I’m curious to see where OMAAT readers stand on this topic…
In this post:
Do you really need to check-out of hotels?
A Twitter/X user posted a “life hack,” about how “you never have to check out of a hotel,” and that you can “just leave.” She asks why no one, including her husband, seem to know this.
She is mostly correct. For example, in the United States, you typically won’t have an issue just leaving the hotel, since your credit card is authorized at check-in for the total amount, and can then be charged. You’re usually not asked to present your credit card again at check-out.
There are some exceptions where this isn’t quite as straightforward:
- In some very secluded properties they might just ask you to settle the bill at check-out, but that’s because there’s no practical way for you to even leave
- Outside of the United States, it’s common that check-out is a bit more of a process, where they want to swipe your credit card again, etc.; however, if you just left, I’m sure they’d find a way to charge you
Why going by the front desk is the smart thing to do
While it’s often not strictly necessary to check-out, I think it’s both the smart and courteous thing to do.
For one, you want to review all of your charges to make sure you’re not being charged anything incorrectly. That’s especially true if you have elite status, or if your rate includes some sort of property credit, so you can make sure everything looks correct. Dealing with a hotel’s accounting department after the fact is exponentially more frustrating and time consuming than a quick stop at the front desk.
Admittedly at some hotels, this is a non-issue nowadays, as they either email you your folio the morning of check-out, or you can see all your charges through the app. For example, Hyatt’s app shows you all of your charges during a stay through the app, which is a feature I really appreciate.
But the bigger reason you want to check-out is out of to courtesy. It’s in everyone’s best interest for the hotel to know which rooms people have checked out of, so that housekeeping can get started on cleaning those rooms, rather than going door-to-door and knocking, to see who has checked out. After all, it’s annoying when housekeeping is constantly knocking on doors to try to figure out who has left, but often that’s there only choice, when people don’t let the hotel know that they’ve left.
I tend to think it’s the right thing to do, especially since we all appreciate being able to check into rooms punctually (or even early), and that’s something that helps with that. If you’re just trying to courteous, hotels often also have boxes you can place your keys in when you’re ready to check-out, or some hotel apps even let you indicate that you’ve checked out, and those are great features.
Now, I’ll admit that sometimes I don’t follow my own rule, and skip check-out. For example, maybe the hotel shuttle is leaving right as I arrive in the lobby, or maybe there’s a really long line for check-out. But I do make the effort when I can.
Bottom line
While you absolutely can just leave a hotel when your stay is over (at least in the United States), I don’t view this as much of a “life hack.” Quite to the contrary, you want to verify that all the charges on your folio are correct, and you also want to be courteous, so that the hotel can turn rooms around as efficiently as possible for the next guest.
Now, I think it’s fine to take a balanced approach, and if there’s a really long line to check-out, or if you’re trying to catch a shuttle that’s just leaving, it’s not the end of the world if you don’t check-out. But it’s something I try to avoid, when possible.
Where do you stand on this — do you check-out of hotels, or just leave?
"but often that’s there only choice"
this should read "their"
Agree with the comments. I usually check out to review the bill and get a copy as often times I do not actually receive it on email. I would prefer to handle any problems before I go. In some countries and hotel brands or cities within as some people mentioned they actually check the room.
I consider myself a kind and courteous person. I never leave a room messy. I stay 150 nights a year on road, usually at large, big city 4/5 star hotels. If I don’t absolutely need a late check out I don’t ask and store my bag with bell desk.
But I never check out, I just leave. But reading these comments it sounds like I’m actually a bad person?
Very simple for Marriott and I've stayed at roughly 100 different hotels these past few years (Titanium member).
1. Mobile checkout on the Marriott app and
2. Send a message on Chat saying that I did a mobile checkout and if they can send the receipt to my email address (Because I notice some Marriotts always always seem to forget to send me a copy of my bill to my email).
There ya go can be courteous and make sure you get a copy of the bill with 2 easy steps :))
Some hotels in other countries acutally check your room during the checkout process. I assume they are checking for undeclared bar fridge usage. Someone on the floor rings down with the all-OK, or not.
