Fair Check-In and Check-Out Times for Hotels in Europe

We, the undersigned, believe that the current standard hotel check-in and check-out times — check-in at 3:00 PM and check-out at 10:00 AM — are unfair to travelers.

Guests pay for a full night’s stay, but can only use the room for a limited number of hours. This is especially unreasonable when prices are high and travelers arrive early or depart late in the day.

Moreover, it is unrealistic and unjustified that check-in is allowed only from 3:00 PM while guests are required to leave by 10:00 AM. In most cases, one hour is more than enough to clean and prepare a room for the next guest. Extended time gaps are not always necessary and should not be used to justify restrictive rules.

This issue is particularly stressful for families with young children. Strict check-in and check-out times often do not align with children's natural sleep schedules, making travel days unnecessarily difficult. Parents are forced to entertain tired children in lobbies or public spaces while waiting for access to their rooms, or must vacate accommodations early in the morning when children may still be asleep. These rigid rules create avoidable stress for both children and their caregivers, diminishing the overall travel experience.

Therefore, we call for a change.

We urge hotels, B&Bs, hostels, rental platforms (like Airbnb), and tourism authorities to:

✅ Allow check-in from no later than 1:00 PM
✅ Allow check-out until at least 12:00 PM (noon)
✅ Or: adjust room prices to reflect actual usage time

Travelers deserve fair treatment, comfort, and value for their money.
Sign this petition if you believe these outdated policies must change — all across Europe!