Caesars charges an early check-in fee
It reminds me to talk about what happened to me in December.
I stayed at Harrah's AC for two nights. I got there around 1:30pm on a Sunday. Suspecting that I wouldn't get a room yet, I left my luggage in the car, but went to check-in so that I could take care of that now, while there's a short line, and later get on a fast line to get keys. While waiting on the short line, I saw the sign about the early check-in fee. The clerk never mentioned it, and gave me keys to a room. I didn't ask.
Frankly, I didn't want the early check-in. I was there to play in a poker tourney that started at 3:00, so getting the room early did me little good. I really just wanted to save time, since I suspected that the line would be long after 4:00.
When I checked out, the total was $11.40 more than I expected. I waited to get my credit card bill to verify. Yeah, it was $11.40 too much, so I called.
The extra charge was $10 for early check-in plus tax. I complained that it was never mentioned when I checked in. He does a little checking and tells me that the form that I should have signed to approve the fee wasn't in my file, so he decided I was correct and credited the $11.40. Score!
I seriously think the check-in clerk didn't bother with the early fee dance, because I didn't have any luggage with me. I don't know if she knew I'd get charged anyway.
Quote: SanchoPanzaWhen we refused the fee at Planet Hollywood, they still wanted to complete the paperwork while the lobby was relatively quiet and told us that we could pick up the key after 3 at the adjacent pickup desk.
That was my plan and expectation, except they gave me the key, without mentioning the early check-in fee.
Every hotel I've ever been to has a sign stating the check-in and check-out times. Every hotel I've booked online, also states this info along the way.
Typically I travel early. I always go from the airport directly to the hotel and check in. In Vegas this means usually around 11 am or so. I've never had to wait for a room, and I've never been charged an early check-in fee.
I already knew about this (I forget where I heard about it) and had plans on leaving earlier in the day, and when I get there, I would take my bathing suit in when I check in, and then use the pool locker room / restroom to change - before getting the hotel room key.
I ended up sleeping late and didn't have enough time before the poker tourney, so I skipped that part of the plan.
Quote: NareedTypically I travel early. I always go from the airport directly to the hotel and check in. In Vegas this means usually around 11 am or so. I've never had to wait for a room, and I've never been charged an early check-in fee.
Same for me.....BUT, I was in Vegas in Dec, and tried to check in @ around 1pm. I was told I would be charged
an early check-in fee unless I waited. The decision was easy for me, I waited.
Quote: NareedWTF?
Every hotel I've ever been to has a sign stating the check-in and check-out times. Every hotel I've booked online, also states this info along the way.
Typically I travel early. I always go from the airport directly to the hotel and check in. In Vegas this means usually around 11 am or so. I've never had to wait for a room, and I've never been charged an early check-in fee.
I've had to wait for plenty of rooms in Vegas or otherwise. A lot of times I'll get into the room earlier, but there have been many times I try and checkin at 10ish and they don't have rooms ready. I'm not surprised and the only reason I'm even trying is generally I don't get back to the hotel until late at night and it is just nice to have everything done.
CET seems a bit more strict as I have to assume at 1-2pm all the rooms have been cleaned(or enough that people can get rooms). I don't blame them though, they clearly say checkin is at 3(or 4). The biggest difference with CET is they will take that extra money, where Marriott simply tells me to come back later.
Quote: soulhunt79I've had to wait for plenty of rooms in Vegas or otherwise. A lot of times I'll get into the room earlier, but there have been many times I try and checkin at 10ish and they don't have rooms ready. I'm not surprised and the only reason I'm even trying is generally I don't get back to the hotel until late at night and it is just nice to have everything done.
It stands to reason that if check-out is 11 am or noon, as it is in most places, then rooms won't be ready earlier than that. Ergo check-in time of 2-4 pm. It also stands to reason if the hotel isn't at full capacity, there will be emtpy rooms ready to be occupied at most times anyway.
Just the same, I've only waited for a room once. That was in Guanajuato, and only because I wanted a smoking room. They actually gave me a non-smoking room with a balcony to the outside.
