Have questions?
Contact our Front Desk
Ask HBD.Ai anything
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started with Day Use Rooms
+What is a day use hotel room?
+A day use room is a hotel room available for a specific period during the day, allowing for an early morning check-in and late-afternoon check-out. For example, a common timeframe offered on HotelsByDay is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m..
Can I book a room for just a few hours, or by the hour?
+HotelsByDay offers flexible pre-set time periods, or time-bands, that range from 3 to 11 hours. You cannot book a room "by the hour". These time-bands are designed to be more convenient and offer better value than booking minute by minute or hourly.
How do the booking timeframes (time-bands) work?
+When you need a room for part of the day, you search for the location and date. You can then browse hotels based on their rates, available time-bands, amenities, and more. The time-bands are predetermined and range from 3 to 11 hours.
What's the difference between booking a Day Use Hotel Room and purchasing a Hotel Day Pass?
+A day use hotel room gives you a private hotel room for 3-11 hours plus access to all available amenities at the hotel of your choice. Most partner hotels provide day room guests with the same access to facilities as overnight guests.
A Hotel Day Pass provides access to some amenities - depending on the hotel policy - without a private day room. When access is limited to pool facilities only, the Pass is sometimes referred to as a Pool Pass.
Book a day use hotel room when you need privacy, a comfortable place to rest, a workspace, and to enjoy the hotel amenities.
Choose a hotel day pass when you're interested in enjoying hotel amenities without a day room.
Booking Your Day Stay
+How do I book a day use room?
+To book, you simply search for the location and date you need a room. You can then look through the available hotels based on things like rates, the specific time-bands offered, and the amenities they provide.
How many adults and children can stay in a day room booking?
+A maximum of two adults is generally allowed per daytime booking. Most hotels will consider a child who is 10 years old as a full paying guest. To find specific details on how many people a booking accommodates, look for a red person icon next to the listing with a number.
What kind of room will I get?
+Generally, for day use bookings, the room type assigned is considered "run of the house". This means you will be assigned any standard room that is available at the time you check in.
While hotels do their utmost to accommodate specific requests, they are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed. If you have a request for a certain room type, you can include it in the 'message' section when you book or ask the front desk when you check in.
Please also note that images of hotel rooms shown are often for illustrative purposes only and may not depict the exact room you are assigned; the offer is based on the room category.
How old do I need to be to book a hotel room?
+You must be of legal age to book a hotel room, which varies by country. For example, in the USA the minimum age is 18 years old. However, some hotels have stricter rules and might not allow anyone under 21 to check in. To be certain your booking will be accepted, HotelsByDay recommends being at least 21 years old to make a reservation.
Can I book rooms for back-to-back time-bands?
+Yes, you can book consecutive time-bands if they are available and match your needs. If you do this, you will need to create a new, separate reservation for the additional time band.
Do you need an upfront payment to guarantee my booking?
+Not necessarily. We have different payment options, like 'Pay Now”' and “Pay Later”. In both cases the booking is confirmed.
Please refer to the Payment & billing section for all details.
Is my booking immediately confirmed?
+Yes, after booking you will be directed to a confirmation screen and you will also receive an email from us immediately upon booking. If you do not see it in your inbox, we suggest checking your spam folder as it may have inadvertently been labeled as spam.
Managing Your Booking
+Will I receive a confirmation email right away?
+Yes, you should immediately receive an email confirming your booking upon completion. If you don't see it, please check your spam folder. While HotelsByDay transmits your booking details, they are typically entered into the hotel's reservation system on the day of your check-in. The booking number is a guarantee that your booking is registered in our systems.
What if I need to cancel my booking?
+The cancellation policy depends on how you booked. If you chose to "pay at the hotel," you have the option for free cancellation up until the same day of your booking. If you selected a "non-refundable" booking, you were required to provide credit card details, and the hotel will not allow HotelsByDay to change the date, cancel, or refund the stay.
Can I change the date of my booking if I made a mistake?
+You can only change the date of your booking if you originally booked a refundable room. In that case, you need to cancel your existing reservation first. You can find the 'Cancel Reservation' link at the bottom of your booking confirmation email. After cancelling, you will then need to make a completely new booking for the correct date.
Should I confirm my booking with the hotel?
+No, you do not need to contact the hotel directly to confirm your booking yourself. Your booking is confirmed immediately upon completion. HotelsByDay transmits your booking details to the hotel. While these details are typically entered into the hotel's internal reservation system on the day of your check-in, the hotel is notified of your confirmed booking.
All you need to do is arrive at the hotel with a copy of your reservation confirmation, a valid ID, and a credit card that matches the name on your reservation.
