What is a "late check out"?

What is a "late check out"?

Catharine Hamm (Travel Editor, LA Times) gives expert video advice on: Can I get a better deal avoiding the 800 number and calling the hotel directly?; Is it possible to get a cheaper rate if I just walk into a hotel?; Are there certain types of hotels that families should avoid? and more...

Late check out generally means that you're going to stay beyond the designated hour for getting out of the hotel. In many hotels it's as early as 11 and sometimes it's noon. More commonly, check out is at 1pm. But if your flight isn't until 4:00 and your check out is at 11:00, what are you supposed to do for those extra hours? You can call the front desk and ask for late check out. Generally they'll grant that. It's very helpful to them because it increases customer satisfaction and it's helpful to you because you're not standing around in a hotel lobby or spending time in an airport.