As I recall, I checked in early at IP in 2009 without extra fees. At the Rio in 2010 I think I checked in later, around 1 or 2 pm
Quote: MakingBookSame for me.....BUT, I was in Vegas in Dec, and tried to check in @ around 1pm. I was told I would be charged
an early check-in fee unless I waited. The decision was easy for me, I waited.
I also did this basically at 1PM in December. I wasn't charged. But then again, I did the "$20 trick" for a tower upgrade, so that's probably a good reason why I didn't get nickeled and dimed on the early check-in fee.
I checked in at IP in February without the $20 trick at 1PM as well. I also wasn't charged.
But I have heard CET is reemphasizing the early check-in fee. People on other forums have been complaining about it as well.
How can this be good business? They collect a relatively insignificant amount of extra cash, but at the same time they will piss me off. It is not that I can't afford it. I would feel like I am taken advantage of, possibily being tired after a long trip.
If I arrive before check-in time and am told, "Sorry, your room is not ready yet, why don't you check back in an hour." that would be perfectly fine with me. But if I hear: "Well, there is a room ready and you could have that right now, but it is gonna cost ya." I will not return to that hotel. Period. Maybe I am the only one to feel this way.
[Little story on the side: During my Vegas trip last year, I moved from Caesar's to Aria after half my trip (I like to experience different hotels). I checked in at Aria around 11 a.m., to get the paperwork done and have them hold my bags until the afternoon when I could get the key. Well, after the check-in procedure I was handed keys without any comment about check-in time. I asked a little sheepishly "Is it ready now?!" - Yes it was. A great start to a great stay. Now THAT is good business.
I will stay at Aria again this year for half my trip, and it is gonna be the first hotel in Vegas I have ever returned to.]
Quote: CanyoneroHow can this be good business? They collect a relatively insignificant amount of extra cash, but at the same time they will piss me off. It is not that I can't afford it. I would feel like I am taken advantage of, possibily being tired after a long trip.
They justify it by stating that Diamond & 7 Stars, who have their own check-in lounge, do not have to pay the fee. Another "perk" for being on the upper end of the TL Rewards caste system; in addition to getting on the shuttle buses first, having their own buffet line, snack lounge, room refrigerator fee waived, and getting 2 free show tickets a month... Did I miss anything else?
Quote: CanyoneroAny marketing experts on here?
How can this be good business?
For one thing, unlike the rsort fees charged by other hotels - which is often a hidden and unavoidable fee - the early check-in fee is optional. Don't want to pay? OK, after 4:00 go to the "Keys only" line to get the key.
Quote: CanyoneroBut if I hear: "Well, there is a room ready and you could have that right now, but it is gonna cost ya." I will not return to that hotel. Period.
You've got the wrong mind-set. They're really saying that it's a supply-and-demand thing. By adding the optional charge, they try to match the demand to the supply.
Personally, I like it. This is a way to increase hotel revenue, without increasing room rates.
Quote: GHThey justify it by stating that Diamond & 7 Stars, who have their own check-in lounge, do not have to pay the fee. Another "perk" for being on the upper end of the TL Rewards caste system; in addition to getting on the shuttle buses first, having their own buffet line, snack lounge, room refrigerator fee waived, and getting 2 free show tickets a month... Did I miss anything else?
Hah. Brilliant. In behaviorism that is called negative reinforcment. You create a shitty situation and remove that situation when the customer exhibits the target behavior (becoming Diamond).
Quote: Canyonero[Little story on the side: During my Vegas trip last year, I moved from Caesar's to Aria after half my trip (I like to experience different hotels). I checked in at Aria around 11 a.m., to get the paperwork done and have them hold my bags until the afternoon when I could get the key. Well, after the check-in procedure I was handed keys without any comment about check-in time. I asked a little sheepishly "Is it ready now?!" - Yes it was. A great start to a great stay. Now THAT is good business.
I will stay at Aria again this year for half my trip, and it is gonna be the first hotel in Vegas I have ever returned to.]
Hint: Call ahead 30 minutes before you get to these places, and they will usually have the paperwork pre-printed, ready for you to sign, and your keys ready:
Aria Sky Suites: (702) 590-9550 -- They will also text you when your room is ready, from SMS short code 63893.
