Reserving a room with late arrival

[f-LORI-da]

Won't be checking in until 1:30-2:00 am. Do I reserve my room for that day or the preceding day? For example, let's say I'm flying out tonight (Sat. 7/6), but won't be arriving in Orlando until after midnight. Do I begin the reservation today or tomorrow (Sun. 7/7)? I think I should make the reservation beginning on the departure date (7/6 in the example), since checkin is usually after 4pm, but I wanted the opinion of those with experience Also, I usually bid for my hotel room via Priceline. I know their website instructs you to just call the hotel with any late arrivals past 6pm. However, does anyone have any experience with a priceline stay and a very late checkin such as this? Will the hotel hold a Priceline ressie (or any other ressie, for that matter) past midnight? If anyone could share their insight or experience, it would be greatly appreciated. TIA

 

[CarolMN]

First of all, I will assume that you want to get into your room as soon as you arrive - let's say you think you will arrive at 1 a.m. on Sunday, 7/7. In that case, you will want to reserve the night of Saturday, 7/6 and guarantee it with a credit card. (That means you will pay for it even if you don't arrive. Most hotels will allow you to cancel the reservation if you do so before some pre-determined time, usually 4 p.m.). When you make the reservation, ask them to note your late arrival. I would also call the hotel directly and tell them you will not be arriving until approximately 1 a.m.

Since Priceline reservations are prepaid, they should be automatically guaranteed for late arrival. Believe it says this on the Priceline web site. I would definitely call the hotel to let them know you are arriving very late.

If you have a guaranteed reservation, the hotel is obligated to provide you with a room. If they overbook, they will have to find a room for you elsewhere. The one and only time I got to a hotel with a guaranteed reservation and found them out of rooms, I was transported to a nearby hotel and was not charged for the accomodations at all that night. However I was traveling on business and the inconvenience outweighed the freebe. Don't worry, though, as I doubt you will have any trouble.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[f-LORI-da]

Thanks, Carol for the words of encouragement. I guess I already knew the answer to my question, I just needed confirmation from someone. I'm still giddy from the great airfare I found, and am a little nervous about arriving so late at night. I usually arrive very early in the morning and leave WDW very late at night... so this is a first.

Any other experiences or tips with late arrivals/checkins are appreciated.