Very irritating, and not something you see much these days as fridges are not stocked at all, or may not even be there.
The next you're disappointed at not being able to check-in early, ask yourself, do you notify the hotel that you are checking out? Maybe this isn't how it works but I always figure... the earlier they know you have left....the earlier they can start cleaning the room and therefore have it ready people checking in. Courtesy - and KARMA.
Karma? Lmao.
How early is someone trying to check in that a person not "checking out" is adversely affecting them? It's a non issue in my experience. I've had hotels simply tell me that I can't check in during morning hours "because". Not that the rooms weren't ready, not that they didn't have vacancy, but just "because".
I've yet to find a single hotel that would let me check much before check in time, much less before checkout.
Strange. When I try to check in early, if I cannot, the reason I am ALWAYS given over 90% of the time is that the room is not ready yet. If they don't know that the person has left already, they are assuming that they will leave at checkout time 12pm. Therefore, when I arrive to check in, they think my room is not vacant yet.
I am frequently allowed to check in early. Proves my point. Maybe I have good karma because I am polite and respectful :)
I checkout at reception to make sure everything was billed correctly. I'd rather not have to call or email someone afterwards. If I'm traveling outside my home country, even more reason to do so. At least in Asia, a lot of the hotels swipe your card again when checking out to settle the bill. As others have said, they probably can charge you without doing that but I'd rather not have to deal with issues...
I checkout at reception to make sure everything was billed correctly. I'd rather not have to call or email someone afterwards. If I'm traveling outside my home country, even more reason to do so. At least in Asia, a lot of the hotels swipe your card again when checking out to settle the bill. As others have said, they probably can charge you without doing that but I'd rather not have to deal with issues afterwards. Also, I've had hotels take off charges for stuff like drinks at the bar when they didn't have to. The benefits outweigh the downsides.
An interesting article. Thank you.
ps "there only choice" should be "their only choice".
Leaving without checking out is one way to get caught by dynamic currency conversion I guess!
I always check out via App or desk. It's how we can get 12noon early check ins....so that rooms are cleaned early
I usually just drop my keys at the desk as I can cut in line to do this without offending anyone. Overseas, many of my bookings are prepaid anyways.
It is annoying when they stop me so they can check the computer and I'm in a hurry
Hotels were I am a member and therefore probably an app, I will make an effort to check out via the app. Often especially when rushing I leave the hotel and get in my lyft ride and do my checkout from the car. I never check out from the front desk since they have enough to do with angry guest checking out with an issue. As long as I can confirm the final bill prior...
Hotels were I am a member and therefore probably an app, I will make an effort to check out via the app. Often especially when rushing I leave the hotel and get in my lyft ride and do my checkout from the car. I never check out from the front desk since they have enough to do with angry guest checking out with an issue. As long as I can confirm the final bill prior I will check out. I do so mainly like how I view voting. You need to do your part and be part of the solution and not part of the problem. We ALL like our rooms to be ready when we check in and the sooner they can start the better the chance that will happen. So I do my part. Not always but I approach life through math and statistics.
And, @Bob, where do you stay that hotels have a constant stream of angry guests checking out? That's certainly not my experience and I stay in a lot of hotels across the spectrum from limited service to luxury.
I always check out at the front desk, but the vast majority of my travel is for business and I need a folio for my expense report. It is a matter of common courtesy for the staff that you make sure they know you're gone, though.
NEVER check out. My father and I were leaving an IHG property in Anchorage to board a scenic train to Fairbanks. The train was canceled and we were able to go back to the hotel and extend our reservation. We also got a car rental lined up. By the afternoon, the hotel was booked to 100%.
It was Sept 11th. Like all of America things got crazy. We were stuck in Anchorage and wound up...
NEVER check out. My father and I were leaving an IHG property in Anchorage to board a scenic train to Fairbanks. The train was canceled and we were able to go back to the hotel and extend our reservation. We also got a car rental lined up. By the afternoon, the hotel was booked to 100%.
It was Sept 11th. Like all of America things got crazy. We were stuck in Anchorage and wound up taking a cruise ship back to Seattle 2 weeks later.
