One common issue we face when staying at hotels is the mismatch between our check-in and check-out times and our flight or train schedules. Often, we find ourselves arriving long before the check-in time or waiting hours after checking out.
Usually, we spend this waiting period sightseeing or shopping. However, these activities can be quite a hassle if we're burdened with a lot of suitcases, bags, and other luggage.
To address this inconvenience, we often choose to leave our luggage at the hotel. Thankfully, most hotels today offer luggage storage services for their guests, whether before check-in or after check-out.
If you also happen to experience this issue, leaving your luggage at the hotel is a practical solution. Wondering how to go about it? Follow these steps:
While it's usually not necessary to verify since most hotels provide luggage storage, it's still a good idea to confirm. You can often find this information on the hotel’s website or from guest reviews on booking platforms. If the details aren't clear, don’t hesitate to contact the hotel directly via phone or email to confirm.
Before you leave your suitcase at the hotel, make sure to remove and separate any valuables it contains. This precaution helps prevent the loss of important items.
Essential valuables to keep with you include cash, passports, jewelry, mobile phones, laptops, and other similar items. It’s safer to carry these with you rather than leaving them in your luggage.
After securing our valuables, we can go straight to the hotel reception. The reception desk is usually located in the main lobby of the hotel on the ground floor. If the reception is in a different location, please ask the security guard.
If you arrive before check-in time, inform the reception staff that you would like to leave your luggage until check-in. Similarly, if you need to leave your luggage after check-out, you can do so while checking out.
The receptionist will usually ask for your name, ID or passport number, and the number of items you are leaving. Some hotels may also ask you to fill out a simple form with these details.
Next, hand over your luggage to the reception staff for storage. They will tag your suitcase and give you a receipt, which you will need to show when you collect your luggage.
In some hotels, luggage storage is in the form of a locker. The reception staff will show you the locker location, and you can store your luggage there yourself. Afterwards, just lock the locker and take the key with you.
Some lockers are free, while others require a rental fee. However, the fee is usually not too expensive, as you only need to use coins.
After leaving your luggage, keep the receipt given to you by the reception staff, as you will need it to pick up your luggage. If you are using a locker, also keep the key to open it again.
Now, you can enjoy your free time by exploring the tourist or culinary areas around the hotel. You can also enjoy hotel facilities that may be accessible even if you have not checked in or have already checked out.
Once check-in time arrives, go back to the reception desk to check in and pick up your luggage. Hand over the luggage deposit receipt to the reception staff to collect it.
If you used a locker, just open it with the key you brought. Make sure to take all your items before closing the locker to ensure nothing is left behind.
If you have a lot of luggage, hotel staff will usually offer to carry it to your room. Don't forget to give a tip if they help with your luggage.
So, those are the easy steps to leave your suitcase and other luggage at the hotel. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your free time without the hassle of carrying luggage everywhere.
