Staying At A Hotel

dranzer01

Usually, do you pay for your stay when you get to the hotel? Or do you pay for your stay when you check out?

I can remember going to various countries and we would pay on check out, but a hotel I stayed in in London asked for the payment upfront, upon check in which I thought was a bit strange.

JGB1955

How did you book it?  I would assume FULL payment BEFORE check in the norm now.

onashoestring

In all U.K. hotels I have stayed at , my payment has been authorised before stay ( at time of booking ) for a non- refundable rate .

Or at check- in - with any extras ( bar bill , room service etc ) settled up on check out ( or charged to the card pre- authorised).

This protects the hotel from someone racking up a bill and then “disappearing “without paying at the end of their stay .

YBR

Full payment at or prior to check-in is the norm in my experience. 
It might be different if you're staying in a higher class of hotel (I'm usually in basic/budget places)

comeandgo

When abroad we are asked to pay at end of stay, in uk it depends.  If it’s a big multinational then payment for rooms taken up front and credit card noted for charges but smaller hotels who know us payment at check out.

TBagpuss

I think it varies depending on the type of booking and hotel. They all tend to require you to provide a credit card so they can take payment if you leave without paying, or if you trash the room. 

I think it's also common to require payment on check in if you are only staying one night.

I think payment on check in is also more common with budget hotels or where they have quick check out where you just drop off your key.

With more upmarket hotels they often give you the choice (maybe they have more staff so it' easier for them to spot anyone doing a runner! )