How to Get Early Check-In and Late Check-Out at Ritz-Carlton
How to Get Early Check-In and Late Check-Out at Ritz-Carlton (Insider Guide)
Early check-in and late check-out can completely transform a luxury hotel stay—especially at The Ritz-Carlton, where every extra hour means more time enjoying impeccable service, spa facilities, club lounges, and iconic locations. Yet many travelers assume these perks are reserved only for top-tier elites or are purely based on luck.
The truth? There are proven strategies to dramatically increase your chances.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down exactly how to get early check-in and late check-out at Ritz-Carlton hotels, what actually influences approval, and why booking through a Marriott STARS agency like Stars Desk gives you a powerful advantage over booking direct or through online travel agencies.
Why Early Check-In and Late Check-Out Matter at Ritz-Carlton
Standard Ritz-Carlton check-in is typically around 4:00 PM, with check-out at 11:00 AM or 12:00 PM, depending on the property. While reasonable, these times can be inconvenient if:
You arrive on a morning international flight
You have an evening departure
You’re planning spa appointments or meetings
You’re celebrating a special occasion
At a luxury level, flexibility isn’t just a convenience—it’s part of the experience.
Is Early Check-In and Late Check-Out Guaranteed at Ritz-Carlton?
No hotel, including Ritz-Carlton, can guarantee early check-in or late check-out unless it’s contractually included in your rate or confirmed in advance. That said, Ritz-Carlton is far more accommodating than most luxury brands when reservations are booked the right way.
Approval depends on:
Occupancy levels
Length of stay
Room category booked
Guest profile and booking channel
Loyalty status or preferred partner affiliation
This is where most travelers miss out.
The Biggest Mistake Travelers Make
Many guests rely solely on:
Marriott Bonvoy status
Requesting at the front desk upon arrival
Booking via Expedia, Booking.com, or other OTAs
While Bonvoy elite status can help, Ritz-Carlton properties are not required to offer guaranteed late check-out, even to Platinum or Titanium members. Requests made at check-in are often “subject to availability,” which usually means no priority.
There is a far better way.
The Marriott STARS Advantage (What Most Guests Don’t Know)
Marriott STARS is Marriott International’s elite preferred partner program, reserved for top-tier luxury travel agencies. When you book Ritz-Carlton through a Marriott STARS agency like Stars Desk, your reservation is flagged internally as a VIP booking.
This changes everything.
Marriott STARS Benefits at Ritz-Carlton
When available, STARS bookings typically include:
Priority for early check-in and late check-out
Daily full breakfast for two
Property credit (often $100 per stay)
Room upgrade priority
Personalized welcome amenities
Dedicated hotel VIP team handling your stay
Unlike online bookings, STARS reservations are reviewed by Ritz-Carlton management prior to arrival.
How Early Check-In Works with Marriott STARS
While still subject to availability, STARS guests are:
Placed higher on the arrival priority list
Considered for rooms released earlier in the day
More likely to receive pre-blocked rooms
In practice, this often results in:
Check-in as early as 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at many properties
Immediate room access upon arrival
Lounge access or hospitality rooms if the room isn’t ready
At Stars Desk, we proactively note early arrival times and follow up with the property in advance—something most travelers can’t do on their own.
How Late Check-Out Works with Marriott STARS
Late check-out is where STARS truly shines.
Rather than requesting it at the front desk, STARS agencies:
Submit the request before arrival
Flag the stay as VIP
Coordinate directly with Ritz-Carlton’s guest relations team
While not guaranteed, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM late check-out is frequently approved for STARS guests, especially on multi-night stays.
In some cases, guests enjoy extended access to:
Spa facilities
Club Lounge
Pool and fitness areas
Even after check-out
Does Marriott Bonvoy Status Still Matter?
Yes—but it works best when combined with STARS.
Bonvoy + STARS = Maximum Priority
If you’re:
Platinum Elite
Titanium Elite
Ambassador Elite
…and you book through a STARS agency, your stay receives dual recognition—loyalty status and VIP partner priority.
This significantly increases approval odds for both early check-in and late check-out.
Which Ritz-Carlton Hotels Are Most Flexible?
While every property is different, early check-in and late check-out are more likely at:
Urban Ritz-Carltons (New York, Chicago, San Francisco)
Resort properties outside peak season
Hotels with large room inventories
Properties with strong STARS participation
Some of the most accommodating properties historically include:
Ritz-Carlton Naples
Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne
Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
Ritz-Carlton Vienna
Ritz-Carlton Barcelona
Stars Desk works directly with each property to assess realistic expectations before arrival.
What Room Types Get Priority?
Higher-category rooms typically clear earlier and later due to:
Lower turnover
Longer average stays
VIP blocking preferences
Booking:
Club Level
Suites
Specialty view rooms
…dramatically increases flexibility.
This is another area where expert guidance matters.
Why Booking Direct Isn’t Enough
Even when booking on Marriott.com:
Your reservation is treated as standard inventory
Requests are passive, not proactive
No advocacy exists on your behalf
At Stars Desk, we don’t just “note” your request—we advocate for it.
How Stars Desk Secures Priority for Our Clients
As a Marriott STARS agency, Stars Desk:
Has direct relationships with Ritz-Carlton VIP teams
Submits advance arrival and departure preferences
Monitors occupancy trends
Follows up before arrival
Escalates requests when needed
And importantly:
We charge the same rate as booking direct—often with more value.
Common Myths About Early Check-In & Late Check-Out
“I’ll just ask when I arrive”
Too late. Priority is already assigned.
“Elite status guarantees late check-out”
Not at Ritz-Carlton.
“Third-party bookings don’t matter”
They matter—just not in your favor.
Best Practices to Maximize Approval
To improve your odds:
Book through a Marriott STARS agency
Share arrival and departure times in advance
Stay at least 2–3 nights
Consider Club Level or suites
Avoid peak sell-out dates
Stars Desk guides clients through all of this.
Final Thoughts: Luxury Is About Time
At Ritz-Carlton, luxury isn’t just about thread count or amenities—it’s about time and flexibility.
Early check-in lets you begin your experience the moment you arrive. Late check-out lets you savor it without rushing.
By booking through Stars Desk, a trusted Marriott STARS agency, you unlock VIP recognition that most travelers never realize exists.
If you’re investing in a Ritz-Carlton stay, make sure you’re getting every possible advantage.
Book Ritz-Carlton the Right Way
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape, honeymoon, business trip, or extended luxury stay, Stars Desk ensures your Ritz-Carlton reservation receives priority from the moment it’s confirmed.
Early check-in. Late check-out. VIP treatment.
That’s the STARS difference.
