Why is hotel check – out always at 12 o’clock?

Currently, most hotels set the check-in time at 2 PM or later, while the check-out time is always before 12 PM. Although it doesn’t complete a full 24 hours, this time frame is used by hotels to count a full day of stay for the guest.

This policy is applied in the hotel industry worldwide, from budget inns to luxury hotels.

Why choose a 2 PM check-in and a 12 PM check-out?

Most people rent hotel rooms to rest. The standard time is set at midnight, with the stay duration from 2 PM the previous day to 12 PM the next day being reasonable. Typically, when advertising, hotels use the unit “per night” rather than “per day.”

For example, if a guest checks in at 5 AM, the hotel cannot ask them to check out at 3 AM the next day because it’s still night time. Even if the guest agrees to check out at night, the hotel won’t be able to find new reservations at that time. Therefore, having standardized check-in and check-out times helps hotels optimize their business operations and create convenience for guests.

When checking out a guest, the hotel staff will inspect the room for damage, missing items, or any food and beverages consumed that may incur additional charges. Afterward, the hotel will complete the payment, return documents, and the deposit (if applicable) to the guest.

Between the two hours from the time of check-out to the time the next guest checks in, the housekeeping staff will clean the room. This task must be done quickly yet according to professional standards. The fastest cleaning time is 15 minutes, depending on the room condition.

The staff will vacuum the entire room, check the curtains, change the bed linens, clean the tables, chairs, and shelves, and replace cups and glasses in the room. The bathroom, being the dirtiest area, is cleaned last.

Additionally, staff will check the functionality of the devices in the room, such as the TV, air conditioner, and water heater.

How are early check-ins and late check-outs handled?

For early check-ins, some hotels charge additional fees as follows: check-in from 5 AM to 9 AM incurs an extra 50% of the room rate; check-in from 9 AM to 2 PM incurs an additional 30%. However, this can be flexible. If the hotel has vacant rooms, the front desk staff can allow an early check-in without additional charges.

Compared to early check-ins, late check-outs are more complex. If a guest checks out too late, the cleaning staff may not have enough time to clean the room, change the linens, and prepare for the new guest. This could affect the check-in of subsequent guests and the hotel’s reputation, especially during peak seasons.

Therefore, hotels always have strict policies regarding late check-outs. If a guest checks out after 6 PM, they usually have to pay an additional 100% of the room rate (equivalent to one extra night’s stay).