Please note that regardless if you pre-paid for the room or not, the hotel will place a temporary hold (sometimes referred to as an incidental hold or pre-authorization) on your credit card at check-in to cover potential extra charges or damages during your stay. This hold is typically released or refunded within four business days if there are no issues.
Will the hotel still have my room if I arrive later than planned?
+Yes, the hotel is under contract to keep your room available for you. They will hold the room until one hour before the scheduled check-out time for your day room booking.
Can I check in earlier or stay later than the hours I've booked?
+It might be possible, but you must request any time changes directly with the hotel's front desk. If the hotel has the availability, including potentially converting it to an overnight stay, they might allow it, but you would be asked to pay the supplemental nightly rate.
The hours listed on the HotelsByDay platform are guaranteed because they were specifically negotiated for you. Any requested changes to these times are completely up to the hotel's discretion and confirmation. Keep in mind that without booking through HotelsByDay, the earliest typical check-in time is often 3 p.m.
Payment, Billing, and Charges
+What type of payment options do you have available?
+HotelsByDay offers three convenient payment options:
- Pay Now - Usually offers better rates and includes free cancellation up to 25 hours prior to check-in time. Payment is processed immediately when you complete your booking.
- Pay Later - Does not require a credit card during booking. You pay at check-in at the hotel, and you can cancel anytime at no penalty.
- Hold with Card - Available at select hotels. Hold your reservation by providing your credit card details. Cancel at no charge when over 25 hours prior to check-in. After that point, your card will be charged even if you're unable to make it to your reservation
All payment options require you to present a valid ID and credit card at check-in that matches the name on your reservation for incidental holds, regardless of which payment method you choose.
How and when does payment take place?
+This depends on how you booked.
For 'Pay Later' bookings, no card details are taken on the website at the time of booking, and you will pay directly at the hotel upon check-in.
For 'Pay Now' bookings, a card is required, and payment is processed at the time of booking on the website.
In both cases, you are asked to check in at the hotel with a matching ID and credit card that matches the name on the reservation. Regardless of your payment type, a temporary incidental hold will be placed on your credit card at check-in.
Can I book a room with a prepaid debit card?
+No, prepaid cards are generally not accepted by hotels due to security reasons. A valid ID and credit card must always be presented at check-in for your day stay booking to cover the booking itself (if paying at the hotel) and the incidental hold.
Can I pay for my room in cash?
+Yes, most hotels accept cash payment for the room cost. However, you will still need to show a matching credit card and ID at check-in to cover potential incidentals (like mini-bar use or damages). The hotel will place a temporary hold on your credit card for this purpose. Incidental holds are usually around $100 per booking, but this can vary depending on the hotel. Upon check-in, simply let the receptionist know you'd like to pay the room rate in cash.
Can I pay for my room with a check?
+No, hotels do not accept checks as a form of payment for daytime rooms.
Can I pay for my stay with a different credit card than the one used to make the reservation?
+It is preferable to use the same credit card, but most hotels will accept a different card as long as the name on the reservation matches your ID and the name on the credit card you are presenting.
Please be aware that the temporary incidental hold to cover potential extra charges or damages during your stay will be placed on the credit card you provide at check-in, regardless of which card was used for the initial booking.
What is an incidental charge?
+An incidental charge, often referred to as an incidental hold or pre-authorization, is a temporary amount placed on your credit card by the hotel at check-in. Its purpose is to cover any potential extra charges you might incur during your stay, such as room service, mini-bar purchases, or damages. This appears as a 'hold' on your credit card statement.
How long does it take to get my incidental charge refunded?
+Provided there were no issues or additional charges during your stay, the temporary incidental hold automatically gets released or refunded back to you within four business days post-stay.
The hold does not typically leave a permanent paper trail. If you experience trouble with the refund taking longer than expected, please contact: [email protected].
Why do I have a 'hold' on my credit card statement?
+Hotels put a hold on your credit card to cover potential incidentals during your stay. If your stay goes smoothly, this hold is automatically refunded to your card, leaving no paper trail.
Why am I being charged double the amount of the booking?
+You are not being permanently charged double the amount. What you are seeing is typically two separate items: the cost of your day stay booking and a temporary incidental hold placed by the hotel. This incidental hold is approximately the same amount as the day stay, but it is not a final charge.
It is a temporary pre-authorization on your credit card to cover any potential incidentals (like mini-bar use or damages) during your stay. This temporary hold gets released or refunded back to you within four business days if your stay went smoothly with no incidentals.
Is there anything not included in my day rate?
+Sometimes hotels charge extra fees like local taxes or resort charges. You'll see these listed in the 'What You Should Know' section before booking.
Hotel Amenities and Services
+Are the hotel's amenities included when I book a day room?