Probably would have worked out ok, but. . .
I work at a hotel reception, and will admit it is a common part of life to have people simply leave rooms. We heavily push web check-out but have an older clientele so there can often be a bit of a queue at the desk.
I would highly encourage telling someone, or simply dropping your keys at the desk. It saves everyone time and especially if you are leaving earlier than check-out time, allows housekeeping...
I work at a hotel reception, and will admit it is a common part of life to have people simply leave rooms. We heavily push web check-out but have an older clientele so there can often be a bit of a queue at the desk.
I would highly encourage telling someone, or simply dropping your keys at the desk. It saves everyone time and especially if you are leaving earlier than check-out time, allows housekeeping to clean a room for an early arrival. People love to complain about not checking in early, especially if they have XYZ status, but it's often the same people who don't bother to check out.
The flip side is often your bill isn't 100% correct, especially with elite benefits and perks, stopping by or even calling in the morning to check your bill saves everyone time and hassle. A lot of people like to review and pay their bill the night before, or earlier in the morning before they leave, this is super helpful, and takes all of two minutes, meaning we can fix any issues before they arise or get charged erroneously.
Agreed 100%. When you get in somewhere early, many times it's nice to be able to check in, maybe even take a shower depending on how long the travel was. I always try and pass on that karma hoping it comes back when I need it.
I usually call down from the hotel room and leave the keys in the room. If rushed I will call while driving to next location
I am firmly in the 'it is a common courtesy' camp to alert the reception personnel that I am departing but it is also legally prudent to have said departure acknowledged by the hotel. I also find that formally checking out is part of the hotel ritual and is just good practice to ensure that there are no loose ends.
Explain the legally prudent part to me?? Are you paranoid where you are afraid you may be accused of a crime and every opportunity in life you like to have a digital footprint of in person transactions to account for yourself?? The rest of your post is fine by the way.
She doesn’t need to explain anything to you at all, mate. Nor does she require your confirmation that the rest of her post, despite your obvious displeasure as indicated by your overuse of double question marks, is ‘fine’.
Of course we check out every time
Best wishes
Louis/ Denmark
I assume that you must check out if you booked your hotel room through a travel agency, since in this case the hotel does not ask for your card at check in, since you paid in advance through the agency, and they have to verify that you do not have additional charges, such as restaurant consumption, room service, or any other service that generates an extra charge.
Former hotel employee here (two chains, both mid-level, ~3-star). We absolutely require(d) a credit card at check-in for incidentals, even if booked through an OTA like Expedia. Room and tax were direct-billed to the OTA, but incidentals would still be charged to the guest's card. So, no requirement for them to stop by the desk to check out.
Also, in my experience as a guest, if a hotel didn't take a credit card at check-in...
Former hotel employee here (two chains, both mid-level, ~3-star). We absolutely require(d) a credit card at check-in for incidentals, even if booked through an OTA like Expedia. Room and tax were direct-billed to the OTA, but incidentals would still be charged to the guest's card. So, no requirement for them to stop by the desk to check out.
Also, in my experience as a guest, if a hotel didn't take a credit card at check-in (extremely rare), they wouldn't let you charge incidentals to the room. For example, I once stayed at a Candlewood Suites (IHG) on points, and they didn't ask for a card at check-in (even though every other points hotel, including others in IHG, have always asked for one), so I couldn't charge marketplace items to the room until I voluntarily provided one. (Strange thing is, I definitely provided one when I made the reservation, as IHG's site requires you to, but they didn't have it on file and didn't ask for it when I checked in.) So, tl;dr: if there's no CC on file, there *should* be no way to charge incidentals to the room, and thus no need to stop by the desk at check-out.
If one doesn't do you a conventional check out at the front desk then you have more money than brains. I want to see a final amount and breakdown and pay that, and know it's the last entry on the account.
As Ben himself mentioned many hotels email you your bill the day of check out, or feature it in the app and often have a check out feature built into the app. If there’s nothing that is an issue why stop at the desk? If anything it is less courteous as it wastes time on a conversation that doesn’t actually have to be addressed by a front desk staff member.
