Check in and Check out times

[Vicki689]

I feel that late check in times are a deterrent to travelers who want to enjoy the space and just relax, not just have a place to sleep. For instance a 4pm check-in and check out at 10am. A 4pm arrival only gives you a couple of hours after moving in to really enjoy the space. 

[Margaret1088]

Hi @Vicki689  -

Check in & out times can be tricky. We try to cover all possibilities with something like: “Check-in is usually 3 to 5pm but we try to be flexible. It’s important to let us know when you plan to arrive, as we always greet our guests personally. Many thanks!” That covers a lot of possibilities for both sides. (Of course, requests for early check-ins often depend on our cleaner’s schedule.) Hope this helps.

[Joan2709]

@Vicki689 

Some things to consider...

Most hotels offer similar check-in & check-out times (3-4pm with 11am checkout). Some Hosts do same day turn-arounds and need time to clean and prepare for a guest checking in same day. 

You can always message the Host as @Margaret1088 mentions and ask about an early check-in or late checkout. Most will accomodate if able. Alternatively, why not book 2 nights and have plenty of time to enjoy the space? 😊

[Vicki689]

Thanks Joan!

True about many hosts that do work with me on early and/or late check ins and outs.

When I'm able to stay more than 2 days, I def do so! 

Best Wishes!

[Alessandro2064 · Accepted solution]

@Vicki689 We live near our units and keep spare linens ready for quick turn arounds.   Our check in time is 3 but almost always offer guests to make themselves at home earlier.

Another thing we do is offer late checkout, after lunch, if there isn't a switch that day.

[Vicki689]

Late check out is sooo wonderful, Alessandro! That way guests can sleep in and s l o w l y pack up to leave!

Thanks!

Vicki

[Frances3408]

@Vicki689. We cater for holiday and mini break guests so even with a 2 night min we try to be flexible. Check in from 2pm means they can still head down the beach for a swim before dinner. I also like to offer earlier check in if we are ready, especially to anyone travelling with young kids. Sunday you can usually ask and receive a late check out, unless its peak Summer when same day turnarounds are more common.

Squeezing every last dollar out of a guest just makes you look mean and wont invite loyalty. They may as well stay in a hotel.

[Mike--Leonora-and-Samant0]

HI @Frances3408,  we have a very busy peak season for which we are enormously grateful but we also have other commitments (a farm). We offer check ins between 15:00 and 17:00 and check outs before 10:00, but when we can, we offer late checkouts and early check ins when we don’t have an immediate turnaround.

What we have experienced a couple of times is the request for an early check in and then arriving late and in some cases very late (for us). Yesterday the guest asked for a 12:00 check in which we could accommodate, then that changed to a 15:00 check in and finally arrived at 16:00, the guest was very polite and kept me posted as to the changes BUT I needed to get some government stuff done which can take a large portion of the day (we get used to it here in SA), so I cancelled doing that to check the guest in, (not because I needed to, but because I thought it would be nice for them). Turns out with a 16:00 check in I could have got the government *#@t out of the way, which now has to wait for another day…frustrated!

Sooooo what do you do? I want my guests to experience as much ‘bang for their buck’ as they can, however I also need to carry on with life. My own thoughts are along the lines of if you wish to check in early then you pay … a bit. The theory being that if they’re  paying for it I’ll make use of it … I’m not talking an extra day but just something, not to make money but just to endeavor to ensure that the guests at least make the effort to turn up when they asked to.

We are in a wine region, so if a guest says they are going wine tasting before they arrive, then forget it an early check or even an on time check in rarely happens, so I don’t offer early check ins if they let that slip.

I don’t want to come across as petty, but surely manners still exist and if you say you’ll be here at 14:00 isn’t it just good manners to endeavour to do that? Maybe I’m just old… actually don’t answer that, I know.

[Frances3408]

@Mike--Leonora-and-Samant0. No, manners are a dying tradition so I take the worst case scenario approach to save my sanity (and time). They can check in themselves anytime between 3pm (2pm ex Summer) and 9pm . I dont personally greet my guests most of the time because some do find it difficult to be accurate with their ETA, the weather intervens or they decide to stop off for dinner or visit the antique shops or wineries before arriving. At the other end I get the keenie beanies who cant wait to drop their stuff off and go out.

Speaking of manners I was talking to a neighbour (Gen Y) who recently sold a bike online. Person was supposed to pick up at 6pm (their request). Still chasing them at 645 as they had a 7pm appointment. This neighbour also has a toddler. When they arrived buyer said they werent sure, seller had to ride it around, then they asked the price again (clearly expecting a desperate seller to discount further on what was a fantastic bike and price).  🤣

[Christine615]

We have an official check-in of 3pm, but most of our guests - if they have good prior reviews, we send a message letting them know they can check in at noon. And since we don't book back-to-back rentals anymore, we offer late check-outs. But that's all in personal messages after the booking is finalized.

[Lorina14]

@Vicki689 

I used to offer a 3pm check in time and have found that with same day turn overs and guests not leaving on time (and not asking for an extension, we have a 11am check out), I had to change the check in time to 4pm. This allows me to change, clean and sanitize the space, fix any items, make the welcome sign, card, basket and flowers.

We have had to message guests explaining a later check in due to someone breaking the bed (one of the wooden planks broke), kitchen was excessively dirty (oil everywhere, pans with burned food), hot sauce stains in the carpet/bedding and more. If we can accommodate an earlier check in and late check out, we do so for no additional charge.

Many hotels may offer an earlier check in if you are a VIP, or pay for that amenity. Most hosts allow you to drop your luggage so you can explore the area or go grab a bite to eat. I think many guests may not beware of what happens behind the scenes of a same day turnover or just getting the space ready in general. 

When I did have a 3pm check in, people would show up early and expect to be let in sometimes without prior approval, and others would show up and I was doing the finishing touches and they marked me down for check in even though I messaged them explaining why I was running late with an ETA for the space being ready (I literally let them know I was running late because of an issue with a broken item, she said it was fine, she enjoyed talking with me as I finished making the bed and I still got downgraded on the check in process (even though it I was done by 3:20pm, before the time I guessed it would be delayed to).

As hosts we try our hardest to provide a clean, welcoming environment and it takes time especially if the unexpected happens and needs to be addressed before the next guest checks in. If you have good communication with the host I am sure they would accommodate your request if they could.