Currently, most hotels have a check-in time of 2:00 PM or later. However, the check-out time is usually set before 12:00 PM. Despite not being a full 24 hours, hotels still use this time frame to calculate a full day of stay for guests.

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

Why Choose Check-In at 2:00 PM and Check-Out at 12:00 PM the Next Day?

Most people book hotel rooms for rest. Midnight is often used as the midpoint. Therefore, a stay from 2:00 PM the previous day to 12:00 PM the next day is considered reasonable. Typically, when advertising, hotels state the rate per night rather than per day.

For example, if a guest checks in at 5:00 AM, the hotel cannot ask them to leave at 3:00 AM the following day, as that would be in the middle of the night. Even if the guest agrees to check out at night, the hotel would likely not find new bookings at that time. Thus, standardizing check-in and check-out times helps hotels optimize their operations and create convenience for guests.

When checking out, the hotel will send staff to inspect the room for any damage, loss, or consumption of chargeable items like food or drinks. Afterward, the hotel will complete the payment process, return any documents, and refund any deposits to the guest (if applicable).

Why the Two-Hour Gap Between Check-Out and Check-In?

The two-hour gap between the check-out time of the previous guest and the check-in time of the next guest allows hotel staff to clean the room. This task must be done quickly but with professional standards. The fastest room cleaning time is about 15 minutes, depending on the room's condition.

The staff will vacuum the entire room, check the curtains, change the bed linens, clean the tables and chairs, and replace cups and glasses. The bathroom, which is the dirtiest area, is cleaned last. Additionally, they will check the functionality of in-room appliances like the TV, air conditioning, and water heater.