Guide to hotel room types, amenities & policies

From travelling with kids to requesting early check-in, get insider tips for saving money while making the most of your hotel stay.

Navigating the ins and outs of hotel policies

How many people can stay in one room? How much should you tip housekeeping? Getting the best deal and enjoying a hassle-free stay means knowing how to use hotel policies to your advantage. Check out these top tips:

Travelling with the family

Book family hotel rooms well in advance during popular travel periods—these rooms go quickly. Use search filters to find hotels with children-stay-free policies, no rollaway charges, free breakfast, kitchenettes and shuttles to the airport or attractions. If you have a car, consider staying just outside the city centre to pay a cheaper rate. Make use of loyalty programmes to upgrade to larger rooms for free.

Finding the best hotel breakfast

Looking to save money and time on breakfast during your trip in India? Check the wording carefully: “Breakfast included” isn’t the same as “free breakfast.” “Breakfast included” usually means the cost is already built into your room rate.

If you’re specifically looking for a complimentary morning meal, hotel brands like Holiday Inn Express and Marriott often offer free breakfast as part of the stay — a handy perk for families and business travellers alike.

Checking in and out

Ring ahead to request early check-in or late check-out. Depending on the hotel, occupancy and your loyalty programme status, they might grant you either for free. If not, consider asking them to store your luggage instead. Download the hotel app in advance for streamlined digital check-in and check-out.

Housekeeping etiquette

At many hotels in India, daily housekeeping is now provided on request rather than automatically, particularly in mid-range and business hotels.

Tipping isn’t strictly expected, but it’s appreciated in certain situations. If you’re staying several nights, have made special requests, received exceptional service, or are in an upscale or luxury hotel, you may wish to leave a small tip.

As a general guide, ₹50–₹150 per night is reasonable, depending on the hotel category and level of service. It’s best to tip daily and leave a short note so the housekeeping staff member who serviced your room receives it directly.

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Frequently asked questions about hotel room types, amenities and policies

While a suite has multiple rooms, a family room is a single, large room in which more people can sleep comfortably. It usually includes two double beds (or one double and one twin) and a sofa bed or rollaway. It might also include a kitchenette or fridge and a storage space for prams and extra luggage. Occasionally, hotel family rooms even include bunk beds or fun decor.

A junior suite is larger than a standard hotel room but is smaller than a full suite. It has a sitting area, but it isn’t separated by a wall. Junior suites often have more amenities than a regular room, including larger bathrooms, balconies and walk-in wardrobes.

Occupancy limits in hotel rooms depend on room type. Some hotels only allow three people in double rooms, while family hotel rooms can sleep three to four guests. Suites may accommodate up to seven. It’s important to read the fine print to avoid fees or being asked to leave.

Hotel check-out is usually between 11 am and noon. Most hotels won’t mind a 15- or 30-minute delay, but busy locations near the airport or city centre might. In general, it’s best to ask in advance if you need a late check-out. They might grant you another hour or two for free, but many chains are increasingly charging for late check-out. Get permission first to avoid being charged extra.

Late check-out fees can be hourly but are usually a flat fee (₹200–₹800). Hotel loyalty programmes sometimes waive late check-out fees for elite members.

The most common hotel check-in time in India is between 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm. If you require early check-in, it’s advisable to inform the hotel in advance. Many properties will try to accommodate your request, subject to availability.

If your room is not ready, you can usually leave your luggage at the reception and use hotel facilities until check-in time. Some hotels may charge an additional fee to confirm or guarantee early check-in, especially during peak travel periods.

If you plan to leave a tip for housekeeping, do it each day to make sure that it goes to the person cleaning your room that day. If you tip on your final day, the attendant who collects it might be different from the one who cleaned the other days. If possible, leave a note with the tip so housekeeping knows it’s for them.

Many hotels offer free breakfast to entice guests to stay there. These can range from continental breakfasts and hot buffets to fixed menu breakfasts. However, there is a difference between “free breakfast” and “breakfast included.” A free breakfast is just that, but if a travel site says “breakfast included,” that means the cost is folded into the room rate.

Most hotels in India serve a buffet-style breakfast with a mix of Indian and continental dishes, including items like idli, dosa, paratha, poha, eggs, toast, fruit, cereal and tea or coffee. Luxury hotels offer larger regional spreads, while budget properties typically provide a simpler plated meal.