A Chinese tourist recently complained online after checking into a Kuala Lumpur hotel at 3am and being charged the full room rate.
She said she booked the stay through an online travel agency (OTA) and asked if she could get a half-price discount or hourly rates since it was so late.
However, the platform told her that hotels would not allow such requests.
Her post sparked heated debate among netizens, with many saying this was normal practice worldwide.
Netizens react with jokes and advice
The post has since gone viral on Xiaohongshu, with reactions ranging from sympathy to amusement.
Several users pointed out that even in China, hotels would not charge less for midnight check-ins.
One user wrote, “Even in China, you won’t get half price for checking in at 3am.”
Others teased her, asking if it was her first time traveling abroad.
Another user joked, “You should email the hotel and say you arrived at 3am but want them to kick out another guest so you can get a discount.”
Some also suggested waiting at the airport instead of paying for a full night.
One comment read, “Why not just stay at the airport until morning? You’ll save money and still get to check in later.”
A few reminded her that every country has its own hotel policies, and guests must follow the standard check-in rules no matter the arrival time.
