Early check in hotels

In most hotels,the standard check in time is around 2pm or 3pm .Early check in means you can access your room before this time whether you are traveling by road or taking a flight ,settling into your hotel room is always a reward after a long travel day. but sometimes your flight or train arrives much earlier than the hotel check-in time.

this can leave you wondering what to do until your room is not ready.Thankfully many hotels offer the option of early check-in allowing you to settle your room before the usual check -in time.

    How to request early check-in

 

       requesting an early check-in is usually simple

 

1. Call or email the hotel in advance- once you book your stay, contact the hotel directly and ask if early check-in is available for your arrival date .If they can’t guarantee it , they might make a note of your request and they will try to do it.

 

2. check Availability- whether early check-in is possible depends on room availability if the hotel is fully booked the night before , it may be harder to get a room early but if rooms are available, hotels often try to make early check-in happen.

 

   3. join loyalty programme- some hotels offer early check-in as a benefit for members of their loyalty programme so, if you often stay in hotels, you can sign up for these programmes.

 

4.consider paying a fee- some hotels offer early check-in for a small fee .If getting into your room early is important to you so you can pay some fee to get this benefit.

 

Why Early Check-In is Convenient

 

Rest and Refresh: If you’ve just completed a long trip, early check-in allows you to freshen up, take a shower, or even take a nap.

 

Avoid Waiting: Instead of wandering around the city with your luggage or waiting in the hotel lobby, early check-in lets you start enjoying your trip sooner.

 

Why Are Early Check-In Hotels Important?

Hotels today offer greater flexibility in check-in options, catering to guests arriving at various times. This approach streamlines the entire check-in experience, as opposed to traditional fixed check-in hours, which usually fall between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm. For international travelers arriving early, waiting several hours to check in can negatively impact their overall experience.

With flexible or early check-in options, hotels make a better impression and stand out among competitors by creating a smoother, more convenient process. This trend reflects guests’ desire for a seamless experience, eliminating delays and allowing them to settle in quickly, ultimately enhancing satisfaction and encouraging loyalty.

The Key Benefits of Early Check-In Hotels

The following sections highlight the main advantages for hotels offering early check-in services.

1-Early Check-Ins as an Additional Source of Revenue

Offering early check-ins can be a great way for hotels to boost revenue. By charging a small fee for this convenience, hotels create an extra income stream and add value for guests. Many travelers are willing to pay a little more for the benefit of settling in sooner. Hotels can even adjust early check-in prices based on room rates, or include early check-in as a perk in special packages, like corporate stays or honeymoon deals, making these offers even more appealing.

Enhanced Guest Experience and Increased Bookings.

The happier your guests, the better your hotel’s reputation, especially through online reviews. This positive feedback makes it easier to attract new guests, boosting future bookings and overall growth.

Maximize Room Use in Your Hotel

Hotels offering early check-in make better use of their available space by reducing the time rooms sit empty. Allowing guests to check in earlier keeps rooms occupied longer, boosting the hotel’s revenue potential. For management, this means rooms can be prepared faster, ensuring a steady flow of guests and maximizing the earning potential of each room.

When hotels restrict check-ins to a specific time, they risk having rooms vacant that could otherwise be generating income. By offering early check-ins, hotels improve occupancy rates and gain a valuable advantage in revenue management.

More chances to earn additional income

Early check-in options provide hotels with extra chances to increase revenue. When guests check in earlier, they have more time to enjoy hotel amenities like the bar, restaurant, or gift shop, which leads to more spending.

This added income, known as ancillary revenue, can make up a notable part of a hotel’s total earnings. Consistently welcoming guests a few hours earlier throughout the year can positively impact a hotel’s profits. Over time, this boost in revenue could enhance the hotel’s budget, allowing for improved services and upgraded facilities.

A Complete Guide to the Hotel Check-In Process

Warm Welcome & ID Check: Greet your guest with a friendly welcome and ask for their ID to verify their identity.

Confirm the Reservation: Double-check the booking details and confirm any special requests the guest may have.

Process Payment: Ensure the guest’s payment details are verified, and if needed, pre-authorize the payment.

Assign the Room: Make sure the guest receives the correct room type and provide access through a keycard or physical key.

Share Important Information: Inform guests about hotel facilities, how to contact staff, nearby attractions, and any room features. For early check-ins, it’s helpful to mention breakfast times or when hotel services are available.

Final Touches: Ask if the guest needs anything else, offer extra services like wake-up calls or luggage assistance, and remind them that your team is available to help with any requests.

Helpful Technology for Offering Early Check-In at Hotels

If your hotel offers early check-in, specific technology solutions can be incredibly helpful. The following sections cover some of the best tech tools to support this service efficiently.

Mobile Check-In Apps

A mobile check-in app lets guests check in right from their smartphones, making their arrival smoother by allowing them to skip the front desk line. Hotels that offer early check-in can include this feature in their main app or provide a separate app for check-ins. Through the app, guests can confirm their arrival time and check their room status. Some apps even act as a digital room key and allow guests to personalize their room settings for a more tailored experience.

Front Office Hotel Technology

 

The hotel’s front office team manages guest arrivals, check-ins, room assignments, payments, and more. To make these tasks easier, hotel owners can invest in advanced front office technology like AI chatbots, digital concierge services, robotics, and cloud-based software.

 

The article “Front Office Technology: The Latest Tech for Reception” provides a full guide on the latest tech options that early check-in hotels can use to support their front desk teams effectively.

 

All About the Hotel Front Office

 

In an early check-in hotel, the front office team does much more than just welcome new guests. Their duties also include handling administrative tasks, performing night audits, and managing various roles, from front office managers to revenue managers.

 

To learn more about these roles and why the front office is essential, check out the article “Front Office Department in Hotel: Everything You Need to Know.”

 

With early check-in hotels becoming more popular, allowing guests to check in before the usual mid-afternoon time is especially valuable for international travelers who arrive at different hours. This service boosts both guest convenience and hotel revenue, making it a smart choice for modern hospitality.

Read more-Host Amazing Events at Royal Residency Hotel

Conclusion

 

In conclusion, early check-in services and an efficient front office team are key to providing a seamless experience for guests, especially those arriving from different time zones. By prioritizing flexibility and utilizing supportive technology, hotels can enhance guest satisfaction and increase revenue.