Originally Posted by Herb687

Has anyone ever reported this happening in the United States at a hotel affiliated with a major chain?

I would think the far more likely outcome would be the hotel merely charging a late checkout fee or charging for another full night.

And I am confident that if a hotel charged me that fee on a late checkout that was within elite policy, it would not end well for that hotel. I would get the charge reversed. And I would also get bonus points thrown my away as an apology.