Guests arriving early—or leaving late? Learn how to handle early check-ins chaos like a pro without ruining your turnover routine.

Before we start, don’t forget to subscribe and ring the bell so you never miss an episode. Whether you’re sipping tea between check-outs or scrubbing a rogue toothpaste splatter off a mirror—I’m here with practical advice every week.

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You Thought the Guest Was Gone? Surprise!

Here’s the scene: You’re halfway through changing the linens when a voice behind you says, “Oh, I thought check-out was noon?” It’s 10:43. And you were just mentally high-fiving yourself for maybe, just maybe, getting 20 minutes of uninterrupted admin time. Spoiler: You’re not.

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Early check-ins and late check-outs are the silent saboteurs of B&B life. They seem innocent, even charming at first. “Oh, they’re just keen to enjoy their holiday!” you think. But left unmanaged, these seemingly small requests can wreck your cleaning schedule, overload your team (or just you, let’s be real), and leave the next guest waiting while you wrestle duvet covers like you’re training for the Olympics.

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Let’s fix that. Here’s how to handle all the time-stretchers without losing your cool—or your reputation.

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Set Clear Boundaries in Stone (and on Paper)

Before we even get into hospitality magic, let’s talk signage, emails, and booking confirmations. If your check-in and check-out policies aren’t crystal clear, you’re basically inviting chaos to tea.

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Put it everywhere:

• Your website

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• Booking platform listings (Airbnb, Booking.com, etc.)

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• The confirmation email

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• The in-room welcome book

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Your policy might look like this:

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Check-in: 3:00–7:00 PM. Check-out: 10:30 AM. Early check-in/late check-out available for an additional fee and with prior notice.

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Notice how we’re not saying “maybe”? Guests respect boundaries when they know them in advance. And if they don’t? Well, now you’ve got a policy to politely fall back on.

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Tip from the Mastering B&B Management Course:
Clearly stated policies reduce awkward conversations by 80%. (The other 20%? That’s just Sheila from Surrey asking if her chihuahua can have pancakes.)

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Build a Buffer Zone

One of the best moves I ever made as a B&B owner? I added an hour buffer between check-out and check-in—not for cleaning, but for breathing.

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It gives you flexibility when guests linger or arrive early. You’re not scrambling. You’re sipping tea. Maybe even updating your website. Revolutionary.

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If check-out is at 10:30 and check-in is 3:00, that’s your secret golden window. Guard it like it’s your stash of emergency biscuits.

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Charge for Early or Late Access—And Be Proud Of It

Guests will always ask. “Is it okay if we arrive early?” “Could we leave our bags and come back at 2?” Here’s your permission slip: you’re running a business. If you provide extra service, it’s okay—wise, even—to charge for it.

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“We’d love to offer an early check-in from 1:00 PM for an additional £20, subject to availability. Would you like me to reserve that for you?”

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You’re not being greedy. You’re being structured. And structure protects your sanity. Guests don’t mind paying when it’s positioned as a premium upgrade—not a last-minute favour.

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Mastering B&B Management Reminder:
Think like a hotel, deliver like a host. Early check-ins are a service, not a surprise party.

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Create a Smooth Self-Check-In Option

Sometimes, the guest’s flight gets delayed. Or their partner “just had to stop” at every scenic viewpoint from Edinburgh to Inverness. You can’t always be standing at the door with a smile and a cup of tea at 9 PM.

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That’s where self-check-in comes in. Key boxes, digital locks, and simple instructions can be lifesavers. Just make sure your instructions don’t look like IKEA furniture diagrams.

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One B&B owner I spoke to said:

“Adding a keypad saved my marriage. We actually get to eat dinner now.”

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And yes—add the self-check-in is for arrivals after 7:00 PM only clause to avoid guests bypassing your welcome completely.

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Have a Script Ready for Awkward Moments

When you knock on the door at 10:45 and the guest’s still in bed, what do you say? You need a script that’s firm, but friendly.

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Try this:

“Good morning! Just a quick reminder that check-out was at 10:30. I’ll need to start getting the room ready for the next guests shortly—can I help you with anything before you go?”

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No panic. No guilt-trip. Just clear direction. And most guests will hop to it. The ones who don’t? Well… let’s just say there’s a special place in the review section for them.

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Offer Luggage Drop & Local Tips Instead

Sometimes early arrivals just want to drop their bags and head out. Give them that option, along with a friendly smile and a recommendation for the best scone in town.

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Even if the room isn’t ready, you can still make a positive impression. It’s not about saying “no”—it’s about saying “yes, but…”

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You’re offering service on your terms. That’s the sweet spot.

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You dream of sunny porches and happy guests…
But there’s a to-do list taped to the fridge.

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Get the “Your B&B Starter Blueprint” download. It’s how you start smart, not scrambled.

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Get your copy now! You can find a link in the show notes.

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What do you do when guests overstay their welcome or arrive before you’ve finished breakfast?

Share your best (or worst!) early/late guest story in the comments.

 

Here Are Your 5 Takeaways

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In Conclusion

Managing guest time requests is a dance—and you’re leading. With a few solid policies, a bit of prep, and just the right amount of charm, you can handle early birds and late owls without losing your feathers.

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Want more real-life solutions like this? Check out “Build Your B&B: From Dream to Doors Open” for scripts, tools, and scheduling templates that make this business joyful again.

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🎉 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss another episode. Next week, we’ll chat about guests who definitely did not read your house rules. (You know the ones…)

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Until then—may your check-outs be on time and your breakfasts never burn.