Does anyone have experience with leaving your luggage at a hotel after check-out? I have an upcoming weekend getaway to New Orleans and in order to prolong the stay, I do not depart until 7:30pm on Sunday. Check-out time is 12:00 noon at my hotel (the Omni Royal Orleans - Priceline $60 a night!) and I'm doubtful I can extend check-out by too much. I have had bags held until the room is ready upon checking IN many times, but never after checking out. Of course, I do plan to call the hotel beforehand to find out, just thought I'd check here also. Other option would be to take them to the airport early that day, but I'd like to avoid that. Thanks for any input.

I have left my luggage numerous times with the bellhop after checkout. It's really no problem at all. Just give them the normal customary tip, there is no extra charge for that service since you will have stayed at the hotel.

Check with hotel, as they usually have a luggage room where you can store your luggage and have done it several times. Agree with the tip, also.

Thanks guys. I appreciate the quick responses. Love this board!

We've left our luggage after check out and it's never been a problem. It's very convenient if you have a flight later in the day. Drop the luggage & enjoy the rest of your vacation!

we have done this many times also (even from in Argentina). The only problem I ever had was answering at the airport.."Have these bags been out of your possession since you packed?". You know if you say "yes" - you are in store for a thorough search. If you say no, you know you're lying.

I do it all the time, but what a weak link in air security! The bell staff that store your luggage are usually low paid and don't go through much of a security check--it would be relatively for a terrorist to get a job as a bell person. And who carefully goes through their luggage after reclaiming it from the bell staff? Yet we all still tell airline checkin agents that we packed the suitcase ourselves, etc.

Fear not about lying. Airlines no longer ask the question about your luggage being out of your sight....and one of the reasons was just what's been cited above. Also, the screening equipment is much more sensitive and sophisticated.
As for leaving your luggage, I'd be shocked if you couldn't leave your luggage at the Royal Orleans.

Your option of going to the airport to check in your bags is not a very viable option. The airport is a pretty good distance from the French Quarter. We have stayed at numerous locations in the FQ, and have always had them hold our bags after we check out, because we too like to maximize our trips. They will usually give you a claim check. It's a good idea to check ahead with the hotel, but this is really a tourist destination, and they are accustom to catering to such. Many of the places we have stayed at have been priceline reservations, so don't let that make you feel that you aren't entitled to the same benefits as the conventionally booked customers.