Two things are asked for at almost every check-in: identification for everyone staying, and at most properties a credit card. Neither is arbitrary — the first is a legal record-keeping duty, the second is security for charges that may arise at the property.
- ID is required for every guest, children included. In Türkiye this follows from Law no. 1774 on identity notification; most countries have a comparable duty.
- The name on the booking must match the name on the ID.
- A deposit is usually a hold, not a charge: the amount is reserved on your card and released if you do not spend it.
- How fast the hold clears depends on your bank; a few days after check-out is normal.
Why identification is required
Accommodation providers are obliged to record the identity details of their guests and report them to the authorities. In Türkiye this duty rests on Law no. 1774. In practice it means:
- Documents are asked for every guest staying in the room, not just the person who booked.
- Children are registered too; carry their ID or passport.
- Abroad a passport is used; domestically an identity card or another official document may be accepted. Which documents count varies by country.
Matching names
The name on the booking must match the name on the ID. Small spelling differences are usually tolerated, but checking in on a booking made in someone else’s name is not accepted everywhere. If you booked for someone else, put the guest’s name on the booking.
How the card and deposit work
Most properties ask for a credit card at check-in. Two different operations get confused here:
- Hold (pre-authorisation)
- No money is taken from your card; an amount is temporarily set aside from your available limit. If you spend nothing at the property, it is released.
- Charge
- Money actually leaves the account. This happens when the stay was not prepaid, or when the property collects the deposit as a real payment; a refund is then a separate transaction.
When the hold clears depends not on the hotel but on the bank that issued the card. A few working days after check-out is normal. On a debit card a hold locks real money — factor that into the account you plan to use during the trip.
What can be payable at the property
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| City or accommodation tax | Varies by country and city; may not be included in the booking price. |
| Damage deposit | Usually taken as a hold. |
| Parking, spa, minibar | By usage; added to the bill at check-out. |
| Early check-in / late check-out | Subject to availability, often chargeable. |
Check-in and check-out times
Check-in is usually in the afternoon, check-out in the morning. If you arrive early the room may not be ready; in that case you can leave your luggage at reception. If you are arriving late at night, tell the property in advance: some smaller places close reception at certain hours.
Frequently asked questions
I have no credit card — can I still check in?
It depends on the property. Some accept a cash deposit, others insist on a credit card. If you travel without one, ask before booking; check-in is the worst moment to find out.
When does the deposit come back?
If it was taken as a hold, the property releases it after check-out, but how quickly it returns to your limit depends on your bank and can take several working days. If it was charged, a refund can take longer.
Does my child need ID as well?
Yes, everyone staying is registered. Carry the child’s ID or passport; some properties also ask for it to verify the age for free stays.
My partner booked but I am checking in — is that a problem?
Not if your name is on the booking as a guest. If it is not, the property may refuse check-in. Adding the guest’s name to the booking is the safe route.
Do I have to pay for early check-in?
Early check-in is a courtesy subject to availability, not a right. If a room is free the property may give it at no charge; if not, it may charge or decline. Leaving luggage is usually free.
To see cancellation terms and what is payable at the property before you book, look at the search page.
See prices side by side for your dates, and read the cancellation terms before you book.
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