About 13 years ago I stayed at the Fairmont San Jose (now under a different name). My employer had us sharing rooms (ugh). My roommate just left without checking out. I went to check out and was stuck with all of his charges. The hotel said we _had_ to check out. They didn’t send him his receipt automatically like other chain hotels.
Things might be better now but back then only some hotels let you just leave.
I am with you Ben.
The only small exception... If I get to the front desk and find that there is a line, What I do is drop my keys in the little sleeve they came in (the one with my room number).
Almost everywhere, the reception person would acknowledge it with a nod, and will mark the room as vacated in their system.
(that being said, I rarely get any sort...
I am with you Ben.
The only small exception... If I get to the front desk and find that there is a line, What I do is drop my keys in the little sleeve they came in (the one with my room number).
Almost everywhere, the reception person would acknowledge it with a nod, and will mark the room as vacated in their system.
(that being said, I rarely get any sort of perk, and other than room charges and tax, hardly ever spend money at the hotel, so almost all my check outs are just an exchange of thank-you's)
Same. I think that counts as formally checking out
I do a check out for the same reasons -- validation of charges and courtesy. More often than not it's a whole 2-3 minutes out of my morning.
I always check out at the front desk. Besides the fact I want to make sure my bill is correct, I think it's a good courtesy so that the hotel can know the room is ready to be serviced.
I like to check-out at the desk and say thank-you. Takes less than a minute.
I work for a major chain, and when I travel I either check out on the app, or on the TV. I can still review my bill to ensure its correct, and only go down if I have to. I don't know of anyone who works in the indsutry who goes to the desk. And I'd say about 80% of our guests to not check out at the desk.
If there's a long line - I am out however, there's has been a few times that other room charges somehow went onto my bill (other folks bills at dinner or bar) so it does happen!
I'll checkout unless theres a queue. Im not waiting in a queue.
I never check out at the desk. Reason is so many delayed and late or cancelled flights. So I can just return to the hotel and go to my room rather than have to check in again.
If you are utilizing any kind of perks (Amex FHR, Chase, Hilton diamond, whatever) if behooves you to check out at the front desk. Personally, I have yet to have a single Amex FHR stay where all the credits were applied properly, and it’s much easier to get this squared away before leaving the premises.
At Hiltons and select service Bonvoy properties in the US it’s almost necessary due to the stupid F&B credits in lieu of breakfast. The invoice you get emailed the night before won’t have check out morning’s F&B charges if you go to breakfast, and half the time I find the credit isn’t properly applied and I need to have them do it at check out.
This! I stay at one particular Hilton and my F&B Credit is never correct!
I must be lucky. I’ve only had one Hilton stay where my credit didn’t apply correctly, and it was fixed via email in under 24 hours.
I either check out or if the hotel front desk is busy just leave the key and the keycard holder that has the room number.
I agree with you and also always check-out both to check the bill and out of courtesy. Like most travelers I occasionally arrive early at a hotel and end up waiting for a room to be cleaned a become available. Not only are you helping the hotel and their staff but other travelers and are quite likely to be on the other side of that equation down the road.
Housekeeping at non 5 star American hotels these days is nonexistent. It's ridiculous that one has to even request simple items like towels on a daily basis.
Being "courteous" by informing the front desk of your check out is laughable. I usually request late check out and leave early just because.
“I usually request late check out and leave early just because.”
Just because you’re an inconsiderate ass? Other guests could be waiting for that room.
"I usually request late check out and leave early just because."
This is awful behavior.
It's also not adversely affecting the hotel in any meaningful way, but it very likely may adversely affect the next guest.
You are truly without class.
Hopefully one day you'll arrive for a really early check-in and be told that you'll have to wait a few hours for your room as nobody has checked out.
Karma.
For the reasons mentioned here, I check out whenever reasonably possible. After leaving the room for the last time, I look for a nearby housekeeper and let that person know that the room is available for servicing. The sooner that vacated rooms are serviced, the sooner they are available for the next guest. If everyone did this, early check-in would be more readily available.
