Early Check-In Fee ???

[Rossi6998]

Does anyone know the true purpose of an "Early Check-In Fee"? I understand the need for check-in and check-out times. I am not disputing this, but I do not see the need to charge an early check-in fee when the site is available. In addition, I am also not talking about several hours prior to the check-in time. I am talking maybe an hour or two prior to the actual check-in time.

The reason for the post is I just made reservations at the Pala Casino RV Resort in Pala, California. I have stay here in the past and it has always been a positive experience. The people working at the RV Resort are great!

When I made my reservations today, the receptionist asked what time I would be arriving. Knowing the check-in time is 1 PM, I said Noon, possibly 1 PM. She reminded me that if the site was available and I wanted to check in early, there would be a $10 fee. When I said to her that I would hope you would not charge me a fee for checking in an hour early, she said it is casino policy. Really??? You will make more money off me allowing me check in an hour early and me going to the casino to eat, than the $10 fee. Do you really want me sitting in the parking lot for an hour? This makes no sense.

Again, I am only talking an hour or two early, and not several hours early.

Thoughts???

[palehorse89]

Originally Posted by Rossi6998

Does anyone know the true purpose of an "Early Check-In Fee"?
Again, I am only talking an hour or two early, and not several hours early.

Thoughts???

To put it simply John, the reason, they are in business and they want$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
I have never been charged for a early, but have paid for late check out.

[Unplanned Tourist]

Pull into the parking lot, have a drink, make your lunch and get to the RV site with a full belly and in a good mood!

[rk911]

there is no logical reason....it's a profit center. profit is not a dirty word. if tgey want to charge you extra then arrange to arrive on time and not early.

[NLOVNIT]

As others have stated, the purpose is to make money. Their park, their rules.

Lori-

[bdpreece]

The earlier you check in, the more resources you use before you check out ie electricity etc. That being said $10 seems excessive.

[HavingABlast]

There is a sort of big parking lot just before you make that final right hand turn to park by the office and register. Just park and relax there until the non-early fee check in time. I've seen RV's and tour busses parking there.

Their park, their rules. Yes they are there to make $$. But can you imagine the mess that would happen if a significant number of rigs were to trying to arrive as others were trying to leave. And the scramble by staff to prep the space for the incoming rig? I don't like the idea of an early arrival fee, but justify this as a way to minimize the number of folks that want to take advantage of the service.

[TonyDi]

Two years ago I stopped for a weeks visit in Lancaster Pa. We pulled into Country Haven CG at 1:45 pm. We were told that check in was at 2:00 pm and if we wanted to check in early it would be $20. I just parked in the driveway till 2 pm.

[vsheetz]

Originally Posted by TonyDi

Two years ago I stopped for a weeks visit in Lancaster Pa. We pulled into Country Haven CG at 1:45 pm. We were told that check in was at 2:00 pm and if we wanted to check in early it would be $20. I just parked in the driveway till 2 pm.

Yet another example of how common sense is becoming more and more uncommon... )-:

[dons2346]

Pala sure isn't going to make points with the early check in fee but it is their park

[adamfolger]

If check out time is 12:00 and check in is 1PM, that gives the park work crew one hr to pick up sig buts and trash from the previous customer. AND your site is not the only one needing clean up. Other than that, charging a fee for early arrival is gust about money.

[Isaac-1]

This ranks right up there with charging extra if you don't have a reservation, I ran into this one at an RV park the first night on my trip home from buying my motorhome in Florida a couple of months ago which was aptly named Christmas RV park. Office closed (hours from 9am-2pm), self check in envelopes with a choice of 2 seemingly identical looking sites (row E12 or F12), by the drop box, and an extra $10 for not having a reservation. This seems backwards to me, you show up and do a self check in at the last minute, for a site that would otherwise sit empty for the night and you get charged extra for it.

Ike

p.s. I said seemingly above because both envelope choices said they had 30 or 50 amp hookups, however after filling out the form and dropping it in with cash for E2 I pulled into the spot to find the 30 amp outlet missing and taped over with duct tape, thankfully my motorhome is wired for 50 amp service.

[Old-Biscuit]

I went to a restaurant and ordered a Rib-eye Steak dinner.
It came with soup, steamed vegetables and baked potato

I asked server if I could have Salad, Sauteed Veggies and Onion Rings instead just like the Sirloin Steak dinner \

Server say YES......for $2 extra.

WHY??

Because it was NOT as advertised.
Just like Check-in/Check-out times-----extra charge for NOT being as advertised.

We have Checked in early maybe twice......charged for it.
We have Checked out late Several times.....charged for it
We have cancelled ........charged for it
We have 50A and have been charged for that also

It is a BUSINESS.
Outside the 'norm', as advertised, routine, schedule etc. causes a disruption.
Disruptions can cost (time/monies)
It is a BUSINESS.

RVng is a Luxury/Hobby/Extracurricular Activity------even if Full Time
Don't like the fees......or daily charge for site, or location, or or or or-------RV has wheels.

We don't use KOA's as I feel they are KING when it comes to 'Keep On Adding' fees

[Arch Hoagland]

I learn something new all the time on here.

I've never heard of an early check-in fee nor a fee for no reservations. Wow.