What is with the check-in and check-out times?
 

I am just now checking out hotels in Laguna Beach, the check-in on the ones I have called is at 4pm and check-out is the next day at 12N.

So one checks in just before it gets dark and then checks out a bit after breakfast. For such high prices I think it is outrageous and I don't remember the US having such short days before, is this something new?

That sounds pretty normal to me. Maybe 3 pm is a popular check in time also, but I don't think I've seen anything earlier than that.

You can probably try to check in earlier, but you room won';t be guaranteed available until 4PM . . .

That is about normal. 12N is what I normally see, if not, its earlier than that. 4 pm is definitely normal, but I have found that if you are there before 4, you can sometimes get in.

That's completely normal, although in at 3 and out at 11 is more common. It is worth noting though, that the check-in is the time that they feel obligated to give you the room. If you turn up earlier, they can sometimes accomodate you with an earlier check-in (although that will sometimes get you the least desirable rooms in the hotel, as those are the ones that are likely to have been vacant the previous evening). Also, sometimes you can request a late check-out, although some hotels will charge for this.

I just stayed somewhere and sorry I can't remember where but the check-in time was 4pm and check-out was 10am..What?

If you're talking abou chain hotels, 3 or 4 pm seems to be standard "guaranteed" check-in time, but I have been allowed to check in as early as 10 am--in a hotel that had plenty of vacancies.I was also in a hotel that still didn't have most rooms available by 6pm!
Checkout used to be pretty universally at 12, but a couple of weeks ago,I got surprised by a "you're supposed to be out by 11" call. Most chains will also extend checkout by an hour or 2 at the most if they can.
What bugs me lately are inns and B&Bs. I understand that because of the small staff, you simple cannot have people available to clean rooms 24/7. But I've been seeing places that, while they promote their luxurious breakfasts, expect you to check out by 10 am! I don't want to have to pack up and be ready to run before the second "B" of the B&B experience!

If the previous tenants leave at 12Noon, it takes 4 hours to get the room ready for the next group?

I think the times have been creeping closer together without customers realizing it. I suppose I could sit on the beach and wait...

I remember check in at Noon and check out at 4pm, by cracky.

"If the previous tenants leave at 12Noon, it takes 4 hours to get the room ready for the next group?"

Times 300 rooms?

That would be extremely unusual, especially in a regular hotel. The only place I've ever been that did that was an all-inclusive in the Poconos.

OK, if it is normal, I will accept it and act accordingly. Thanks.

But remember - a good percentage of the time the rooms will be available, and most hotels will let you check in. I've even checked in as early as 7:30 am.... Alot of the time it depends on what kind of room you get (ie, suite versus standard versus some special request).... Trust me - those hotels want you in there as quickly as possible - you might spend more money in their hotel! :)

That sounds very normal, if generous even. Most 4-star places I've been in have a 11am checkout.

Someone has to try to clean all those rooms in only 4 hours. That is very inefficient for the hotel and a big burden for the (usally underpaid) housekeeping staff.

I would love to have a noon checkout time. I think that's very generous. Most places I've stayed lately have been 10 or 11 am.

And depending on what time of year it is, I wouldn't call 4pm "just before dark." In the summer it doesn't get dark until after 9.

I guess if you are visiting in the winter, it will be close to dark, but I would also guess that demand will be lower for a beach property and the room will more likely be available well before 4.

I am planning on visiting in the next few weeks so it will be almost dark in my case.

So now I am dealing with the two night minimum at some places, at least that would give me one full day.

Call and request an early check-in. It won't be guaranteed; but it's noted. You're more likely to be charged for a late check-out than an early check-in. The times they indicate are completely normal. When are you going to Laguna when it's dark at 4pm? Go to the Hotel Laguna-sit on their outside deck/restaurant; watch the Pacific and have a rum collins-;)

"""If the previous tenants leave at 12Noon, it takes 4 hours to get the room ready for the next group?"""

""Times 300 rooms?""

This is precisely why checkout is at 11 or 12noon and check in is at 3 or 4PM.

Since the majority of hotel business comes from the business or group sector, it isn't uncommon to turn the entire hotel several times in a week during peak conference seasons of spring and fall.

However, if a hotel has your room ready, they will most likely happily check you in.

It gets dark around 5:15ish. The hotel itself is the destination. A champagne on the porch sounds good, I'll watch the sun set.

Yes, maybe I can check in earlier.

But I want my 24 hours! I am being unrealistic.

24 hours? What hotel in the world has the same time for check-in and check-out? That's crazy. I've never heard of one.

I prefer my hotel room to be thoroughly cleaned with fresh sheets before I check in, thanks.