One of the most underrated yet invaluable perks that hotels can offer is the privilege of a late departure time. For travelers who wish to savor their destination until the afternoon or evening hours, this perk eliminates the need to hastily vacate their room and store their belongings in the morning on their final day. With a late checkout, guests can continue to relish the amenities and comfort of their accommodations throughout the day before embarking on their journey. Savvy travelers who understand the intricacies of the system can secure this coveted advantage consistently, enriching their hotel experiences. Here’s how you can master the art of extended stays.

1. Become a Member of a Hotel Loyalty Club

Embark on a journey of loyalty with hotels that offer exclusive perks, including coveted late checkout privileges. While eligibility might hinge on accumulating loyalty points or fulfilling specific stay quotas, the rewards far outweigh the effort, especially if you have a preferred hotel chain.

My experiences with late checkout indulgence have been particularly delightful within the Hyatt network. As a Hyatt Globalist member, I’ve savored extended moments lounging by the pool or squeezing in a workout session before bidding farewell to my temporary abode.

1.1 Hyatt Globalist Status

Within the World of Hyatt program, one of the most coveted benefits for those who have attained the elite Globalist status is the ability to extend their checkout time until 4 p.m. Having maintained this prestigious tier for several years, I’ve grown to deeply appreciate the convenience it affords.

For instance, during my ski trips to Keystone, Colorado, where I often lodge at the Hyatt Place, I typically reach the point of exhaustion by 3 p.m. after a full day on the slopes. However, thanks to the late checkout perk, I can seamlessly transition from my ski gear, indulge in a rejuvenating shower, and prepare for my journey home, all within the comfort and privacy of my room. This seamless process eliminates the hassle of changing in public restrooms and embarking on the drive home while still clad in sweat-soaked attire.

To qualify for Globalist status, you can pursue one of the following paths:

• Accumulating 60 nights per year

• Earning 100,000 base points annually

• Hosting 20 qualifying meetings or events within a calendar year

Every night spent at a Hyatt property, whether through paid bookings or reward stays, counts toward your status progression.

Even if reaching Globalist status seems daunting, fear not. The World of Hyatt credit card extends a helping hand by offering Discoverist status, complete with a respectable 2 p.m. late checkout benefit.

1.2 Marriott Bonvoy Program

The Marriott Bonvoy program also boasts a spectrum of late checkout privileges for its elite members. While Silver elites enjoy unspecified late checkouts, Gold elites revel in a 2 p.m. extension. Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador elites are granted the ultimate luxury of a 4 p.m. checkout time. Gold elite status can be easily attained through The Platinum Card® from American Express, while Marriott Bonvoy credit cards from American Express and Chase offer at least Silver status.

Members of Wyndham Rewards and Choice Privileges elite tiers are also welcomed into the realm of late checkout perks, a testament to the industry’s acknowledgment of their loyalty and patronage.

2. Select the Appropriate Booking Platform

Choosing the right platform for booking your accommodation can often come with added benefits such as extended checkout times.

For instance, patrons holding the Platinum Card® from American Express are entitled to a guaranteed late checkout until 4 p.m. when utilizing the Fine Hotels and Resorts booking service. Similarly, guests who make reservations through the Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection can inquire about late checkouts, subject to availability.

Moreover, the Mastercard Luxury Hotels and Resorts initiative offers perks like early check-ins and extended checkout times.

3. Courteously Inquire with Hotel Personnel

When the timing of your checkout is crucial, it’s advisable to directly communicate your request to the hotel staff.

Here are some pointers on how to politely seek a late checkout:

• Reach out to the hotel ahead of making a reservation. Contacting the hotel in advance, even before confirming your booking, can sometimes yield positive results. It’s worth inquiring if a late checkout is feasible.

• Utilize the hotel’s direct contact number and request to speak with a manager. Rather than contacting the centralized reservations line, reaching out to the hotel directly and speaking with a manager can be more effective. Express your interest in making a reservation while emphasizing your need for a late checkout. A savvy manager may accommodate your request, especially if occupancy forecasts allow.

• Consider booking during quieter periods. While late checkouts can generally be requested at any time, they are more likely to be granted during periods of low occupancy, when the hotel doesn’t anticipate every room being booked for the following day.

• Explore negotiation options. In cases where your stay has been marred by service issues, proposing a late checkout as a form of compensation can be reasonable. If the hotel is unable to provide this, you could inquire about securing the subsequent night’s stay at a significantly discounted rate, contingent upon receiving a late checkout the preceding day. When negotiating, ensure you’re speaking with a manager empowered to authorize such arrangements.

• Provide context for your request. If a late checkout wasn’t arranged prior to booking, reaching out to the hotel in advance to make the request is advisable. Approach the conversation with kindness and clarity, explaining why a late checkout is essential for your circumstances. If the manager agrees, politely request their name and ask that they note the arrangement in the hotel’s reservation system.

Concluding Thoughts

Securing an extended departure window from your accommodation can feel like a complimentary bonus, amplifying the overall experience. By leveraging the strategies outlined, you can potentially prolong your stay without causing any discomfort or inconvenience.

FAQs

Q1: Is it possible to arrive late at a hotel?

A1: Indeed, most hotels can cater to guests who arrive post their designated check-in time. If foreseen, it’s advisable to inform the hotel in advance so they can secure your accommodation or arrange alternative measures for your arrival.

Q2: What is the latest one can depart from a hotel?

A2: Typically, the standard departure time is 11 a.m. However, late checkout is typically extended until 2 p.m., given that the standard check-in time for incoming guests is 3 p.m. Nevertheless, eligible guests, such as those enrolled in the hotel’s premium loyalty programs, may enjoy late checkout privileges up to 4 p.m. as an added benefit. Moreover, certain hotels may permit late departures for a fee, ranging from $20 to the equivalent of an additional night’s stay.

Q3: When is the late checkout time?

A3: The majority of hotels offer a late checkout time of 2 p.m., with some extending it as late as 6 p.m.