Check out on the app, review your folio on the app. Only reason I visit the front desk is to review business expenses before checkout. But for personal travel? Hell no.
Snap
Not all hotels have decent apps, and even those that do often don’t provide up to date folios on day of departure because of breakfast credits, etc.
That being said, for a straightforward stay without any perks, I would do exactly what you just said.
I pretty much live in hotels due to my job. I usually stop by the front desk and let them know I am leaving and will get bill on line. If I am not going by the front desk a phone call from the room to let them know I am leaving. Once I actually called the hotel from the car. It’s just common courtesy especially for housekeeping to know that the room is ready for them.
Virtually have the same policy. I do checkout in person, except when I'm in a rush and there is a line.
Other exception: Run-off-the-mill airport hotels like Moxy where you can check out via app. Also, Accor and some European Hyatt Places allow quick checkout where you merely drop the key in a box
I always check-out at the hotel to return the key mostly. In Indonesia, some hotel also require guest to deposit some money or ID Card/Passport to ensure nothing is broke down or item missing by guest action inside the room, if there's something wrong with knee of these two of course we lose our deposit or cannot retrieve ID Card/Passport until we paid the fines. I think check-out also needed to tell the hotel lobby...
I always check-out at the hotel to return the key mostly. In Indonesia, some hotel also require guest to deposit some money or ID Card/Passport to ensure nothing is broke down or item missing by guest action inside the room, if there's something wrong with knee of these two of course we lose our deposit or cannot retrieve ID Card/Passport until we paid the fines. I think check-out also needed to tell the hotel lobby workers that the room is empty and room service can do their job to clean the room for the next guest, also to ensure nothing our personal item is left inside the room.
I usually settle my bill the night before checking out and drop off the keycard at the front desk when leaving the hotel. It takes maybe five minutes, if at all.
Aside from checking the bill for erroneous charges, another reason to check out is that as long as you are still checked in, you are responsible for any damage to the room. The chances might be small that something untoward happens, but it is non-zero. The poster who said they leave the door cracked open to let the cleaning staff know they've left describes exactly what I would NOT do. What's to stop someone from...
Aside from checking the bill for erroneous charges, another reason to check out is that as long as you are still checked in, you are responsible for any damage to the room. The chances might be small that something untoward happens, but it is non-zero. The poster who said they leave the door cracked open to let the cleaning staff know they've left describes exactly what I would NOT do. What's to stop someone from walking in and stealing something that belongs to the hotel?
So I usually check out - but if it looks like it will be a hassle (long line, running late, etc), I just drop by keys in the key drop and leave.
I always check out to give back the hotel cards/keys and also to ensure all smoothly charged etc and it is the right thing to do plus I find when checking out around 10/11am there is never a line (unlike when checking in around 2/3pm) so very easy to swing by on the way out
I always check out. Erroneous charges are quite frequent (I would say one in ten stays). Furthermore, hotels often try to charge in your home currency instead of the local currency - at a very poor exchange rate. I always pay in the local currency, which attracts a much better exchange rate.
I haven’t checked out of a chain hotel in 20+ years, on any continent. I’ve only twice been over charged - once for a meal that wasn’t mine and once for intimacy items. No problem getter either charge refunded via email.
I always leave the door open or ajar so the cleaning staff know the room is vacant. But at boutique hotels I will always check out - because they have less rooms, so I feel the courtesy is more appropriate.
“ I always leave the door open or ajar so the cleaning staff know the room is vacant.”
Well, that just sounds irresponsible. How is it that you are not regularly charged for missing items because someone stole from your room after you left it like that?
You think random people are stealing beds or towels??
A door ajar is not an invitation for some random to enter. It could be still occupied.
Is it your thing to think the worst of everyone?
I make sure to check-out formally. Either with the front desk staff or online or over a phone call if for some reason I’ve already left the premises.
That and taking off the DND sign are part of my habit. What I do with the room keys varies.
This is as bemusing to me as the “can I lean back on my economy seat” debate. If you’re at any sort of hotel chain - of course you can just leave. They have your card. Most checkout times (unless you have status) are 11 or 12. And housekeeping will just assume you’re gone and start banging on your door if they want to clean by then.
