I got a hotel card now. My smart gf says I do not need to check out.
She said just throw away the card that the hotel will automatically check me out.
The card is cheap and replaceable.
I fear that if I don't check out, debt collector will come to my home and says hello, you have stayed in our hotel for 5 years and you owe use these bills.
My gf says it won't happen.
Which one is right?
Many hotels, especially large corporate chain hotels, have an "express checkout" service where they'll put a copy of your bill under your door and invite you to simply leave without checking out if all is ok, with the balance of the charges billed to your credit card on file. Sometimes you can officially "check out" from your telephone or in-room TV. See In US hotels, what happens if you skip checkout and just leave the hotel?.
They certainly aren't going to think you've stayed for five years if you haven't checked out. At the end of your stay, they'll come to clean your room, notice you're gone, and take care of it for you. But some hotels, especially smaller hotels, do want you to check out.
So if you're unsure about the hotel's policy, want a complete copy of your bill, or just want the peace of mind that your business with the hotel is finished, there's absolutely no harm in stopping at the front desk to check out.
