Most guests leave without visiting the front desk if there are no outstanding fees or procedures. This saves time and appears to have little impact on others. However, industry experts emphasize that proactively informing staff upon checkout is "very important".

"It is a courtesy from you to another guest, not just a procedural matter," stated Curtis Crimmins, founder and CEO of Roomza, who has two decades of experience in the hotel industry. A simple notification creates a significant impact, especially for larger hotels or during periods of high occupancy.

Checking out at the front desk ensures the hotel knows you have departed. Photo: SCMP

Crimmins explained that hotels prioritize rooms that are "definitely vacant" for new arrivals. The concept of "definitely" implies official notification. If guests depart early without informing the front desk, housekeeping may mark the room as "occupied" until the official checkout time, which could be hours after the previous guest has left.

The expert noted that informing the front desk about checkout benefits guests hoping for early check-in. Housekeeping schedules cleaning based on expected check-in and checkout times. Early notification of a change allows them to organize their work more efficiently, especially during peak seasons.

Guests rarely witness the tight schedules of housekeeping staff. Each room typically takes 25 to 30 minutes to clean. Checkout times are usually from 11:00 to 12:00, while check-in times are from 14:00 to 15:00. During this interval, staff must complete cleaning all vacant rooms before the next set of guests arrives. A 2025 survey by the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) revealed that housekeeping is the most frequently understaffed department in the industry.

"A checkout notification is a simple action anyone can take. Consider it a small gesture to help those who arrive after you," he advised.

By Tam Anh (Source: Travel + Leisure)