10 Biggest Mistakes to Avoid at Hotel Check-In and Checkout—And How to Make Your Stay Smoother

Why It Matters

These practices help travelers cut hidden costs, improve satisfaction, and streamline hotel operations, a win‑win for guests and property managers.

Key Takeaways

• Question resort fees; they may be optional
• Ask politely for early check‑in or late checkout
• Request quiet room location if you’re a light sleeper
• Negotiate free upgrade; cap paid upgrade at 10% of rate
• Provide email at check‑in for electronic folio

Pulse Analysis

Travelers increasingly demand transparency and flexibility from hotels, and Sam Shank’s checklist reflects that shift. While resort fees remain legal, many properties still bundle them into advertised rates, inflating the true cost of a stay. By proactively questioning these charges and confirming whether they’re mandatory, guests can avoid surprise expenses and make more accurate price comparisons across booking platforms, a practice that aligns with the broader industry push toward clearer pricing disclosures.

Flexibility at check‑in and check‑out is becoming a competitive differentiator, especially among boutique chains like The Hoxton that offer "Flexy Time" policies. Guests who request early arrivals or late departures—and are willing to adjust room type—often secure the desired timing without extra fees. This trend dovetails with the rise of mobile check‑in solutions, which empower hotels to allocate rooms in real time, reducing bottlenecks and enhancing the guest experience while freeing staff to focus on personalized service.

Beyond timing, Shank’s advice on upgrades, housekeeping tips, and final room sweeps underscores the financial and operational impact of small gestures. Negotiating a complimentary upgrade or limiting a paid upgrade to roughly 10% of the nightly rate can yield significant savings. Meanwhile, leaving a $2‑$5 daily tip for housekeeping and providing an email for an electronic folio streamline post‑stay billing, cut paper waste, and reduce checkout queues. Collectively, these habits elevate guest satisfaction, protect revenue, and reinforce the hospitality industry’s move toward a more seamless, customer‑centric model.