Originally Posted by
mapleg
I like to prepay. Several hotel chains I use in Japan have no check out requirements at all. You simply close the door and walk out of the hotel. I like it that way. I can't stand being ready to check out in a conventional hotel and finding a line up at the counter. Big waste of time.
A week ago I stayed in a hotel in Tokyo; upon check-in I paid my bill in full, but stopped at the front desk (when I departed) to leave the key [they did not use electronic locks] and get my bill showing a ZERO balance.
Lots of hotels let you check-out on your room's television...you do not visit the FD when leaving.