Do you charge extra for early check-in?

[Bhumika]

Hi everyone,

When traveling, it's usually common for guests to encounter unexpected situations or change in plans. Whether it's a delayed flight, transportation issues, or arriving earlier than expected—these circumstances can leave guests needing a bit more flexibility with their check-in times. It can also affect the host's schedule, impacting the preparation or cleaning the listing for next guests.

So I'm curious! Have your guests ever requested an early check-in? How do you accommodate these situations? Do you charge an extra fee for early check-in?

We’d love to hear your insights!

[Kevin3622]

In our case, an entry form has to be filled out by the guest and approved by resort management. Once I get confirmation that everything is in order for a smooth entry, I send an email with all the details for access and this Quick Reply: Hi [guest first name] end, the House Manual and Access documents have been sent to your email. Check-in time is 4:00PM. But, feel free to arrive at the resort earlier and enjoy the beach and ameneties. You will be able to get in the apartment at 4:00, but the parking space will be open after 12 noon. There are other parking places availble throughout the resort. Thank You, [primary host first name]

[Karen114]

We do not ever charge and will accommodate when we can.  We do a lot of back to back bookings so it's very rarely available.  

[Bhumika]

Hi @Karen114 , It's great to hear that you have a lot of back to back bookings! Is there a secret sauce that helps you attract guests consistently? Or is there a particular season when bookings double? 😉

We'd love to hear if you had any specific tips for hosts finding it difficult to attract guests!

[Karen114]

I am in tourist locations so that makes it a little easier to stay booked.  I do work it though with keeping my listing up to date, pricing strategies and of course trying to be the best host I can be 😊

[Bhumika]

Thanks for sharing @Karen114 🌻 That's a great insight!!  Staying in a tourist location definitely has its advantages.

I'm curious to know how you usually keep your listing fresh and what pricing strategies have proven most effective for you! If you have any fantastic tips for new hosts, I would love for you to consider creating a helpful guide for our community.

Sharing your advice in 👉 our host guides section 👈 could be a wonderful resource for the new hosts looking for listing critique for their new listings! 🤗

Looking forward to your tips and learnings! 

Kind regards,

Bhumika

[Karen114]

Thanks Bhumika I will work on that for sure 🙂

[Mark5808]

I have never charged for early check-in. If the apartment is ready, they are more than welcome to check in early. It goes a long way in client satisfaction.

[Bhumika]

Hi @Mark5808 , that is so thoughtful of you! I noticed that many hosts agree on this thread on providing a charge-free early check-in.

Have you noticed any particular feedback or positive responses from guests who have taken advantage of early check-in at your listing?

[Lydia681]

As long as not half a day.  However, it depends on the circumstances also.  it is not one size fits all.

[Bhumika]

Hi @Lydia681 , That's definitely a fair point! Flexibility can really enhance the guest experience, however it also depends on host's situation and availability of the listing.

Have you encountered any specific situations where you had to make adjustments for early check-ins?

[Scott2222]

We accommodate early checkins if the place is clean and ready to go. We never charge extra. Sometimes people ask for it but generally we offer it (and late checkout) proactively and the guests really appreciate that.

[Zachary289]

@Scott2222 This is what I do as well.  Guest really do appreciate this approach.  I typically block a day before and after a booking so I can allow for early check-in or late check-out.  Sometimes life happens and you need that late check out.  I think we have all been there.  Unless it's a super busy time of year, but I still would not charge extra.  I'll do my best to accommodate.

This is an interesting conversation she has started.  Now I'm curious, do hotels or other places charge for either early or late check-in/out?

[Bhumika]

Hi @Zachary289 , thanks for sharing that you're proactive about adjusting the check-in times for your guests! Have you found that your approach has led to repeat customers or positive reviews?

About your question, that's indeed an interesting one! I'd highly recommend you to start a conversation with other hosts to see if they have an idea on whether hotels or other places charge for either early or late check-in/out. Really curious to read your findings!

[Bhumika]

Hi @Scott2222 , It's great to hear that you prioritize guest satisfaction and accommodate early check-ins and late checkouts if the listing is available!

Have you received any specific feedback from guests about how these flexible and proactive adjustments from your end have impacted their stay?

[Shikha25]

@Bhumika 

I never charge extra for early check-in. Even sometimes situation is somebody has to checkout late and some guests wants to do early check-in for the same date/day.

And I always try to accommodate both.