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?
In this article
Standard hotel check-out time.
Do you have to check out of a hotel?
How to check out of a hotel
Step-by-step checkout procedure.
Checking out early or before the front desk opens.
Before you leave: billing and receipt check.
Hotels with late check-out.
What to do when a late check-out is not possible.
How much to tip housekeeping when checking out?
Conclusion
FAQs
Standard hotel check-out time.
Most hotels require guests to check out between 11am and 12pm. This timing applies to the US and Europe, though boutique or independently owned hotels may have earlier check-out times.
- US hotels: IHG and Hilton properties have 12pm as their standard check-out time. Marriott hotels generally require guests to check out between 11am and 12pm.
- European hotels: The same 11am to 12pm rule generally applies, though boutique properties may require earlier departures.
Always confirm your hotel’s specific check-out time when booking or at check-in to avoid surprises.
Do you have to check out of a hotel?
Technically, no, but 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. Skipping check-out might also mean you miss potential errors on your bill that you would have otherwise spotted at the front desk.
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.
Step-by-step checkout procedure.
Whether you’re checking out in person, via app or at a kiosk, following these steps ensures a smooth departure:
- Review your charges: Check your itemized bill for room rate, taxes, minibar purchases, room service and any other extras. Look for unfamiliar charges before you leave.
- Return your room key: Hand it to the front desk, drop it in a key return slot or leave it in your room if using mobile or express checkout.
- Confirm extras are settled: Verify that spa treatments, parking fees, restaurant charges and other incidentals are correctly billed.
- Request a receipt (if you need it): Ask for a printed or emailed receipt for your records, especially if you’re traveling for business.
- Request luggage storage: If your flight isn’t until later, ask the front desk to store your bags. Most hotels offer this service free of charge.
Checking out early or before the front desk opens.
Yes, you can check out of a hotel early. If you need to leave before the front desk opens or before standard check-out time, you have several options:
- Use express checkout: Sign up the night before, and you can leave anytime without visiting the front desk.
- Check out via mobile app: Many hotel apps let you complete checkout at any hour.
- Leave your key in the room: If you’ve already settled your bill or have a credit card on file, simply leave the key on the desk or nightstand.
- Use the key drop box: Many hotels have a slot at the front desk for after-hours key returns.
- Call ahead: Let the front desk know the night before that you’ll be departing early so they can prepare your bill.
Here’s what you can (and can’t) take from a hotel room.
Before you leave: billing and receipt check.
Take a few minutes to review your bill before departing. This simple step can save you from unexpected charges showing up on your credit card later. What to check:
- Room rate: Confirm it matches what you booked.
- Taxes and fees: Verify these align with what was disclosed at booking.
- Minibar and room service: Look for charges you don’t recognize.
- Parking and resort fees: Make sure these are accurate if applicable.
- Incidentals: Check for spa, restaurant or other on-site charges.
How to resolve disputes.
If you spot an error, address it before you leave. Speak with the front desk and ask them to remove or correct the charge. Get a revised receipt showing the adjustment. If you’ve already left and notice an issue, call the hotel directly and follow up with an email documenting the discrepancy.
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.
On a recent trip from Phoenix to Finland, I took a red-eye flight. 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 in the day, and a late check-out time was a luxury I was happy to pay for.
Pro tip: If you need to request a late check-out last minute, there’s still a chance the hotel will grant your request. I’ve personally made this request several times due to delayed flights. Simply call the front desk the evening or morning before you check out and ask if they’re able to provide a later check-out time. Many can accommodate an additional one to three hours depending on availability.
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. 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 boot 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.
- Enjoy the spa: If your hotel has a spa, consider pampering yourself. This is a great way to spend the final hours of your holiday.
- 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 when checking out?
Tipping housekeeping is considered proper etiquette, especially in the US. Unite Here, a hospitality workers union in the United States and Canada, recommends tipping housekeeping staff around $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
How much to tip housekeeping at hotels and resorts
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.
