Checking into hotel late

[Leros]

I have a hotel reservation for tonight but won't be able to check until til about 12:30am. The hotel has a 24 hour desk. Do I need to call and let them know I'm checking late or am I good?

 

[mrjminer]

Couldn't hurt to just make the < 1 minute phone call.

 

[unokitty]

I have a hotel reservation for tonight but won't be able to check until til about 12:30am. The hotel has a 24 hour desk. Do I need to call and let them know I'm checking late or am I good?

It depends on the hotel.

Normally, if I'm arriving after business hours, I call ahead.

 

[cubby1223]

(1) you're fine
(2) calling them takes less time than posting on internet forums

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Let them know. This time of year it's probably fine but, they're under no obligation to hold your reservation into the next day.

 

[Balt]

Yes, you should call them.

 

[mmntech]

Having worked in that industry, it's annoying when customers arrive really late for their reservation, but don't call to let you know ahead of time. This is because people will often book things but just never show up. So that's lost revenue. On the other hand, you can assume they're not coming, give it away to another customer, and get yelled at when the original booking shows up. It's one of those damned if you do, damned if you don't moments.

That's why it's always a good idea to give them a courtesy call to let them know that, yes you are still coming but you've been delayed. Saves big headaches on both sides.

 

[nickbits]

(2) calling them takes less time than posting on internet forums

Yes but one causes anxiety and one doesn't.

 

[Lonyo]

Ring them so that they don't sell your room to someone else.
Unless you aren't bothered about them selling your room to someone else.

Whenever I make a booking, if there's a comment box I put in if I'm expecting to check in late just to make sure they know, even if I've prepaid.
Also I worked in a hotel as a night porter/receptionist, there's a very real risk that they will assume you aren't showing up and will sell your room if someone else wants it.

 

[amdhunter]

Check in over the phone.

 

[IronWing]

Get on the internet and find a boy scout troop local to the area where you will be traveling. Hire the boy scouts to build and maintain a bonfire in the hotel parking lot. When asked just wth they are doing, instruct the scouts to only say that they are waiting for Leros and that Leros is coming soon. This really is the best approach.

 

[Mermaidman]

Having worked in that industry, it's annoying when customers arrive really late for their reservation, but don't call to let you know ahead of time. This is because people will often book things but just never show up. So that's lost revenue. On the other hand, you can assume they're not coming, give it away to another customer, and get yelled at when the original booking shows up. It's one of those damned if you do, damned if you don't moments.

That's why it's always a good idea to give them a courtesy call to let them know that, yes you are still coming but you've been delayed. Saves big headaches on both sides.

How is it lost revenue? I've not heard of a hotel that does not charge for the room whether the guest shows up or not.

To the OP - Call ahead and let hotel know you're arriving late and not to give your room away. Depending on the hotel, you may be checked in by the night auditor.

 

[mnewsham]

Get on the internet and find a boy scout troop local to the area where you will be traveling. Hire the boy scouts to build and maintain a bonfire in the hotel parking lot. When asked just wth they are doing, instruct the scouts to only say that they are waiting for Leros and that Leros is coming soon. This really is the best approach.

I'd pay $100 for that...

 

[UglyCasanova]

I've had a hotel give away my room to someone else before. I didn't call and I think we showed up at about 1am or so. I definitely would.

 

[who?]

Did you give them your card number when you made the reservation? If you didn't you better call.

 

[LongIslandTech]

I have a hotel reservation for tonight but won't be able to check until til about 12:30am. The hotel has a 24 hour desk. Do I need to call and let them know I'm checking late or am I good?

Call them. They will most likely think you are a no show and give away your room.

 

[Printer Bandit]

Call the hotel

 

[Exterous]

I've always called because I can see it causing problems especially if they are at or near capacity.

If you have status with them I think not calling would also be a good way to lose a complementary upgrade.

 

[Leros]

I called the hotel a bit after making this post. Apparently I had checked off late check-in on the reservation and it wasn't a problem. One of the perks of checking in late is that they ran out of normal rooms and had to upgrade me to an executive suite.

 

[dawheat]

I've worked in the travel industry and seriously, like everyone is saying, call and have them leave a note on your reservation.

They can and will give your room away if they are fully booked, especially if you won't arrive until after midnight. All their excuses and apologies won't change the fact you're out of a room at the worst time of day.

The potential hassle dwarfs the 60 seconds it'll take to call.