check in times

[prez]

Probably a stupid question but......

I know check out time means you have to leave the hostel before that time but what do check in times mean? Do you have to check in before that time or does it mean you can't check in before then?

If it's the latter, when is the latest you can check in by?

If it's a dumb, sorry, but i have to ask.

Any response would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[madamtrashheap]

With hostels, it usually means that if you haven't checked in by the time specified they will assume you're not coming unless you've notified them of a late check in. And, they could give away your room/place. Each hostel has a different "cut off" time, but as a general rule it's around 6pm.

In hotels, check in times of say 2pm mean that you can't get access to your room any earlier on the day of arrival - usually because it's still being cleaned.

Hope that clears things up for you. And it's not a dumb question, I'm sure many people have wondered the same thing. ;D

[prez]

sorry for the late reply but thankyou very much, that clears things up heaps.

[Eagle]

One other point, some Hostels have a "lockout" which varies a bit by property. For example, if the "lockout" time of a particular Hostel is 10:00-17:00, then it's not likely you'd be able to check-in prior to 17:00 (the doors might actually be locked, which is the case at one Hostel I visited).

[prez]

noted, thanks.

One other thing, I will be travelling the whole month of June. I would like to make hostel reservations 3 days prior. Is this enough time for the good hostels?

Also, do most people make reservations on the internet through internet cafe or over the phone? (I'm kinda worried about putting my credti card details on a public computer but I'm also worried about giving the details to a stranger over the phone....leaves me with little options, I know).

thanks

[pointofnoreturn]

prez said:

noted, thanks.

One other thing, I will be travelling the whole month of June. I would like to make hostel reservations 3 days prior. Is this enough time for the good hostels?

Also, do most people make reservations on the internet through internet cafe or over the phone? (I'm kinda worried about putting my credti card details on a public computer but I'm also worried about giving the details to a stranger over the phone....leaves me with little options, I know).

thanks

I don't think so. June, July and August are prime backpacking months. If you know where you're gonna be, best to make reservations BEFORE you leave your country. It doesn't seem like a wise idea to come to a city with no reservations and it's possible you'll waste a lot of time walking around trying to find an available bed.

[prez]

Thanks for the quick response. I do know when I'll be in each city but, as you know, things change and I would like to have a degree of flexibility if the need arises.

My trip is still a month and a half away so I still have time to think about it. Thanks again for your response.

Cheers