I sometimes stop by the desk. Normally...
This is as bemusing to me as the “can I lean back on my economy seat” debate. If you’re at any sort of hotel chain - of course you can just leave. They have your card. Most checkout times (unless you have status) are 11 or 12. And housekeeping will just assume you’re gone and start banging on your door if they want to clean by then.
I sometimes stop by the desk. Normally to make sure my destination fee has been waived. Or if I want to switch cards. Or if I just randomly feel like it. But there’s no obligation at all at a standard chain hotel.
Might be a bit different if you’re staying in the local family operated hotel in a village in Italy. But even then I assume they’re saavy enough to store a card by 2024.
But if you've checked out at 8, there's no reason for housekeeping to have wait until 11 or 12 to start cleaning.
In my experience in the US (at least). If you haven't put the "do not disturb" sign on the door then they'll come and try and clean as soon as they're free vs waiting until the set checkout time.
In my experience house keeping Never waits till 11 or 12.
They have no hesitation to knock on my door at 9am everyday of my stay, why wait till noon on check out day
I think out of respect you should let hotel staff know that you've left. Just like you wrote, housekeeping should know when a room is ready to clean. I usually even additionally put the "please clean up the room" sign on the door, so they will know in case they pass by.
Besides, it's up to the hotel whether they'll charge you for late check out or not since you didn't check out.
In...
I think out of respect you should let hotel staff know that you've left. Just like you wrote, housekeeping should know when a room is ready to clean. I usually even additionally put the "please clean up the room" sign on the door, so they will know in case they pass by.
Besides, it's up to the hotel whether they'll charge you for late check out or not since you didn't check out.
In my opinion those key card boxes in the lobby are a good way to make everyone happy. You can leave without queueing at the front desk, and at the same time the hotel has an easy way to figure out which rooms are empty already.
Usually I still like to check out at the front desk just to make sure there won't be any additional charges and also to leave them some quick feedback in case there's any minor issue with the room (obviously major issues I would tell right when I spot them). The only time I ever used the key box was recently at Sheraton Manila, when booking a Grab and the car was right in front of the hotel already - similar to your hotel shuttle example.
I'm not concerned about the folio. But, we typically do a simple "Room 123, we're out" with the front desk. If the front desk has a line, we tell the concierge or bellman and ask them to advise the front desk. It only takes a second.
This is what I generally do.
This reply in the twitter comments cracked me up!
"This is the equivalent of not putting your turn signal on for the person behind you: they’ll figure it out"
Ha! They'll figure it out, but also judge you (rightly) for it.
People who don't checkout are assholes, making life more complicated for everyone. Luckily this is not really common outside the US (I even encountered a case of a confused American tourist being charged late checkout fee because they just left the hotel, so the hotel assumed they are still using the room).
As someone who often does quick overnight stays, I love hotels where you don't even need to check in at the front desk. The app works as a keycard and you can just go to straight to your room. Obviously you don't need to go through the front desk when leaving, either.
All hotels should provide a folio to guests checking out, so that they can review the charges. When I worked night audit at a Comfort Suites 24 years ago, I would slide the folios underneath the doors. Email is certainly more efficient, but the only reason any guest at any hotel should ever have to check with the front desk about room charges is if the guest made charges (e.g. breakfast) the morning of departure.
I don't miss being woken up by someone shoving a piece of paper under my door at 3am.
Some hotel chains allow check outs on the apps as well, and I like it. Also, I sometimes check out by calling the front desk when I'm already on my Uber to the airport.
Don't the chain hotels often have the option to check out in the app? That seems to be easier for everybody.
And I have seen many hotels with a big box thing where you can throw the room key as a way to signify that you have left.
If I had made charges to my account, I might want to do it physically to ensure that there is no problem with the payment, but most of the time I don't charge anything to my room, so it is easy enough to just walk out.
A mix of the hotel apps do, but the app and other online check-out doesn’t always work like it should. That has sometimes been why I have to call up the hotel to note me as having checked out.