Hassle-free check in process at hotel

Check in process at the hotel looks simple and easy, but after having discussion with some friends, it turns out that they sometimes face several difficulties and challenges.  Depending on the Star classification and destination, check in process might differ from one hotel to another. 

When we are travelling by ourselves (individual traveller not as a group), we want to experience hassle-free check in process at the hotel we choose.  In this writing, I want to share some information on how to have smooth check in process with the main focus on 6 important points that you can prepare in advance.

1. A confirmation letter of your room booking

• Have a confirmation letter of your room booking ready either in paper (hard copies) or in online form (email, WhatApps, application or photo)
• During check in, the hotel reception will ask our booking name and sometimes, we need to spell our name, especially if we travel to other countries. Because of different spelling name, sometimes, the hotel system is unable to find our reservation and we start to get annoyed, don’t we ?.
• So, for easy process, just show the hotel reception our room booking confirmation letter. Hotel will see the confirmation number and can quickly search for our room reservation in the system

2. Check In Time – This is written in the confirmation letter

• Check in time at 14.00 hours are the typical time applied at most hotel
• Depending on the destination or due to busy periods (peak season), some hotels might apply different check in time, sometimes later than 14.00 hours
• It is very important to inform the hotel at what time you plan to check in. This is to ensure that the room is ready when we arrive
• If we plan to arrive earlier, you must notify the hotel as soon as possible (you can also inform the hotel at the time of booking), so the hotel can also inform you back if the request is possible or not
• For early check in, depending on each hotel, some will provide at no charge or at additional charge

3. Check Out Time – This is written in the confirmation letter  

• Check out time is generally at 12 noon, but some hotels will also apply check out time earlier, for example, at 11.00 am
• Please inform the hotel at the time of booking or upon check in if you plan to check out later afternoon or evening. Since this is a special request, so the hotel will inform you back on the possibility or not
• For late check out, depending on hotel regulations, some will provide at no charge or at additional charge

4. Your ID Card  

• Don’t forget to bring your identification card such as KTP, Passport
• A valid identification card will be requested at check in especially if it is your first time staying at a particular hotel.

5. Method of Payment 

• Is the payment for room booking already settled at the time of booking or later upon arrival ?
• Payment method can be in the form of credit card, debit card or cash. Please ensure that this payment instrument is ready because the check in process cannot be done without any payment
• In addition, there will be a deposit required by the hotel for any additional expenses that might occur during your stay, such as, room service, laundry, mini bar
• This deposit will be returned upon check out after deduction any additional expenses incurred if any

6. Facilities available at the hotel  

• Please ask the hotel reception upon arrival on what facilities and services included in the room rate as well as other facilities available at the hotel. For example,
  • Breakfast – Is it included in the room rate and for how many people ? What is the breakfast time ?
  • WiFi internet access – Is there any password required ? Is there any maximum number of devices use in a room ? Some hotels have implemented a ‘password free’ or ‘one-time password’ facilities for the convenience of guests
  • Fitness Centre – Where is it located ? What is the opening and closing time ?
  • Swimming pool – Where is it located ? How many swimming pool at the hotel available to use for hotel guest ? What is the opening and closing time ?

Hopefully, the information that I share are clear and useful so you can experience smooth and fast check in process at your preferred hotel.