Guide to hotel room types, amenities & policies

From traveling with kids to requesting early check-in, get insider tips for saving money while making the most of your hotel stay.

Navigating the ins and outs of hotel policies

How many people can stay in one room? How much should you tip housekeeping? Getting the best deal and enjoying a hassle-free stay means knowing how to use hotel policies to your advantage. Check out these top tips:

Traveling with the family

Book family rooms well in advance during popular travel periods—these rooms go quickly. Use search filters to find hotels with kids-stay-free policies, no rollaway charges, free breakfast, kitchenettes and shuttles to the airport or attractions. If you have a car, consider staying just outside the city to pay a cheaper rate. Take advantage of loyalty programs to upgrade to larger rooms for free.

Finding the best hotel breakfast

Looking to save money and time on hotel breakfast? Check the wording: “Breakfast included” is not the same as “free breakfast.” “Breakfast included” means it’s bundled with your room rate. For a truly free breakfast, Hilton, Marriott and IHG hotels are a good place to start.

Checking in and out

Call ahead to request early check-in or late check-out. Depending on the hotel, occupancy and your loyalty program status, they might grant you either for free. If not, consider asking them to store your luggage instead. Download the hotel app in advance for streamlined digital check-in and check-out.

Housekeeping etiquette

For many hotels, housekeeping does not come by every day unless you request it. Leave a note and tip $2–$5, depending on the number of guests, room size and usage. Tip daily so that day’s attendant actually gets it. Some hotels also offer digital tipping via QR codes.

More guides to the best hotel stays 

Explore these in-depth guides to having a great hotel experience.

How to book a hotel room for a family with kids

Take some of the stress and expense out of family vacations. This guide to family room hotel​s compares the different hotel room types that can sleep four to seven people. Learn about suites, adjoining rooms, occupancy limits and tips for finding deals.

Read more 

A quick guide to hotel breakfasts

Hotel breakfasts can save you a lot of money when you’re traveling, but not all breakfasts are created equal. We help you find the best hotel breakfast​ for your needs, including which chains offer continental, hot buffets, and set menu breakfasts.

Read more 

Hotel check-in and check-out: What travelers need to know

How early can you check in? Do you have to check out with a digital key? We tell you everything you need to know about the hotel check-in and check-out process. From late check-out to loyalty program perks, our tips help you enjoy a smooth stay.

Read more 

Hotel Housekeeping and Tipping Etiquette

How much should you tip hotel staff? Tipping etiquette can be fuzzy at times, but our hotel tipping guide explains how, when and why you should leave a gratuity. Learn about cashless tips, typical ranges and changing housekeeping procedures.

Read more 

Frequently asked questions about hotel room types, amenities and policies

While a suite has multiple rooms, a family room is a single, large room in which more people can sleep comfortably. It usually includes two queen beds and a sofa bed or rollaway. It might also include a kitchenette or fridge and a storage space for strollers, pack ‘n plays and luggage. Occasionally, hotel family rooms even include bunk beds or fun decor.

A junior suite is larger than a standard hotel room but is smaller than a full suite. It has a sitting area, but it isn’t separated by a wall. Junior suites often have more amenities than a regular room, including larger bathrooms, balconies and walk-in closets.

Occupancy limits in hotel rooms depend on room type. Some hotels only allow three people in double rooms, while family hotel rooms can sleep four to seven guests. It’s important to read the fine print to avoid fees or eviction.

Hotel check-out is usually 11 am. Most hotels won’t mind a 15- or 30-minute delay, but busy locations near the airport or downtown might. In general, it’s best to ask in advance if you need a late check-out. They might grant you another hour or two for free, but many chains are increasingly charging for late check-out. Get permission first to avoid being charged extra.

Late check-out fees can be hourly (often $20–$50 per hour) or a flat fee (25%–50% of the nightly rate). Hotel loyalty programs sometimes waive late check-out fees for elite members.

The most common check-in time is 3 pm. Some hotels allow a 2 pm check-in, while others go as late as 4 pm. If you would like to check in early, call ahead. Many hotels will try to accommodate you. If not, you may still be able to use amenities or store your luggage before checking in. Some hotels charge a fee to guarantee early check-in.

Yes, you should consider tipping room service 15-20% if a gratuity is not already included (check the bill for an automatic service charge).

Leaving a tip each day ensures that it goes to the person cleaning your room that day. If you tip on your final day, the attendant who collects it might be different from the one who cleaned the other days. If possible, leave a note with the tip so housekeeping knows it’s for them.

Many hotels offer free breakfast to entice guests to stay there. These can range from continental breakfasts and hot buffets to fixed menu breakfasts. However, there is a difference between “free breakfast” and “breakfast included.” A free breakfast is just that, but if a travel site says “breakfast included,” that means the cost is folded into the room rate.

Continental breakfasts are the most common hotel breakfasts. They typically include baked goods (muffins, croissants, bagels), toast, cereal, yogurt, fruit, and coffee, tea or juice. They might also offer hard-boiled eggs, waffles, pancakes and occasionally sausage or bacon.