arriving before check-in time
 

This may be a stupid question. But do hotels allow one to leave luggage with them before check-in time. Or would they even allow us to check in if we arrive earlier?

How much would it cost to to leave luggage with them?

Thank you.

In my experience, if a room is ready, they will let you check in.

If not, you can leave your luggage with the bell captain. There isn't usually a charge, but it would be appropriate to tip.

Thanks,

how much should I tip in London, Paris, Venice and Rome?

If I can't check in because the hotel doesn't have any suites ready :-D (just kidding), I leave the bags with the bell captain if available. Once I'm allowed to check in, I give the front desk clerk my luggage tags and have the bags delivered to my assigned room. Only then do I tip and my advice is <b>ONE</b> of whatever currency, per bag.

I have always been allowed to leave my suitcase with the front desk. Most have a luggage hold room. I have not had the occasion to tip, as these 3-star hotels did not have bellmen, but gave the bag back to me to carry up myself upon check in. They will also keep them your day of departure, say if it is a Noon check out and you aren't leaving town until later in the day.

IF the room is ready (previous guest checked out and maid service complete) they will most likely give you the room key when you arrive and allow an earlier check in.

Also: if I am going to arrive early I call the hotel fairly close to my arrival time, like the night before, and ask if they could possibly help me and find me a room that will be ready earlier.

I also might call again from the airport before I go to the hotel and ask about it again - always with the attitude of someone asking a favor. (versus, say, someone placing an order.)

I pretty much always do get a room on arrival if I do this.

We tip the bell captain something close to $1 or 1 Euro per bag, and the same amount to the bellboy who delivers it.

You Americans, with your free spending ways, are ruining the hired help. :)

There is no need to tip anyone for simply putting your bags in a storage room or for delivering them to your room.

The staff is paid to provide these services and your room rate includes this service charge.

Only tip for extra special service.

((I))