leaving your room, head to the front desk and inform them you’re checking out. They’ll likely request your room key, confirm the credit card on file is correct, confirm your loyalty number (if you don’t have one, this is the time to sign up) and provide you with an itemized bill that you can settle in person.
Finally, checking out in person is an excellent opportunity to share with hotel staff what you liked (or didn’t) about your stay. The most obvious downside to in-person check-out is that it can take time, especially during the busy stretch when many guests are checking out at the same time. But for many travelers, it remains the tried-and-true option.
Call the front desk
Some hotels offer the option to call the front desk to check out. Simply pick up the in-room phone, inform them that you’re ready to leave, and they’ll walk you through the process.
This can be a handy option for families traveling with children or business travelers who have a flight to catch, as it conveniently eliminates the need to stop by in person. However, if front desk staff are busy assisting other guests, it might not be possible.
Check out via the hotel’s 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. Checking out via mobile app is an increasingly common offering among many global chains, so you can expect to see more of it in the future.
TV check-out
Similarly, some hotels with in-room TVs have enabled a check-out process via the television screen. Click the check-out option, review your bill, and follow the prompts. (A word of advice, though: Depending on the complexity of the process, this might be one that only tech-savvy travelers should try.)
Express check-out kiosks
Many hotels now have check-out kiosks in the lobby where you can check out on your own. Similar to airline check-in kiosks at the airport, these devices provide a handy DIY option that lets you review and settle your bill. They often provide a slot for your room key too, so you can skip the front desk (and any queues) altogether.
Walking out
When you’re tight on time, you can always dash out the door. If you do leave without checking out, call reception on the next leg of your trip and explain the situation. You can also initiate the check-out process on the mobile app if that’s an option.
The obvious exception is if you owe anything on your bill, whether that’s breakfast or a minibar snack. If you have expenses to settle, simply walking out is highly unadvisable, as you may incur a service charge, not to mention the ire of hotel staff.
Hotels with late check-out
If late check-out is an important extra for 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, standard check-in and check-out times are clearly displayed at the bottom of the hotel page.
Some hotels allow you to upgrade (sometimes for a fee) to an earlier check-in or a later check-out time, depending on availability. I’ve taken advantage of this perk several times, especially when I arrive very early in the morning or if I know that I’m leaving late.
For example, on a recent trip from Phoenix to Finland, I took a red-eye flight that landed just past sunrise. Knowing I’d be exhausted, I paid in advance 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 a late check-out time was a luxury I was happy to pay for.
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 one, you still have options. First, make sure to properly check-out. Then consider one of the following:
| Store your bags | Most hotels will store your luggage and allow you to pick it up long after checking out. |
| Stash your bags in your car | If you have a rental car, toss your luggage into the trunk. Just be sure to park in a safe area, ideally one with a parking attendant, and keep valuables like your passport with you. |
| Enjoy the spa | If your hotel has a spa and you’re still allowed access, pampering is a great way to spend the final hours of your vacation. |
| Head to a café | Alternatively, venture to a nearby café. If you’re spending money on food or drinks, staff likely won’t mind if you bring your luggage. |
| Use a luggage locker | Luggage lockers are often available in airports and at train stations. You will pay a small fee to access a locker that fits all your belongings. (This is more popular in Europe, but several big cities in the US have them, too.) |
| Go to the airport early | Most major airports are full of shops and restaurants and offer free Wi-Fi. If you have status, an airport lounge also is a cost-effective way to spend extra hours before your flight. |
How much to tip housekeeping?
Tipping housekeeping staff during your stay or upon your departure isn’t mandatory. However, it’s considered proper etiquette in some countries, especially in the US, and your gesture will go a long way.
Unite 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 a cash tip in a labeled envelope in your 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.
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.
Wendy Rose Gould, lifestyle & travel writer
Conclusion
While it can seem like an unnecessary step, checking out of a hotel is often a quick process and the mark of a courteous, seasoned traveler.Many hotels have simplified the process even further with mobile, kiosk, or in-room TV check-out – so there’s really no excuse to skip this step.
Hotel check-out FAQs
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.
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.
