Originally Posted by
clarkef
In my experience, an early check-in is a non-issue. I don't even bother requesting one when I make a reservation. In the past several years, I've checked in as early as 8am. Literally, the only times I have had any issues is when the hotel gives me a great upgrade and the room isn't ready. When that happens, I have been given another room and a phone call when the better room is ready. Not exactly something to complain about.
Well sounds like you've been lucky on both counts. I've found overall that I can get an early check-in, but I also know that short of reserving the room the night before it's not guaranteed. I was in London last month & couldn't get into the room until noon because it wasn't ready, even though I was there by 9am. It was not an upgraded room, just a regular one, and I'm Plat. I've had pretty good success w/ airport properties on early check-in.
Re: later check-outs. I've had mixed success w/ this as well. Sometimes it's no problem, sometimes it's just 2 hours, and sometimes it's begrudgingly 1 hour. However, in those instances I have not been charged. Also I haven't seen a definitive time on the late check out. The few times a charge has been mentioned it's been we can give it to you until XX, but after that a day rate applies. Since I'm usually out of there sooner than that, it's not been a problem.
Re: 20GBP/hour. What a rip-off. Hopefully the OP won't stay there again.
Cheers.