A Dubai hotel group has introduced a new check-out policy that might be nice for guests, but could cause nightmares for housekeeping and other hotel staff: Your check-out time is exactly 24 hours from the time you check in.

For starters, you’re not locked into the 12pm checkout posted on the back of the door. That’s a nice layer of flexibility. You get a full day’s stay, without any housekeeping lockout time.

From the press release:

As per the new benefit, guests opting for Suite or Club room accommodations can enjoy the privilege of a total 24-hour stay without incurring late check-out charges. This is a ground-breaking service in the hospitality industry as guests arriving in the evening or even after midnight have the option of keeping their room for a complete 24 hours without having to follow the traditional check-out time of 12 noon.

As much of a change from the status quo this may seem, the Address Hotels that are offering this are only able to offer such a service when they’re underbooked, and they don’t need to worry about the next guest clipping the last guest’s heels.

Notice also that this is only being proposed for premium rooms and suites. The generosity isn’t quite universal.

As nice a feature as this might be, it’s unlikely to spread. Customers don’t expect it, it’s an inconvenience for hoteliers, and it’s not really that big a deal. You can, after all, negotiate a late checkout, especially if there’s space available. (At at the major chains, frequent guests get late checkouts anyway.)

Still, points for creativity and making lemonade out of lemons.

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