How to survive a long hotel check-in wait – no extra night needed!

Travelling can be exhilarating, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. From long layovers to early hotel check-ins, there are moments that can leave you tired and stuck. Fortunately, there are smart solutions that can make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable.

Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your travel time.


You're tired, your luggage around, possibly wrangling kids, and unable to shower, change your clothes, or even catch a nap.

While most hotels will hold onto your luggage for you (unfortunately, grandkids don’t come with a similar option), you’re left with hours to kill until check-in. This usually means wandering around shopping centres, sitting in a park, or making yourself at home in a fast food joint – and let’s face it, everyone’s cranky and restless.

One option is to book an extra night at the hotel so you can check in as soon as you arrive, but that can be costly and feels like a waste when you’ve only used the room for a few hours.



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Smart tips for smoother travels. Image source: Pexel/Lensloji



The better option? Day hotels. These are rooms you can rent by the hour.

Before you imagine this as something offered only by dodgy establishments, think again.
Hotels specifically catering to day use can be found around the world, and many regular hotels offer this as a side service – even if it’s not heavily advertised. Savings can be substantial, sometimes up to 60 per cent off the regular room rate.

On a recent three-day stopover in Singapore, a source stayed at a $400-a-night hotel. They landed around 7:00 am, right in the middle of the situation we’ve just described.


Paying for an extra night at that price wasn’t appealing, so they booked a clean, comfortable room with a private bathroom and WI-FI from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm for $128.

Usually, six-hour bookings are the standard, but some options are available for as little as four hours. The website lets you filter by the duration of your stay.

It’s also worth checking if your hotel offers this service, as it could save you the hassle of switching hotels altogether.


Day hotels are also a great solution at the end of your holiday, especially if you’re on a late-night flight back to Australia – which is common from places like Bali and Los Angeles where flights often depart around midnight.

Key Takeaways
  • Long layovers and early hotel check-ins can leave travellers tired and restless, especially with luggage and kids in tow.
  • Day hotels, which offer rooms by the hour, provide a cost-effective and comfortable alternative to booking an extra night, with savings of up to 60% off regular rates.
  • Websites like dayuse.com allow travellers to book rooms for short stays, with options available for as little as four hours.
  • Day hotels are also useful for those with late-night flights, offering a place to rest and freshen up before heading to the airport.

Day hotels can be a game-changer for travellers needing rest or a break during long layovers. Have you ever tried booking a day hotel during a layover or early check-in? What was your experience like? Would you consider using this option on your next trip?
 
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