If you are travelling to London for the first time, understanding the rules and expectations is crucial. From how to act on public transport and tipping etiquette, to what time you are expected to arrive for a London hotel check-in. Luckily, most hotels run on the same rules, so check-in is easy and straightforward, with some leeway for an added fee if necessary. A handful of hotels might offer earlier or later options, or flexible check-in times, but this should not be expected when visiting.
What Is the Standard Check-In Time in London Hotels?
The standard time for a London hotel check-in is 14:00–16:00, and probably 99% of hotels run with this rule to keep everything smooth and flowing. Most guests will also be more familiar with this time, and will assume that it is the case. So, by continuing with this time, the risk of guests being too early or late for their check-ins diminishes—and that means less stress for everyone involved.
This standard check-in time London hotels offer is the expected time in most countries, making it easy for tourists to navigate the system and enjoy their stay stress-free.
Why Do Most London Hotels Have Afternoon Check-In Times?
The afternoon check-in time allows for employees to clean and sanitise the room before new guests arrive. No one wants to get to their hotel only for it to be a mess and have to call the front desk for it to be fixed. By allowing the room to be empty for a few hours, there is plenty of time for staff to do what needs to be done to make it suitable for the next guests.
Below are the primary reasons why most hotels have the 14:00–16:00 check-in time:
- Most hotels have a fixed window for housekeeping – the majority of guests will leave their rooms between 11:00 and 12:00, and all rooms require thorough cleaning, restocking, and sanitising before the next guests can check in
- Maintenance teams need to carry out checks – if there are any issues with appliances within the room, this window of time gives the maintenance teams the opportunity to make necessary fixes so that the room is ready on time
- Most other hotels follow the same schedule – most hotels follow the same schedule, making the scene easier for tourists and travellers to navigate without frustration or any unexpected hiccups that could cause chaos
- Opportunity for increased revenue – having set check-in times opens up the opportunity for travellers to pay for earlier or later check-ins, increasing income for the hotel
How Does London Airport Arrival Time Affect Your Check-In?
For those arriving in London via plane, it’s important to speak with the hotel ahead of time if necessary. Due to travel and arrival times, you may require an early or late check-in, as well as a place to store your luggage.
Since so many planes arrive early in the morning or late at night, it’s more important than ever to plan ahead. While airports have rest areas, these should be for travellers who are waiting to board, not for passengers who have reached their destination and need to kill some time before their hotels allow them in.
Can You Arrange Early Check-In in London Hotels?
The good news is, London hotel check-ins can be flexible, depending on where you are staying. Some hotels require early check-in fees, and most will have the necessary luggage storage London travellers require for their journeys. Make sure to communicate your needs with the hotel’s reception, and find out if you can pay extra for an early or late check-in if you need it.
Just remember that it is not guaranteed—especially if you have not been in contact to let the establishment know ahead of time.
What Happens If You Arrive Before Check-In Time in London?
If you arrive before your check-in time, you can approach the reception and ask if there is an option for your room to become available sooner than the usual 14:00–16:00. Many hotels will try to be accommodating, but it may not always be possible. If you cannot get early access to your room, you can ask if there is a luggage storage area where you can leave your baggage safely on the premises and explore the city until check-in time.
You are more likely to be able to secure an early check-in if you let the reception know in advance. This will give them the time they need to prepare everything in a timely manner for your arrival. If there is no possibility for check-in when you arrive, there should be hotel amenities such as a waiting area, bar, or lounge where you can pass the time before the room is ready.
To recap, you may be able to do the following if you arrive before the usual time for check-in:
- Ask if the room can be ready early (call ahead of time for the best chance)
- Leave your luggage in a secure baggage area and explore London
- Wait on-site and make use of the hotel’s amenities (lounge, bar, gym, etc.)
- Pay an additional fee for early access to your room (not all hotels offer this)
- Find a nearby café to wait until check-in time
If you are visiting in the winter, make sure to visit the most Instagrammable festive spots around the city, go ice skating, see a West End show, or peruse one of the winter markets. For summer visits, don’t forget about all the rooftop bars in London, beautiful parks and walks along the Thames, or stopping by the free galleries and museums across the city.
Even if you are here on business for the weekend, you don’t need to spend all your time being productive. There is so much to see and do, and any trip to London can turn into a memorable escape—not just the ones for anniversaries and graduation weekends.
Are There London Hotels With Flexible or 24-Hour Check-In Options?
Some London hotel check-ins are flexible, but this may change depending on the time of year for ease of service and customer satisfaction. Many large chain hotels will be more flexible for customers and have 24-hour receptions that allow travellers to benefit from a late check-in when they arrive in the city late at night or early in the morning and need somewhere to rest.
The following hotels may offer flexible or 24-hour check-in options:
- Travelodge
- Holiday Inn
- Hilton London Metripole
- Ibis London Canning Town
If you need ultimate flexibility, opting for one of the airport hotels London offers may be beneficial, as these are there to cater to travellers arriving in the city at all times of night and day. Here, you can enjoy 24-hour receptions and flexibility that works for you, then make your way to a more permanent location for the rest of your London stay.
How Does Check-Out Time Relate to Check-In Time in London Hotels?
The hotel check-out time and afternoon check-in time are meant to provide the best service you could ask for at a hotel by allowing staff to get the room ready for your stay. This ensures that there is enough time to clean the room, change the linens, restock items, and repair appliances if something has broken. Without the open windows of time, hotels would not run smoothly, guests would get frustrated, and staff would have a more difficult time meeting the needs of everyone who walks through the doors.
Stay With Crown Group of Hotels for Stress-Free Check-Ins and Easy Access to the Wider City
At Crown Group of Hotels, our London hotel check-in times are the standard 15:00, but we may be able to organise an earlier or later time if you get in touch with us ahead of your arrival and communicate your needs. We want your stay in London to be the best it can be!
Planning your stay in London? Get in touch with us and discover Crown Group of Hotels’ comfortable rooms and guest-friendly policies today — check availability and secure your ideal check-in time with our easy online booking experience.
Stay at Hotel Cavendish, Mabledon Court Hotel, Arran House Hotel, Bloomsbury Palace Hotel, Great St. Helen Hotel, or Hatton Garden Hotel, and London will be right on your doorstep, ready to be experienced. Before booking, please read through our booking and privacy policies and terms and conditions.
