Don’t ask the hotel staff to call Xiao Huang (a taxi service)! 7 “Common Checkout Mistakes at Hotels”

▲ Checking out of a hotel may sound simple, but even experienced travelers can accidentally make avoidable mistakes. (Photo / Dagchi / Illustration)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Checking out of a hotel may sound simple, but even experienced travelers can accidentally make avoidable mistakes.Foreign mediahave compiled 7 common errors travelers make during hotel checkouts—such as packing all important items in their luggage when catching an early flight the next day. If you're planning a trip, don’t let your guard down.

▲ Hidden fees behind your booking need to be double-checked to ensure no incorrect charges. (Photo / Dagchi / Illustration)

1. Not Carefully Reviewing the Bill
When checking in, the billed amount is usually the same as the price you paid online, with perhaps only additional charges such as overseas transaction fees or city taxes. However, some hidden fees need to be carefully reviewed to ensure there are no incorrect charges—for example, the front desk might accidentally charge you for meals from another room. Also, almost all Mini Bar drinks come with extra fees, and typically only bottled water is free. Don’t unknowingly spend extra on these.

▲ Almost all Mini Bar drinks come with extra fees—don’t unknowingly spend extra on them. (Illustration / Photo by Reporter Peng Huaiyu)

2. Accidentally Forgetting Items
Many people have the habit of putting important belongings like passports in the safe as soon as they enter the room, only to forget them when checking out the next day. This kind of oversight happens quite often. In addition, travelers most frequently forget chargers plugged into sockets and toiletries in the bathroom. Remember, when packing the night before, be sure to scan every corner of the room again, including under the bed, behind the shower curtain, and inside the safe.

Frequent travelers suggest placing a pair of shoes in the safe so you’ll definitely remember to take what’s inside. Or bring the packing list you made before the trip to ensure you’ve taken everything before leaving the hotel.

▲ Leaving a tip is customary in the U.S. and many Southeast Asian countries—don’t forget to follow local practices. (Photo / Dagchi / Illustration)

3. Forgetting to Leave a Tip
Leaving a tip is customary in the U.S. and many Southeast Asian countries. To follow local customs, don’t forget to tip for the bed-making service, and also remember to tip immediately when asking hotel staff to help with your luggage.

4. Not Allowing Enough Time for Checkout
It might only take 90 seconds to get in the elevator and return your key to the front desk, but if you happen to be checking out at the same time as a tour group, you might end up waiting in a checkout line. If you’re in a rush to catch a train or flight, this can become quite stressful. It’s recommended to check out 10–15 minutes early.

▲ Asking hotel staff to call a taxi can be more expensive, and you might also need to tip them as a courtesy. (Photo / Dagchi / Illustration)

5. Asking the Hotel to Call a Taxi for You
While this may seem convenient, asking hotel staff to arrange a taxi often comes with higher costs, and you might also need to tip them as a courtesy. Travelers on a budget are advised to use services like Uber or Lyft to save money.

6. Not Waiting Early Enough for the Airport Shuttle
Many hotels offer shuttle buses to the airport, which are especially important for those catching early morning flights. Be sure to arrive at the shuttle pick-up point early to avoid missing the bus.

▲ Double-check the hotel’s latest checkout time in advance to avoid being charged extra. (Illustration / Photo by Reporter Cai Wenjun)

7. Checking Out After the Checkout Time
Most hotels require guests to check out by 11:00 AM to give housekeeping enough time to clean the rooms. Always confirm the hotel’s latest checkout time in advance to avoid being charged extra. If you really need to stay in the room longer, it’s best to call the front desk in advance to ask if it’s possible.

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