Michael Turner
Policy snapshot: Reception and bell staff commonly receive same-day baggage for early check-ins and for guests checking out; operations are usually staffed 24/7 and will tag items, issue a receipt, and log liability limits. If you require overnight or multi-day retention, confirm any applicable fees, maximum retention period, and whether the team offers climate- or security-controlled storage for bulky items.
Practical steps on arrival: Tell the agent you need a bag hold, request a printed claim ticket with the item count and timestamps, photograph that ticket, and write down the name and direct phone of the staff member on duty. Ask whether oversized cases, musical instruments or sports gear require special handling or extra charges; if so, get the cost in writing.
Security tips: Never leave passports, cash, electronics, prescription medication or irreplaceable items in stored bags. Tip bell staff for handling (commonly $1–3 per bag), verify the stated liability cap on the receipt, and confirm pick-up hours. If the property cannot accommodate your items, use a nearby left‑baggage service or transit-station lockers and compare fees and declared insurance before handing over your cases.
Can the property hold your baggage?
Yes – this property provides short-term baggage holding for registered guests; free same-day or overnight holds are common, while multi-day custody may carry a nominal charge.
On arrival, present your reservation at the front desk and request a bag tag plus a written receipt; retain the receipt and a photo ID for retrieval. Confirm front desk hours and whether after-hours pickup requires prior notice.
Avoid leaving valuables, medications, or high-value electronics in checked bags – carry those items with you. Ask staff for the property’s declared liability limit and get any exceptions documented on the receipt.
Large or unusually shaped items often require advance coordination; oversized pieces may be redirected to a secured storage room or refused. If you need guaranteed long-term custody, consider booking with local third-party services such as Bounce, LuggageHero, or Vertoe, and compare their rates and insurance limits before committing.
Bring secure bag closures (TSA-approved locks recommended), remove or deactivate external battery packs, and label each piece with your name and phone. For compact weather protection while waiting near the property, see best mini umbrellas wdw.
Same-day bag hold for early arrivals and late departures
Yes – request same-day baggage hold at the front desk; most properties will accept bags for early arrivals and hold them after checkout for late departures when you are a registered guest.
How to secure a same-day hold
- Call ahead or notify the desk on arrival time; confirm there’s no fee and whether bell staff will handle drop-off.
- Present ID and reservation name when leaving items; ask for a numbered claim ticket and retain it until pickup.
- Request that high-value items remain in your possession or be placed in the hotel safe – do not leave jewelry, passports, or electronics unsecured.
- Ask where bags are stored (locked holding room vs. behind desk) and what the pickup deadline is for the same day.
What to expect and practical tips
- Typical same-day windows: many properties keep bags free until late evening (commonly until 10–11:00 PM); confirm exact cutoff at check-in.
- Liability: hotels often limit responsibility for stored items; check the property’s policy or registration paperwork for maximum coverage amounts.
- If you need the bags held past the same day, request written confirmation and ask about overnight or extended-hold fees.
- Sample request script: “My room isn’t ready until 3 PM – may I leave two bags at the desk with a claim ticket until then?”
- If front-desk hold isn’t available, ask the concierge for nearby paid drop-off services or secure locker options and approximate costs.
Where the baggage hold is located and how guests access it at the property
Use the bell desk in the main lobby: the secured baggage room sits directly behind reception on the lobby level and is the primary point for depositing and retrieving bags.
Drop-off procedure
At arrival: approach the bell stand, present a government ID and your room number, and request a hold. Staff will tag each item, place a numbered claim stub in your hand, and move bags into a locked storage room monitored by CCTV. Large items are routed to the valet/warehouse area and recorded separately.
Pick-up and access
To reclaim items: give the claim stub and matching photo ID at the bell desk. After verification staff will retrieve and hand over items. If you misplace the stub, the desk will use ID and the room folio to verify ownership; expect a short verification process. For access outside staffed lobby hours, call the front desk or security extension and they will escort or release items after identity confirmation.
Practical tips: keep valuables with you, label bags inside and out, photograph tags on arrival, and ask the front desk about any size or fee restrictions before depositing oversized items.
Fees, size/weight limits and ID rules for holding bags at the property
Carry a government-issued photo ID and expect complimentary short-term bag holding for registered guests; non-registered visitors and oversized or long-term items are commonly subject to fees and handling rules.
