At hotels or similar establishments, guests are usually required to check in (also called register or sign-in), which involves providing or confirming the guests' personal information and providing a signature.

Guests may need to hand over their identification documents, passport or drivers licence so that the hotel can make and keep copies of these on record. Check in times vary but this can range from 12pm until about 3pm depending on the establishments rules and regulations. Late check-ins can be arranged through the hotel as long as the guests book this well in advance and arrange all the necessary details.

The establishment may require guests to provide a credit card guarantee to cover potential costs such as room service for the duration of the stay, and to enable an express check-out at the end of the stay. At the end of the check-in, the reception staff will provide guests with a room key.

Hotels usually specify a check-in time after which they expect guests to check-in. If a guest wants to occupy a hotel room before the hotel's check-in time, some hotels charges for an additional day or treat it as a previous day's stay (as compared to occupying the hotel room after the check-in time). Most hotels, however, allow a grace time (typically 30–60 minutes) on request by a guest, without any additional charge, if a guest wishes to take the room before the check-in time.

Some hotels also have a latest check-in time, often 6pm-8pm, after which they may give a room to someone else if the room is not prepaid or the guest does not phone in to indicate a time of arrival. Some hotels have a deadline for checking-in because the reception may close for the night. For the most cost-effective usage of hotel room occupancy, a guest should try to reach at about hotel's check-in time and leave or hand over the hotel room at about the hotel's check-out time, but it may not be always practical because the guest's arrival and departure time of flights or car trips may not align with the hotel check-in and check-out time and for other reasons.

1. Location, location, location

This is all important when booking a hotel. Make sure you're staying near where you want to be or that there's an easy journey to get there.

2. Location of your room

When booking, ask about the location of the room within the hotel. It may be worth asking to be away from where loud music is being played or you might want to be near to the facilities.

3. Baby equipment

Before you go, check if the hotel has any baby equipment such as cots, high chairs etc. Cots are usually available free of charge but you may have to book one in advance. If you are bottle feeding check if the hotel can help you with sterilising your baby's bottles and if they can heat up bottles and food too.

4. Meal arrangements

Ask about the meal arrangements. Is there a children's menu and if so, is there a good choice. Family hotels often serve dinner earlier to accommodate families with young children. And what time does breakfast start as children are often up early!

5. Facilities

Check if the hotel has a creche or children's club - ask what hours they run and if there are any age restrictions. If your hotel has facilities for children and adults separately, book your sessions well in advance to coincide with each other. If you leave it until the last minute you might find that it’s impossible to book them at the same time.

6. Baby sitting / listening service

Check if the hotel offers babysitting or a baby listening service. This means you can have adult time in the evening. . If so, you may have to book it in advance.

7. Local attractions

Ask at the hotel reception about any local attractions - they may be able to tell you about special offers or give you a discount voucher.