+Yes, generally, most hotels provide HotelsByDay guests with access to all their available amenities. This often means you get the same access to their facilities as overnight guests do. This would typically include access to amenities like the pool, gym, or spa, if the hotel offers these facilities.
However, it is important to note that some hotels may have restrictions on certain amenities, such as free breakfast. Amenities like parking and shuttle service (at airport hotels) are typically listed on the hotel's description page.
For details on specific amenities available at a particular hotel, or to confirm any potential restrictions, you should check the amenities section on the hotel description page when booking or inquire with the hotel's front desk when you check in. You can also contact customer service if you want to confirm.
Is parking available for day bookings, and how much does it cost?
+Many hotels provide discounted parking rates for day stays compared to overnight stays. However, parking options and costs vary from hotel to hotel. You can check the specific hotel description on the HotelsByDay platform to see a list of the amenities offered, which should include parking information.
Can I book or reserve a parking spot?
+Parking availability is often listed as an amenity in the hotel description. In most cases, you cannot specifically reserve a parking space in advance. Parking is typically allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
How do I find out if a hotel offers a shuttle service and how do I use it?
+Most hotels located near airports usually offer shuttle transfers to and from the nearest airport. If a shuttle service is provided free of charge, it will be listed under the amenities section in the hotel's description on the platform. In most instances, you can arrange or reserve a shuttle transfer by calling the hotel directly.
What should I do if I have allergies or other important information the hotel needs to know before I arrive?
+HotelsByDay takes allergies and guest needs very seriously. If you have an allergy or other requirement that might affect your hotel stay, you should contact HotelsByDay immediately. You can contact the front desk so they can inform the hotel on your behalf.
at so they can inform the hotel on your behalf.
Should I tip the hotel staff, like housekeeping?
+Tipping practices vary by country and culture. In some places like the USA, tipping housekeeping staff is customary and appreciated. Whether you are staying during the day or overnight, for a short time or longer, housekeeping staff work hard to ensure your comfort. If tipping is customary in your location, showing your gratitude through a tip when you can is appreciated, and a handwritten note is also a nice touch.
MasterKey Loyalty Program
+What is the MasterKey loyalty program?
+MasterKey is the loyalty program offered by HotelsByDay. As a member, you will have access to the folllowing benefits:
- Earn up to 5.5% back in Coins for every booking you successfully complete
- Coins never expire
- Exclusive member deals
- Lightning bolt hotels for bonus rewards
- Purchase Coins in advance at a discount
- Free initial Coins (earn your first 5 Coins by filling out your profile)
- Free stays through Coin redemption
- Easy redemption process at checkout
- Corporate discount options available
Join MasterKey today.
What are loyalty Coins?
+Loyalty Coins are how HotelsByDay rewards its guests, giving back up to 5.5% of the booking cost for every completed reservation. When you have gathered enough Coins to match the cost of a service listed on the platform, you can exchange those Coins for a free stay.
How can I get a free day stay?
+By participating in the HotelsByDay MasterKey loyalty program, you receive up to 5.5% of your booking cost back as loyalty Coins for every completed stay. Once the amount of Coins you have accumulated is equal to the cost of a service (like a day stay), you can use those Coins to pay for that service.
Can I exchange my loyalty Coins for cash?
+No, you cannot redeem your loyalty Coins for cash. The Coins can only be redeemed for HotelsByDay services.
Can I buy loyalty Coins?
+Yes, you are able to purchase loyalty Coins. Buying Coins in advance provides you with an additional discount on the services you book. This allows you to add Coins to your account and get more value from your day stay bookings. However, purchased discounted Coins cannot be used for reservations made for the same day.
Do loyalty Coins ever expire?
+No, your loyalty Coins do not expire. As long as you have or purchase enough Coins to cover the cost of a listed service, you can redeem them for a free stay at any time. Just remember, they can only be redeemed for HotelsByDay services, not cash.
Where can I see my coins?
+Where can I see how many Coins I have?
Your loyalty Coin balance is displayed in your dedicated private dashboard. To see your dashboard and Coin total, you need to log in to your account.
How do I use my loyalty Coins?
+You can redeem your accumulated Coins for a free stay when the total amount of Coins in your account is equal to the cost of the booking you want to make. Loyalty Coins are not transferable between individuals, and you cannot combine Coins from different loyalty accounts. Also, please note that you cannot use Coins to redeem reservations that are made for the same day; a minimum of 24 hours notice is required.
Privacy
+How is my personal information used?
+HotelsByDay is committed to protecting your privacy. They will never share your personal data with any third party, except for the specific hotel where you made your booking. HotelsByDay is also compliant with GDPR regulations and can anonymize your data upon your request.