Skip to main content

Hotels are starting to charge for this once-free perk, and you’re not going to like it

Is a fee for extra pillows next?

A closeup of a reception desk check in sign at a hotel
Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

In a world where convenience often comes at a premium, hotels are redefining the boundaries of what was once considered a standard perk. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) recently reported a growing trend among hotels that may come as a shock to travelers who are used to relishing an extra few hours of their trip free of charge. Unfortunately, the simplicity of requesting an early check-in or late checkout at a hotel is evolving into a luxury with a hefty price tag. 

Interior hotel room with comfortable bed
Max Rahubovskiy / Pexels

What’s behind the change?

The rationale is simple: it’s the “price of convenience,” Vice President and General Manager for San Francisco’s Hotel Nikko, Anna Marie Presutti told the WSJ. At their location, guests are now charged $50 for check-ins prior to 1 p.m. 

Recommended Videos

Many hotel chains seem to be keeping pace by charging a premium for extras that used to be free. At the Hyatt Place Boston Seaport, guests are now charged $50 for staying past 1 p.m., with fees escalating up to $100 for even later checkout times. Marriott, among others, has also thrown its hat into the ring, defending these fees as a legitimate exercise of their rights. 

Some hotels argue that these fees are a necessary evil, citing occupancy rates and limited room availability as reasons for the switch to a cost-based model for check-in or checkout adjustments. Terrence O’Donnell, the general manager of the Cromwell in Las Vegas, which is owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment, told the WSJ that these fees play a crucial role in managing the 188-room hotel’s occupancy levels.

If you’ve ever had to wait to have a room cleaned before stashing your bags in your room at a resort, you can perhaps see where the hotels are coming from, but to the public, charging for a once-free perk in today’s economy is akin to highway robbery. As the travel industry rebounds post-pandemic, lodging costs have experienced a significant surge. According to data firm Statista, the average daily rate for hotels in the U.S. jumped significantly from $125 in 2021 to $148.83 in 2022 — a $23.83 leap in just one year. While airfare costs decreased by 19% in June, according to the U.S. Travel Association, lodging costs rose by 5%, alongside a 7.6% jump in recreation and food “away from home” year-over-year. So yes, hotel stays overall cost more now. It’s not just your imagination.

Man relaxing with a leg propped up on a hotel bed, reading
Tamba Budiarsana/Pexels

What does this all mean for travelers?

These escalating fees represent a shift in the landscape of hospitality for travelers. No longer can we take for granted the courtesy of an early check-in or a leisurely checkout without taking additional costs into consideration. As hotels navigate the complexities of post-pandemic travel and a shifting economy, they argue that these fees are a necessary strategy for managing demand and optimizing the overall guest experience.

Yes, that means that the days of complimentary flexibility with perks like early check-in and delayed checkout times may be fading away. As such, it’s essential to be aware of these changes before booking and ask questions if things aren’t clearly spelled out to avoid surprise charges. 

Ashley Jones
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Ashley is a freelance journalist with bylines across a range of online and print publications.
How to travel with camera gear (without breaking a lens)
Packing a camera for your next trip? Here’s how to do it right
dslr camera gear and backpack sitting on wood floor

If you have a nice camera, chances are you’ll want to travel with it at some point. But as you’ve probably already realized, it’s not as simple as tossing it into your suitcase and hoping for the best. After the first time I traveled with my Canon, I pulled my camera out of my bag only to find that my lens cap had popped off and the glass was smudged with who-knows-what from my bag. Thankfully, it wasn’t scratched, but I quickly realized that cameras, lenses, and accessories need more than just casual packing. After doing much-needed research, I’m here to share what I’ve learned and help you figure out how to travel with camera gear.
How to choose the right travel camera bag

The first step when it comes to traveling with your camera gear is picking the right travel bag. A nice camera bag should protect your gear while being comfortable to carry and easy to access. 

Read more
How to get into airport lounges (it’s easier than you think)
Let’s be real, we’ve all wondered at some point
Man sitting in an airport lounge

Airport lounges can make a world of difference when traveling, especially during the busy travel seasons. The first time I stepped into an airport lounge, I felt like I had discovered a secret world. Instead of fighting for an outlet at a crowded gate, I found myself sipping a glass of wine in a quiet space with plush seating and free food. But how do you get access to these exclusive spaces? Here’s how to get into airport lounges.
1. Fly first or business class

One of the easiest ways to access an airport lounge is by flying in first class or business class. Most airlines offer premium passengers complimentary access to their lounges, where they can enjoy high-end amenities before their flight. If you’re flying internationally, the experience is usually even better, with full meals, showers, and sometimes even spa services.
2. Earn elite status with an airline

Read more
Flying with your golf gear? Here’s how to pack golf clubs for a flight
This is how to get your golf clubs to your destination in one piece
Golf clubs in a golf bag on a golf course.

Packing for a golf trip? Before you can tee off, you’ll face a unique challenge – getting your golf clubs to your destination in one piece. After doing the research, I can safely say that packing your golf clubs for a flight requires a bit of planning to ensure they survive the journey intact. But the time and effort are worth it (the last thing you want is to find out your driver didn’t survive baggage handling). So don’t worry – I’m here to help! Here’s a guide on how to pack golf clubs for a flight.
Tips to keep your golf clubs safe during air travel

Follow these steps to keep your golf gear safe no matter how much it gets tossed around.
Invest in a quality golf travel bag
First things first, you need a travel bag that’s up to the task. There are two main types of travel golf bags to choose from: soft-shell and hard-shell travel bags. Here’s what you should consider when making your choice:

Read more