I'm planning a trip to NYC with my husband in March. We'll be taking the megabus departing from Pittsburgh, PA. We will be in NYC for two days (our first time there). I want to travel light but will have at least one piece of luggage. Most hotel check-in times are 4 pm. If we get to NYC before that time, would the hotel we are staying at hold our luggage until we check in later in the day? What about the check-out at 11 am. If our bus doesn't leave till later, would they hold our luggage so we could pick it up later in the day when we catch the bus?

These are the logistics that drive me a little batty!

Yes to both. See the bellman. In fact most hotels will store luggage even for people who are not staying there.

Most likely the hotel will store your luggage but the best way to find out is to ask them. I would suggest giving them a call.

Yes, most do and yes, do call just to make certain.

And ask them if your room will be ready before 4.

I don't know a hotel that doesn't store luggage. My experience with big city hotels if you arrive early they will check you in, take your luggage, and put your luggage in the room when the room is ready. And if it is slow week, they fill the ready rooms first and you can often check in early.

I have never found a hotel anywhere that doesn;t hold luggage before check in and after check out. If there is no fixed charge fo ruse of the luggage room, then be sure to give a nice tip.

Ask for an early check in. I've rarely been denied if its not too early. My last NYC hotel room was avail at 1:00. This time I've requested another early check in. Actually, most times I'd prefer a late check out. Never asked for that. Hmmm. Might try.