Barcelona If You Arrive Before Hotel Check-In - Luggage, Early Check In, Chill Activities
Did you book an early ticket to make sure you have the whole first day to enjoy, but the hotel check-in time is too late, and now you have to drag your luggage everywhere, all jet-lagged? Don't worry, this happens all the time; that's why we've prepared an entire itinerary for you, full of exciting yet calm activities you can do, and finally, leave that annoying luggage to rest.
Planned by the hour, from coffee breaks to sightseeing, all made to accommodate you! You can follow it, or instead choose the best-looking plan for you!
What Time is Hotel Check-in in Barcelona?
Hotel check-in in Barcelona is anywhere from 12:00 to 2:30 PM.
And, sadly, hotels will not guarantee early access unless you've called them to arrange it. That's why we've prepared a list of activities if you find yourself in this 'worst case' scenario, to keep you entertained up until your check-in time.
But keep in mind that if you do end up checking in late, there are fees!
| Apartment Hotels | Regular Hotels | |
|---|---|---|
| After 20PM | €20-€50 | €0-€20 |
| After 12AM | €50-€80 | €0-€20 |
But luxury hotels like the Grand Hyatt often don't disclose exact amounts. Always confirm with the property to avoid surprises.
Can You Drop Off Your Luggage Early?
Yes, dropping off your luggage early is possible. Even if apartment-hotels usually don't, hotels typically do allow you to drop your luggage off, just double-check with them.
If not, you can rent a luggage storage through apps like Bounce or rent a locker near your destination, so you can leave your luggage behind and forget about dragging it all over!
Should You Book the Night Before?
Renting a room for the night before your arrival might seem excessive, but consider this: if you land before 8 AM and check-in isn't until 3 PM, you'll might be jet-lagged and in need of rest, or have some work commitment to get to and don't want to rent a locker. Then booking an extra night is a good alternative! As it allows you to head straight to the hotel upon arrival, with no extra stress!
But what about extra fees? If you check-in in the morning, before 8 AM, then you'll arrive on time for late check-in. Still, not after it, so no extra fees.
Regardless, make sure to contact the hotel and let them know of your morning arrival, in case they consider you a no-show and give the room to someone else.
What to Do in Barcelona While Waiting for Check-in
Easy Activities When Tired
So, not only have you booked an early ticket to enjoy an extra day, but now you're tired, grumpy, hungry, or all of the above, who hasn't been there? But don't worry! You can always chill at a cafeteria grab a bite, rest, take it in, and you might just find enough energy to enjoy the parks, like the Ciutadella park!
Take the sun, the nature, the architecture, maybe take a hop-on hop-off bus, without hopping off, and before you know it, it's time to check-in!
Low-effort Sightseeing Options
If you're ready for something else, entertaining yet calm, sightseeing in a brand-new country with completely different architecture and nature, might be just what you need to entertain you without tiring you too much!
Anywhere from local beaches, such as Platja de la Nova Icària, where you can lie and enjoy the calmer coasts of the Mediterranean Sea, to historical buildings you might pass by, like the Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau near Sagrada Família, with beautiful Catalan Modernist architecture.
Or, if you're ready for more serious sightseeing, consider taking a half-day city tour that takes you directly from the airport on a beautiful, crafted route, stopping by your hotel, where you can check in, all for no more than €59. You can find these selling at the airport already, but for pre-booking, click the link above.
Are Short-stay Hotels Worth It?
If you find yourself too tired to carry on, there are always plenty of quality and budget-friendly options to book a hotel for a few hours. You can book it by the airport, at your hotel, or somewhere in between, at any time period you choose, and in any room. Simply visit Dayuse.com, and you'll find plenty of recommendations tailored to your criteria.
Should You Fly to Another City While Waiting?
No, even if those 5 to 7 hours might seem too long now, by the time you book the flight, drive to the airport, wait for your flight, go through security, and land at your destination, it's already near your check-in time.
In this article, we have provided you with plenty of activities that you can plan on your own or pay to be part of a tour. Now that you're in Barcelona, enjoy it!
Who knows when you'll get to come back, find a new and unique experience each time! Plus, flying on and off will leave you too tired to either enjoy the new location or Barcelona.
Tips to Make Your Arrival Smoother
If you haven't departed yet, you still have plenty of time to ensure your morning is as smooth as possible.
Call: Politely ask about the possibility of early check-in, especially right after booking, though summer in Barcelona tends to be fully booked, but staff are usually friendly and understanding!
Sleep: Rest plenty before traveling, and plan activities for your arrival, like booking tours or lockers, to ensure a calm morning.
Aerobus: Upon arrival, take the Aerobus for convenient transportation from the airport to the city, which eases the stress of navigating public transport.
Security: For peace of mind, consider using hotel safes for your valuables, though they may be small and generic.
One way or another, there is plenty to do in Barcelona before you can check in and start your trip, from cafés in historic buildings to beach naps on the Mediterranean coasts, to sightseeing and much more.
Make sure to visit “What to do in Barcelona after check out” if you want to plan those last hours in the city, and get all our recommendations from locals, so you don't miss a unique spot or experience!
