Hotel Check-in Time: Tips and Tricks for a Smooth Hotel Check-in Experience

In today’s fast-paced world, people have become increasingly impatient. Your duty as a hotelier is to ensure that the check-in process runs smoothly. Typically, guests expect to check in between 2-4 PM. Communicating the check-in and check-out times is important to avoid problems and give the housekeeping staff sufficient time to clean the rooms. 

A hotel must set up specific check-in times to create a positive first impression for guests. By understanding the time necessary for each step in the process, you can ensure that the front desk operates smoothly and efficiently. A well-planned check-in process with digital ID scanners will provide guests with a seamless and enjoyable experience.

This article will cover the typical timing for hotel check-ins, considerations, and the latest trends and procedures in hotel check-ins.

What Time Is Hotel Check-In?

Typically, hotels expect guests to check-in between 2 PM and 4 PM. But, when it comes to international travelers, this timing can vary. As a hotelier, you have several options to handle this situation. One option is to provide 24-hour reception, while the other is a more flexible self-check-in kiosk. The latter option can reduce wait times during busy check-in hours and increase customer satisfaction by giving guests control over check-in and check-out times.

What Should You Consider When Deciding on Your Hotel Check-in Time?

When deciding on your hotel check-in time, you must consider the time required for the housekeeping staff to clean the rooms. Although some guests may leave before check-out time, plan for the possibility that all guests will check out simultaneously. Before your guests arrive, you must communicate your policies regarding check-in and check-out times to ensure everything is transparent and predictable.

If a guest arrived early, it would help if you had some rooms available. After a tiring journey, they naturally want to freshen up and rest in their room. Providing a few rooms for early check-in can enhance their satisfaction with the service.

If you want to avoid a courtesy early arrival policy, you can upsell this service and charge extra for early arrival or for guests to set their times. If the fee is minimal, many guests will be okay paying it, and the revenue will slowly increase. 

RoomRaccoon’s online check-in function enables guests to provide their arrival time, flight number, and meal preference time. With this information, you will have all the necessary details to make their check-in smooth before the guests arrive.

What Does the Process of Hotel Check-in Entail?

When guests arrive at your hotel, following standard procedures is important to ensure a smooth check-in process. Typically, guests will approach the reception desk, where your staff will greet them. Your team should then confirm the guest’s reservation and provide a brief introduction to your property’s amenities and special services. 

Be sure to mention important details such as the Wi-Fi password, front desk staff availability, and check-out times to set clear expectations. Guests can get their keys and be escorted to their room by a staff member or the concierge, or they can go to their room independently if they prefer.

What’s the Checkout Time in a Hotel?

Hotels usually have a checkout time of around 11:00 AM or 12:00 PM to allow the staff to clean and prepare the rooms for upcoming guests. However, some hotels may permit early checkout times, usually around 10:00 AM or earlier upon request. Your guests can also request a late checkout option if they wish to stay in their rooms beyond the standard checkout time. 

Nowadays, express checkout is becoming increasingly common among hotels. Guests can conveniently settle their bills, leave their keys in the room, or drop them off at a designated location without visiting the front desk.

What Are the Latest Developments in Hotel Check-In?

Ensuring customer satisfaction is crucial, and a seamless arrival process is key. Consider these new trends for a personalized and welcoming experience for your guests. 

1. Check-in Kiosk

One of the most popular trends in the hospitality industry is front-desk check-in kiosks. These kiosks allow guests to manage their arrival and departure procedures anytime while helping your property incorporate technology that enhances operations and caters to guest preferences. With the added benefit of reducing wait times, implementing check-in kiosks can help ensure customer satisfaction.

2. Contactless Check-in

Make your check-in process safer and more convenient with contactless options like mobile keys. Personalized hotel apps are an essential trend in the hospitality industry as they keep guests engaged before, during, and after their stay. The app can also assist with guest service requests during their stay, such as ordering room service or requesting extra towels, and can be used for checking in and out of your property.

More about mobile check-in

With this service, guests can use their smartphones to check in and get a digital key to their room without going to the front desk. Since guests mainly depend on their smartphones for their needs, allowing them to complete the check-in process through their mobile devices makes sense. 

This service helps to simplify your operations, freeing up the front desk to focus on more significant and beneficial tasks, such as ensuring the guests have the best possible hotel experience.

In addition, empowering guests to take control of their experience leads to a more positive interaction with your brand. This is especially true for the younger generation who live in the virtual world. It also presents great upselling opportunities such as offering early check-in for an extra fee, room upgrades, or the option to book additional services like your spa or restaurant.

3. Flexible Check-in

Consider providing flexible check-in and check-out times to appeal to a younger demographic that desires more freedom. Younger travelers prefer spontaneity, so offering as much flexibility as possible is ideal. You could charge fees for these options or use them as an appealing aspect of your hotel’s overall value proposition. 

4. Online Pre-arrival Check-in

Before arriving at a hotel, guests can complete their check-in process online, reducing paperwork and wait times. Many hotels now use automated messaging systems to send check-in instructions, welcome messages and offers to guests via SMS or messaging apps. Download our free hotel email template that will help optimize your guest communication from pre-arrival to post-departure.

These trends show how the industry constantly works to improve guest convenience, safety, and personalization using technology while providing options for those who prefer traditional check-in methods. 

Lead the Way With RoomRaccoon

It is important to re-evaluate your hotel processes to ensure optimal service continuously. As times change, procedures and your staff and software must adapt. Allowing guests to use their smartphones for check-ins brings the hotel experience into the digital world, resulting in better service and a more positive perception of your property, big or small. 

By harnessing the power of technology to improve the guest experience and enhance customer satisfaction, your hotel can significantly increase its revenue and retention rates. With a few well-timed updates and the leading HMS for independent hotels by your side, your guests will feel like they’re staying at the most cutting-edge hotel in town.