What will I need to present to the front desk at check-in?
What if I get there and they don't have a room for me?
Is there a chance for an even better deal at check-in?
What should I verify at check-in?
Is there any thing else I might need to pick up at check-in?
How can I avoid surprises when I check out?
What should I do if I can't make it out by checkout time?

What will I need to present to the front desk at check-in?

• Bring your confirmation number and rate information with you.

• Some Hotels will require a picture I.D. to check in.

• You'll need to present the credit card you will be using to pay for the room.

• Since many Hotels require the plate numbers of the cars that will be parked in the Hotel's parking lot, jot down your car's license plate number on the way in.

• Present any coupons, memberships or associations that provide you a discount at check-in.

• Present any frequent flyer or loyalty membership programs you need credited at check-in.

Back to Top

What if I get there and they don't have a room for me?

• Make sure that it is just not your particular type of room that is sold out, but that they don't have any rooms at all. If they have more expensive suites available, ask to be upgraded for the same price.

• If they have other locations in town, see if any of the other locations have rooms available.

• Have them call around to check to see if they can find you a room at one of their competitors. If the price goes up ask that the Hotel pay the difference.

• If no other rooms are available in town, call the reservation center and find out if their Hotel's in nearby cities have any rooms. If you don't have a car, see if they can shuttle you to that location.

• Don't give up. See if they will have any rooms available for you tomorrow.

• If you did everything right and they don't have a room for you, ask to be compensated.

• Keep the receipts of any costs incurred because of their failure to have your room available.

• This has obviously created a customer service issue, so you can also look for help in our Customer Service Issues section.

Back to Top

Is there a chance for an even better deal at check-in?

Yes, after you find out what the Hotel has available for you, ask about upgrade specials. Just as Hotel's can sell out of certain rooms, they can also have too many of a certain kind around. This could mean big savings for you, that luxury suite that was so much more to reserve could now only be a few dollars away.

Back to Top

What should I verify at check-in?

• Your room's rate is the same as your reserved rate information.

• Any extra charges for fees or services that can be placed on your bill.

• All discounts and loyalty program credits will be applied to your bill.

• Any special requests you made have been honored.

• The Hotel's scheduled times for services such as meals, cocktails, shuttles, pool hours, room service and front desk assistance. If any of these services are complimentary, check to see if you need to be issued any coupons or vouchers to use these services.

• Confirm checkout time.

Back to Top

Is there any thing else I might need to pick up at check-in?

See if they have cards available with the Hotel's name and address to share with those in your party. These will be especially helpful in getting you back to your Hotel if you are unfamiliar with the local area or language. It will also give you something to provide your children so they can find their way back, in case they get lost.

Back to Top

How can I avoid surprises when I check out?

• Make sure you are up and out by check out time to avoid additional charges.

• Be aware of all the Hotel's charges and share this information with all in your party.

• Local surcharges and taxes.

• Local and long distance calling.

• Room service and minibar, remember convenience has a price.

• In room movies.

Back to Top

What should I do if I can't make it out by checkout time?

If you don't think you'll make it out by checkout time, see if they have a grace period or other options available to you. Some Hotels will offer later checkout times as a convenience to their customers. Hotels can be more flexible about this service if you plan for it up front. You also need to be aware that there may be a charge involved for this service.

Back to Top

Go To Next Section:  HOTEL SECURITY AND SAFETY