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By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Blogger
Some people just leave the key in the room – or in their pocket or purse – and just leave when it’s time to get out of a hotel.
But that’s not being a smart traveler. And while in the United States it’s not a law or required, here’s why it’s always important to check out of your hotel room.
Check Your Bill
This is the main reason you should always check out of your hotel.
Hotels can be sneaky about adding extra charges or put something on there you did not use, intentionally or not. There could be a mistaken room service charge, for instance.
Or, say there’s someone in the bar or restaurant who, when paying, charges it to a room. That person may have forgotten his or her room number or heck, tried to get away with something. The server may not check the number to verify or a chicken scratch signature makes it impossible to properly identify the guest. This is more common than you think.
It is far easier to settle any issues with your bill when you check out than it is to wait until later when you review your bill or get your credit card statement and scream something along the lines of “hey, I didn’t eat in the restaurant!”
Of course, sometimes the shoe is on the other foot. Maybe you did eat at that restaurant or have a few drinks in the bar, raided the mini-bar late one night after a heavy night of drinking, and don’t remember it. Hey, it happens. Especially in Vegas! You may get quite the reminder when you get your bill.
Many hotels now offer checkout on the TV, which lists your bill and that’s often a lot quicker than seeing someone at the desk on your way out the door.
You May Have Left Something In Your Room
Oops! You’re in a hurry (or have a hangover, something we at PubClub.com can certainly relate to on occasion) and don’t realize it until we get down to the front desk and have turned in the key. The key is deactivated but you can simply have the staff issue a new key so you can retrieve your belongings.
You Want To Compliment The Hotel Or Make A Complaint
Most likely it’s the latter and you can do this when checking out and even ask for a manager.
In Conclusion
Yes, it take a bit longer than just bolting out the door, but checking out of a hotel is an important element to traveling.
Plus, if you get a friendly person at the desk, it can put you in a good mood for the rest of your travel day. And that’s always worth a few minutes of your time.
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