Checking out of a hotel used to be a time-consuming effort, especially if extra-charge surprises are included.
At large hotels today, the checkout process is more than an opportunity to say goodbye. It's the hotel's final shot at making a positive impression and inviting you back.
Experts are predicting that 2016 will be a record year for the lodging industry, but some hotels will be more profitable than others. Those hotels have more return guests, partly because of their farewell practices. At the Vogue in Dubai, the concierge offers you a Mango Las, an Indian yogurt drink, according to Christopher Elliot, a consumer advocate for National Geographic Traveler, and a free night.
At the Mirror Lake Resort and Spa in Lake Placid, N.Y., guests receive a box of house-made, delicious chocolate chip cookies for the drive home.
When checking out of the Napa River Inn, Napa, Calif, you could get a bottle of wine and a return discount offer.
Some extras hotels charged a fee for are now free. And some let you check out from your room the night before.
Always read a bill that is slid under the room door. If you don't understand all the acronyms, ask. If it still doesn't make sense, ask to have it removed.