What I do not like about this is the only ones to profit are the hotel. And I get that. Extra money to check in early, extra money to check out later.
However, from the customer point of view, what do I get if I am arriving late. Recently I did both. I was not scheduled to arrive until 11:00 PM, and I departed on the last day just before 6:00 AM. I am sure it was helpful to the hotel, especially knowing I checked out before 6, as that could be a room that was cleaned and ready early.
What bothers me more was in the past year there have been several times that my room was not ready even at check in time. Different hotels (Disney, Marriot, Hilton), different states (FL, TN, CT). One did not even have the room we had reserved (single king size bed), instead giving us a room with two double beds. Aggravating as we were there for a wedding, and needed to get dressed.
Also had a recent overnight stay that I had to cancel. My niece was traveling with us, and got sick. I just needed to get her home. I called the hotel we were going to stay at that night, and said I had to cancel. The woman asked if the reservation was for that evening, and I said it was. She then told me that I would still have to pay for the entire night. I said, ok, I understand. Then she asked if I still wanted to cancel?
Now, I understand they have a policy, and I was calling up after the cancellation deadline. It was right there in black and white. I was hoping they would allow me to cancel out of courtesy, as I do stay there frequently. Can't hurt to ask.
But when she asked me if I still wanted to cancel, my answer was no, not if I have to pay anyway. She then said she did not understand. I explained myself, explained my situation, and said I will not be staying there tonight and I have no issue that I have to pay. But if by the same token, if I am paying for a room, then I am not going to cancel and let you re-rent that room and effectively get paid for it twice. I might as well at least get the points for the night.
In the end, they did cancel the room for me with no charge.