Having additional guest check in
 

Usually not an issue for me here in US/NA but wondering how acceptable this practice is in Japan. Any recent experiences? Attempting to do so at Comfort Hotel Osaka specifically. Thanks.

I've never actually tried this, but almost all accommodations I have booked in Japan have differing rates depending on the number of guests. So, I would expect this to _not_ be OK in Japan.

Usually it’s a no in Japan, but the Choice group Comfort Hotels can be an exception.

Many of the Comfort Hotels show almost no price difference when booking a room for one adult than for two.

Unfortunately for the OP, the Osaka Comfort Hotel is NOT one of these.

OP can expect to have a note inserted under the door of the room with a bill for the extra guest.

>> Attempting to do so at Comfort Hotel Osaka specifically.

You pay the double rate. Single rate at this hotel (Comfort Hotel Shinsaibashi - there is only 1 comfort hotel in Osaka) is often 1/2 the double rate, for the exact same room. At least I paid the single rate that was 50% off double.

Trying to have an additional guest without registering is considered a serious matter. If found out, you will be asked to

- pay the additional rate, or
- vacate the room and leave the premises immediately, or
- police notified

The lobby of the hotel is on the 2nd floor, accessed by 2 elevators or stairs. All guests must go through the lobby if using stairs.

For hotels in this category (business hotels), front desk people typically can recognize the guests after the 1st night. Also there is posted rule that non-registered guests are not allowed inside the guest room at any time. Visitors should meet staying guests in the lobby.

Even in 5 star hotels like the Peninsula Tokyo, there is a rule that non-registered guests must leave the room after 9 pm.

The only hotels you can try to do this are the large 4 and 5 star properties where the front desk cannot monitor it.

Just to uphold the friendly nature of our board here, I want to point out that OP did not say he wanted to sneak an unregistered guest in, but that he would want to check in an additional guest. So, I guess it would depend on the hotel and the room. If the room is rated for the number of people that show up, I think they'd let you check them in, but would definitely charge you the rate for the number of people there.

Thank you all for the responses and feedback!

Perhaps I need to clarify what I want to do. Basically I want to book the room (award/points) for family member. Usually I would add their name to res and they check in no problem. I am booking as 2 adults although I will not be one of them. The "rate" is the same for 1 or 2.

I am booking for 2 adults, just I will not be one of them. See my clarified response above. Although I can see how showing up and registering the real second person maybe an issue.

The rules can be very different when it’s for reward nights.
I have had Intercontinental Hotel Goup and Starwood Group stays in Japan on awards where it made no difference whether 2 or 1 adult occupied the room, but where a second adult fee would have been payable had the same room been booked with cash only.

No idea about Choice Hotels though. I see OP has posted in the Choice forum
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/choi...rivileges-640/
Seems like the best place for this kind points program specific question.

Just want to be sure I understand the situation. You will making a reservation using your points but you are making a reservation for other people. You will not staying at the hotel but other two people will.

Other two people's name will be on the reservation, isn't it? If such is the case then there should be no problem. It is still common at Japan that non-Japanese will be asked to show a passport (does not happen every single time, but not unusual) at check-in. If two people staying are listed on the reservation then there should be no problem.

Yes exactly. I (A) book for a couple (B+C) using my points. Do you think names on the res is enough? I am worried the hotel will not admit them or only one and not the other as it may appear 3 people are involved.

I believe that's the law, if the guests are not Japanese residents. You have to provide address when making reservation, at least on Japanese booking sites. So front desk knows whether to ask for passport or not.

Japanese booking sites ask for name of person making he reservation, and name(s) of guest(s) staying in the room. I made reservations for other people at some Japanese hotels and I didn't stay at the property. They had no problem checking in.

Not sure what your reward program booking site is like.