Core Viewpoint - The recent controversy surrounding hotel check-out times and high late fees highlights the lack of a unified standard in the industry, raising questions about consumer rights and hotel practices [1][2][3] Group 1: Industry Standards and Regulations - Many hotels follow the consensus that guests have a 22-hour usage right for a room, which is a widely accepted practice in the international hotel industry [1] - The 2009 revision of the "China Tourism Hotel Industry Standards" removed specific regulations on check-out times, indicating that there is no mandatory check-out time for all hotels [1] - Hotels must clearly inform guests about room prices and late fee policies to ensure the legality of charging late fees [1][2] Group 2: Consumer Rights and Legal Considerations - The legality of charging late fees is based on the protection of consumer rights, particularly the right to be informed [2] - If hotels fail to clearly display late fee policies, they may violate consumer protection laws, which could render such fees unenforceable [2] Group 3: Industry Adaptation and Consumer Expectations - The hotel industry is exploring flexible solutions to balance consumer expectations for 24-hour service with operational efficiency [3] - Major hotel groups are implementing membership systems that offer late check-out privileges and optimizing service offerings to enhance customer satisfaction [3] - Online travel platforms are also promoting service standards, with data showing that hotels offering flexible services receive higher ratings [3] Group 4: Recommendations for Improvement - Hotels should strive to balance operational autonomy with consumer rights by enhancing service transparency and offering differentiated choices [4] - Allowing continued use of certain facilities after check-out can improve consumer experience, and a more lenient approach to minor delays is recommended [4] - Emphasizing dynamic responses and personalized communication can help reduce friction between hotels and guests [4]