Legalities of Allowing Extra Guests in Japan: A Traveler’s Guide

Traveling solo or with a group? You might wonder if additional people can stay in your booked hotel room without causing trouble. This guide aims to clarify the rules and regulations in Japan with specific references to the United States and Canada, ensuring you stay compliant with hotel policies regarding extra guests.

Can I Book a Hotel Room for One Person and Have Guests Stay for the Entirety of My Stay?

Yes, you can book a hotel room for one person and entertain your guests during your stay in Japan, provided that the room is paid for the correct number of guests. However, different room types such as Bed Only (BO), Bed and Board (BB), or Half Board (HB) have specific regulations. For instance, in the USA, a Bed Only room allows up to four guests.

Understanding Room Booking and Additional Guests

The legality of allowing extra guests largely depends on how the room was booked. When you make a reservation, you typically inform the hotel about the number of people who will be staying. This number indicates the number of people in the room and the associated charges.

It is important to note that sneaking people in without their names on the reservation to avoid additional charges is not legally acceptable. If hotel management discovers that you have extra guests, you may face consequences, including being asked to pay for these additional guests or even face legal action.

Rules and Regulations in Motels and Hotels

In the majority of motels and hotels, the number of guests must be listed when the reservation is made. While the back of the door usually contains a long list of laws and regulations concerning rentals, these are often ignored by guests. One key rule states that unauthorized guests can be removed, and the person making the reservation can be charged for any additional guests and face legal ramifications.

Hotel Policies in the U.S. and Canada

When making a hotel reservation in the U.S. and Canada, typically only one name is provided to the hotel. When checking in, you will be asked, 'How many people will be staying in the room?' but no names are required. If you expect deliveries for an additional person or want them to check-in, you must explicitly request this. The hotel is not responsible for knowing or caring about the other guests beyond the person who made the reservation.

When you first make the booking, you might have only booked the room for one or two people. If you later decide to have more people stay, it is courteous to notify the front desk about the extra guests. While names are not required, the hotel may charge an extra-person fee, especially if the room rate includes complimentary breakfast.

Conclusion

While it is perfectly legal to entertain guests during your stay in a hotel room, it is crucial to ensure that the room is booked and paid for accordingly. Paying the required charges and being cognizant of hotel policies will help you avoid any legal or financial complications. Enjoy your trip to Japan with the peace of mind that your hotel accommodation is in order.