Hotel Check-In and Check-Out Policies: Clarifying the Midnight Stay

Are you planning a weekend getaway and are concerned about the check-in and check-out times of your hotel stay? If you walk into a hotel at 12:05 AM on Saturday morning and check out on Sunday, would you be charged for 1 night or 2 nights?

Understanding Check-In and Check-Out Times

Typically, hotels consider the check-in time as the start of your stay. If you check into a hotel at 12:05 AM on Saturday morning, you will be charged for that night. Checking in just after midnight on Saturday means you are considered to have started your stay, and thus, you will be charged for one night. However, policies can vary from hotel to hotel, so it is always a good idea to confirm with the hotel.

The Practicality of Check-In and Check-Out Times

Despite technically arriving on what some might perceive as a Saturday morning, your stay is generally considered to start on Friday evening. This is due to practical reasons, such as hotel check-in policies that typically do not allow guests to check in before 3 PM. If you arrive after 3 PM on Saturday, you will be charged for an additional night.

There are, however, exceptions to these rules. For example, if you have arrived in the city by an international flight at approximately 7 to 8 AM on Saturday, a hotel might make an exception and allow an early check-in based on priority or availability.

What to Do Before Your Stay

To ensure you are aware of and comfortable with the hotel's policies, you should always:

Review the hotel's online policies or contact their customer service team directly. Check their online booking site or call to ask about policy specifics. Understand if there are penalties for early check-in or late check-out. Ask if there are any exceptions to the policies, especially for international or first-time guests.

Knowing the hotel's policies ahead of time can help you plan your trip better and avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Conclusion

When you check into a hotel at 12:05 AM on Saturday morning and check out on Sunday, you will typically be charged for one night. However, hotels can have different policies, and there can be exceptions based on various factors like early check-ins or international flights. It's always a good idea to confirm with the hotel to avoid any unexpected charges or inconveniences.