KUALA LUMPUR – It is unfair to deem hotel check-in and check-out times in Malaysia as unreasonable, given the operational factors involved, says Malaysia Budget and Business Hotel Association (MyBHA) president, Dr Sri Ganesh Michiel.
Responding to recent complaints on social media, Dr Ganesh explained that check-in and check-out times are influenced by various operational issues, particularly the need for room cleaning.
Speaking to Scoop, he noted that the hospitality sector is currently facing a shortage of staff, which can sometimes contribute to what might be perceived as unfavourable check-in and check-out schedules.
“Hotels set particular times for check-ins because after a guest leaves, they have to ensure the rooms are clean and comfortable for the next occupant,” Sri Ganesh said when contacted.
Meanwhile, he also said that consideration must also be given to the fact that complaints about the issue could arise from guests staying in illegal hotels which lack proper check-in and check-out policies.
Although there were suggestions on social media that hotels in other countries have flexible check-in and check-out times, Sri Ganesh suggested that is not always the case.
“I am currently staying in Vietnam and they have policies on what time you can enter and leave your room.
“However, at the same time, even if you’re in a Malaysian hotel, they can be flexible and make exceptions depending on the circumstances,” Sri Ganesh added.
His comments on the matter come after netizens took to social media to complain about what they labelled as unreasonable check-in and check-out times.
One user, @netnetwok, called on Malaysians to boycott local hotels and urged the Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry to address the enforcement of 4pm check-ins and 11am check-outs.
Meanwhile, another user, @jaiyen_nakal, pointed out that check-in and check-out times used to be more reasonable, but have gradually worsened.
“Last time you check-in at 2pm and check-out at 12pm the next day. After that, we saw 3pm check-ins and 11am check-outs.
“If nothing is done, they will start enforcing 6pm check-in and 10am check-out,” @jaiyen_nakal said on X.
Touching on other countries, @aisyassss said hotels at Hat Yai and Krabi in Thailand were flexible enough to allow 9am check-ins without enforcing penalties for late check-outs. – September 25, 2024