Some guests quietly leave their hotel rooms without informing the staff of their impending departure before the check-out date. However, experts say that it is important to officially check out at the hotel reception desk. This simple act can greatly assist the hotel and the subsequent guests who will be checking in.
According to the US travel magazine “Travel + Leisure,” most guests often do not bother to check out formally at the front desk unless there are outstanding charges. Some large hotel chains also allow guests to inform the staff of their departure through their phones or online.
While this may seem time-saving and harmless, a veteran in the hotel industry emphasized the importance of notifying the staff upon check-out. Curtis Crimmins, founder and CEO of the hotel rating website Roomza with 20 years of experience in the hotel industry, explained that this seemingly small gesture can have a significant impact, especially in large hotels or during peak occupancy days.
Crimmins pointed out that failing to notify the staff upon early departure could lead to delays in updating the status of the room as vacant, affecting not only the efficiency of the housekeeping team but also inconveniencing other guests who may be waiting to check-in early.
Typically, hotel rooms are cleaned quickly by the housekeeping staff, with standard cleaning taking around 25 to 30 minutes after guests check out. However, delays in updating room statuses can disrupt the cleaning schedule, especially during peak hours or the travel season.
The American Hotel & Lodging Association’s 2025 survey highlighted the shortage of staff in the housekeeping department as a common issue across the industry. While guests may not be able to solve the manpower shortage issue, Crimmins emphasized that notifying the staff of check-out can help the housekeeping team gain more time to prepare rooms for the next guests.
Simply leaving your room key at the front desk and informing the staff of your imminent departure can make a significant difference. For guests staying at large chain hotels with mobile apps, checking out can be as easy as clicking a button in the app without having to physically visit the front desk.
Crimmins stressed that while an individual guest silently checking out may not seem like a big deal for the hotel, the collective impact, especially during busy periods like summer, can be significant. He urged guests to communicate their early departures as it is a simple yet valuable gesture that benefits everyone involved.
As mentioned, the rapid turnover time for cleaning hotel rooms often results in housekeeping focusing primarily on cleaning bathroom fixtures such as toilets, bathtubs, and sinks, leading to potential neglect of equipment like hairdryers. Experts have warned against using hotel hairdryers as they can be breeding grounds for bacteria, sometimes harboring more germs than toilet flush handles or remote controls, which may negatively impact the user’s hair and scalp.
In conclusion, guests can contribute to the smooth operation of the hotel by communicating their check-out plans, thereby assisting the efforts of the housekeeping staff and ensuring a pleasant stay for all guests.