Bellagio VIP Registration: (702) 693-7111 x7422.
Quote: CanyoneroAny marketing experts on here?
How can this be good business? They collect a relatively insignificant amount of extra cash, but at the same time they will piss me off. It is not that I can't afford it. I would feel like I am taken advantage of, possibily being tired after a long trip.
If I arrive before check-in time and am told, "Sorry, your room is not ready yet, why don't you check back in an hour." that would be perfectly fine with me. But if I hear: "Well, there is a room ready and you could have that right now, but it is gonna cost ya." I will not return to that hotel. Period. Maybe I am the only one to feel this way.
[Little story on the side: During my Vegas trip last year, I moved from Caesar's to Aria after half my trip (I like to experience different hotels). I checked in at Aria around 11 a.m., to get the paperwork done and have them hold my bags until the afternoon when I could get the key. Well, after the check-in procedure I was handed keys without any comment about check-in time. I asked a little sheepishly "Is it ready now?!" - Yes it was. A great start to a great stay. Now THAT is good business.
I will stay at Aria again this year for half my trip, and it is gonna be the first hotel in Vegas I have ever returned to.]
I 100% agree. I was an hour early last trip when checking in at Rio, and saw the sign. When I got to the desk, I asked if there was a room ready, the clerk said yes, I said I was not going to pay the early check in fee, the clerk said ok, and I got my room. It seems like the clerk was prepared to NOT charge the fee to anyone who asked not to pay it.
Quote: DJTeddyBearFor one thing, unlike the rsort fees charged by other hotels - which is often a hidden and unavoidable fee - the early check-in fee is optional. Don't want to pay? OK, after 4:00 go to the "Keys only" line to get the key.
I'd say the resort fees have a similar piss off potential.
Quote:
You've got the wrong mind-set. They're really saying that it's a supply-and-demand thing. By adding the optional charge, they try to match the demand to the supply.
Personally, I like it. This is a way to increase hotel revenue, without increasing room rates.
I kinda get that, but it goes against my idea of hospitality and courtesy. So I will find a place that shares my ideas in that regard. It may sound stupid, but I'd rather pay a higher room rate than deal with fees left and right, even if the grand total were lower.
Quote: CanyoneroI kinda get that, but it goes against my idea of hospitality and courtesy. So I will find a place that shares my ideas in that regard. It may sound stupid, but I'd rather pay a higher room rate than deal with fees left and right, even if the grand total were lower.
I hear the next big thing will be charging extra for seats on airplanes...
http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2010/jul/01/stand-up-for-ryanair
Quote: BuzzardI am sure charging 2 tickets for obese passengers sounded silly when first introduced.
Doesn't sound silly at all if they take up two seats.
Quote: bwDoesn't sound silly at all if they take up two seats.
I know, especially when the fat guy spills over into your seat.
Quote: CanyoneroHah. Brilliant. In behaviorism that is called negative reinforcment. You create a shitty situation and remove that situation when the customer exhibits the target behavior (becoming Diamond).
So true for all casinos. My local always provided good services at the cashiers until suddenly there are "lines" to wait in with a bottle neck from people standing 10 feet back, then to not suffer this, you have to be high tier or go to self-service. Meanwhile the casino is like the fake bum begging for money on the street then goes home to his mansion in his BMW.
I am always astounded at the people who come to Vegas with no reservation, and wait in the ridiculously long line to get a room, though.
Anyone else ever use the kiosks at Flamingo? The simplicity those offer makes having a reservation worth it.
Quote: SACRI have checked in at multiple different Harrah's properties, including Caesars, and never been charged an early check-in fee.
I am always astounded at the people who come to Vegas with no reservation, and wait in the ridiculously long line to get a room, though.
Anyone else ever use the kiosks at Flamingo? The simplicity those offer makes having a reservation worth it.
Flamingo has check-in kiosks? Like where you don't have to talk to a real person and stand in a gigantic line?? If so, either I'm completely blind or they installed them quite recently; I don't remember this at all at my last trip (October '12).
