5-Minute Read: Did Malaysian hotels really delay their check-in times to 4PM? We checked…
Netizens have been complaining about later check-in times and earlier check-out times in hotels. It looks like we’re being kicked out of the hotel rooms we paid for before we can even enjoy it! But is that really true?
To find out, we compiled the check-in and check-out times for 100 hotels across Malaysia using Booking.com and Agoda. Each state has 5-9 samples and we calculated the total duration of your stay for each hotel for one night.
Results
The top 3 states that allow you to stay the longest are Terengganu (22hrs 7mins), Sarawak (21hrs 46mins) and Selangor (21hrs 37mins). The bottom 3 states that are the “stingiest” with their accomodations are Perak (20hrs 45mins), Putrajaya (20hrs 50mins) and Pahang (20hrs 56mins).
As for the check-in and check-out times, most hotels remain at 2-3PM and 11AM-12PM respectively. However, netizens pointed out that some hotels have delayed their check-in time to 4PM while maintaining the 12PM check-out time. How could this happen?
The most common reason for this is the hotel being short-staffed. Hotels aim to provide good hygiene and comfort for its customers and that prioritises housekeeping. Usually, for smaller hotels, the increased traffic during holidays can cause delays in your check-in time.
So really, it depends on the hotel you choose and the times they have set. Based on our findings, 2 hotels match the 4PM check-in claims. But some hotels even provide a 24-hour stay.
But that still doesn’t satisfy the real issue: Why do these hotels lessen the duration of your stay but charge the same?
What does the government have to say?
According to a statement by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture (MOTAC), they are monitoring the issue and demanding clarification from hoteliers. You can also submit your complaints to their email, [email protected]
At the moment, no action has been taken against these hotels since they have clearly stated their times for customers. However, calls for the standardisation of check-in and check-out times have been made so all customers can enjoy the duration of the stay they paid for.
But what do you think? What should the government do to ensure all hotels provide the same duration of stay? Should there be penalties for hotels that require later check-in times?
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