Common practice at downtown full-service hotels: complimentary hold for guests for a limited period (often 24–48 hours) when the room is on the folio; walk-ins typically pay a per-item fee. Heavy or bulky pieces may trigger a handling charge or be refused for safety reasons. Always request a printed tag or claim ticket and ask about the property’s liability cap before leaving high-value items.
| Category | Typical policy |
|---|---|
| Registered guests | Usually free for short periods (commonly up to 24–48 hours). Proof of reservation or room key often required at pickup. |
| Non-registered visitors | May be charged $5–$20 per item; government photo ID and a signature are normally required. |
| Oversized / heavy items | Items over ~50 lb or exceeding ~62 linear inches (L+W+H) may incur handling fees (often $25+) or be refused; staff will assess case by case. |
| Long-term holding | Daily or weekly fees commonly apply; request written terms including pickup window and late-retrieval penalties. |
| ID and paperwork | Government-issued photo ID required at drop-off and pickup for non-guests; registered guests may present room confirmation. A printed tag/claim ticket and signature are standard. |
| Liability & valuables | Property liability is limited by its policy; declare high-value items in writing or keep them in a safe. Ask for the maximum reimbursable amount and obtain that in writing. |
Confirm exact charges, weight/size thresholds and liability limits at the front desk on arrival; pack suitcases within common airline-friendly dimensions and recommended weights (see best luggage for bmw m3 for size and capacity ideas).
How to drop off and pick up baggage at this property: step-by-step guest actions
Recommendation: Hand over bags at the reception or bell desk, present photo ID, and keep the paper or electronic claim stub until retrieval.
1. Arrival – handoff: Walk to the main desk or bell service; state your name and reservation number, show photo identification, remove valuables from pockets, accept a numbered claim receipt and note the staff member’s name.
2. Document contents and condition: Photograph each bag and its contents (if opening is required), attach a luggage tag with your name and room number, ask staff to timestamp the receipt and write any visible damage on the form.
3. Secure options: Request a tamper-evident seal or bag lock if available; if items are oversized, measure and flag them for special handling – for width comparisons see are there any 400mm wide fridge freezer.
4. Third-party pickup authorization: Prepare a signed authorization naming the person, include a photocopy or photo of their ID, give that authorization and the claim stub to reception; the collector must present both ID and the stub at pickup.
5. Checkout and post-checkout hold: If you depart before retrieval, remind staff of your expected pickup time, confirm any hold cutoff, and leave a daytime phone number; request an estimated retention period in writing if you need extended hold.
6. Retrieval procedure: Present the original claim receipt and the same photo ID used at drop-off; compare bag tag numbers and inspect exterior for damage before leaving the desk area; sign the retrieval log if requested.
7. Dispute and damage protocol: If damage or missing items are found, ask for an incident report, photograph the issue, obtain the reporting staff’s name and a copy of the report, and request contact details for follow-up.
8. Tips for smoother handling: Pack fragile items with padding, label electronics and chargers inside a clear pouch, keep medication with you, and drop off or collect during staffed hours to avoid delays.
Report loss or damage immediately and obtain a signed incident report from the front desk before leaving the property.
Ask for the staff member’s name, position, and a copy of the incident document; take photos of damaged items and the storage/holding area if accessible. File a police report for theft or suspected criminal activity and request the case number – most properties require a police report for insurance claims or corporate escalation.
On-property liability and security measures
Many hotels operate a locked holding room overseen by on-duty managers, CCTV covering public areas, tamper-evident tag procedures, and a signed log for incoming and outgoing items. Liability is typically limited by the property’s policy and local law; common internal limits range from roughly $50–$300 per item for unattended personal effects unless a higher declared value and fee were recorded. High-value items (electronics, jewelry, cash) are usually excluded from standard compensation unless registered and stored in a secured safe at check-in.
Claim options, documentation and timelines
Submit a written claim to the front desk or guest services immediately and follow up with corporate guest relations if the initial response is unsatisfactory. Include: incident report copy, police report number (if applicable), proof of ownership and value (receipts, serial numbers, photos), and travel documents showing dates of stay. Typical internal deadlines: report at time of discovery; submit formal documentation within 7–30 days depending on the property’s policy. If the property denies responsibility, use these routes: credit card purchase protection, travel insurance claim, chargeback through the card issuer (for purchases made with that card), or small-claims court with the police report and documentation as evidence.
Recommendations to strengthen any claim: keep original receipts and serial numbers; photograph items pre- and post-incident; request written responses with timelines from the property and corporate office; follow up in writing (email) so there is a paper trail. If a settlement is offered, get terms in writing before accepting and retain all correspondence for future disputes.
