Checking out of a hotel is my least-favorite part of any trip. It universally means vacation is over, and it’s worse when you have to walk by the pool en route to the lobby, craving one last dip. And if you’re headed to the airport just to sit and wait for the rest of the day, it stings even more.
But I’ve discovered a solution I always ask hotel staff about now, wherever I go.
At some properties, you can opt into “paid late checkout,” which is when the resort or hotel charges a small fee (significantly less than an additional night) to keep your room for several hours after the typical 11 a.m. departure time with full use of the resort. This can be a game changer when you have a return flight that departs long after the posted checkout time.
While often based on availability, it can be an affordable alternative to wasting time elsewhere or spending the last day of the trip holed up at the airport.
Just know that just like an early check-in, you might not be able to lock in the perk until closer to your arrival date, after you’ve made a reservation, or on the day of departure. The cost and rules vary depending on the property, but is often an upgrade worth considering. Just keep an eye out for offer emails from the hotel, or ask directly when you arrive.
Here are five hotels and resorts where you can pay to linger longer.
In this article
Conrad Punta de Mita
An hour north of Puerto Vallarta, hugging the Pacific Ocean’s coastline, every reservation at the 324-room Conrad Punta de Mita includes access to a butler, called a compadre. Many rooms and suites have sweeping beachfront views with private terraces, and interiors adorned with Huichol-inspired art.
The three pools are exceptionally scenic, with a large infinity edge facing the ocean, an enclave for adults only, and a retreat for families complete with a waterslide and splash pad.
With a paid late-checkout, you won’t have to give them up on checkout day, or be forced to enjoy a subpar airport meal. The Conrad has a few fine choices, including Arbol for Mexican specialties, tropical drinks at Aura’s swim-up bar, and tacos or pizzas at the poolside Paleta.
If time allows, you might also book a treatment in the 10,000-square-foot spa, inspired by Huichol culture with options that include a shaman-guided cacao ceremony or body purification at a temazcal.
The paid late checkout option is subject to availability, however, the hotel has charged $80 for it in the past for room access until 3 p.m.
Freehand Miami Beach
This buzzy hotel in the heart of Art Deco-rich Miami Beach tapped Roman and Williams (a major player in the hospitality-design world) to design their 144 rooms, sprinkling in wall-hung tapestries and patterned throw pillows. There are also a few shared dorm-style rooms for travelers on a budget.
The atmosphere is social and lively, and on checkout day, you may opt to enjoy a leisurely morning and maybe even an afternoon, thanks to a generous late checkout time of 3 p.m., for a fee of $60.
You’ll likely want to, given that the property packs in a lot of resort-style features, including a rooftop terrace with a pool as well as two craft-cocktail bars. You’re also just a five-minute walk from the beach and various shopping, restaurants, and nightclubs, all outside your door.
The Peninsula Hong Kong
This 300-room luxury hotel debuted in 1928, making it the world’s oldest Peninsula hotel.
With a 12,000-square-foot spa, eight restaurants, and an indoor swimming pool featuring a glass wall framing Hong Kong’s skyline, you may need more time to explore than you initially planned.
Luckily, The Peninsula Hong Kong offers Peninsula Time, which is a generous policy allowing a 10 p.m. checkout on the day of departure.
Now there’s no excuse not to take that final (but leisurely) dip in the Roman-style pool, or to try the Michelin-star Spring Moon’s dim sum before heading out. Or, you might reserve a seat at the hotel’s afternoon tea, paired with live jazz performances, in between lounging in your plush guest room with Victoria Harbour views.
Wynn Las Vegas
Whether you opt for a resort room or a Tower suite at Wynn Las Vegas, you’ll splash out with serious space. None are smaller than 640 square feet.
And if you pay a half-day charge, you won’t have to vacate it when everyone else checks out of their room at 12 p.m.
Stay and soak in the tub or savor views of the Strip or the desert valley from bed through floor-to-ceiling windows. If you’d rather dip in the property’s three pools, you can always come back to your suite to shower.
When hunger strikes, the hotel houses 42 (no, that’s not a typo) restaurants and bars to keep you wined and dined.
On your last day, continue to enjoy gelato and French-style pastries served 24/7 at Caffe Al Teatro or brunch at Sinatra’s, run by Frank Sinatra’s former chef. If you’re flying late afternoon or at night, squeeze in Seafood Gourmet Dinner’s 16 live stations at The Buffet at Wynn, which starts serving at 1 p.m.
The cost of this perk is based on the current day’s room rate, the type of room you’ve booked, and your exact time of departure.
Marina Bay Sands
Since opening in 2010, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore has become an iconic hotel for travelers, mostly for the 57th-floor Skypark Observation Deck, complete with the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool. From this scenic perch, guests can also sign up for wellness classes like yoga, pilates, sound meditation, and breathwork.
There are also 20 bars and lounges and multiple restaurants from celebrity chefs like Wolfgang Puck, Gordon Ramsay, and Daniel Boulud at the helm, and 1,850 rooms and suites split among three towers. Wherever you land, your accommodations will flaunt walk-in closets, an armoire stocked with teas and wine, and marble baths.
In one short stay, you probably won’t want to leave it. So it’s a good thing that the hotel offers guests who want to stay beyond the posted checkout time a half-day charge. The exact cost depends on availability and respective room rates, but it’s sometimes an option for those wishing to stay in their room past checkout without booking a full additional night.
The Shortcut
Conrad Punta de Mita’s amenities at the posh Mexican resort, like a swim-up bar at one of its pools as well as private terraces overlooking the beach, are solid reasons to spring for a late checkout.
Dubbed “Peninsula Time,” this perk at The Peninsula Hong Kong grants you a 10 p.m. checkout on the day of departure, allowing time for another dip in the Roman-style pool.
Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore boasts the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool, on its 57th floor, and is exclusive to guests, which is why you might want to pay extra for an additional half-day.
