Self check-in in Milan: how it works and what to check

The flight lands at 11:40 pm, the train is late, the meeting runs over. With a traditional check-in each of these becomes a problem. With self check-in it doesn’t: you let yourself in whenever you arrive.

How it works in practice

Instead of keys handed over in person, you get in with:

• number codes on keypads or smart locks;
• key safes with the keys inside;
• phone opening, through an app or a web page.

Before you arrive you receive the instructions and codes. You arrive, follow the steps and you’re in.

ID documents: mandatory even without a reception

In Italy hosts must report every guest’s details to the police (the Questura) within a few hours of arrival. This applies to self check-in apartments too. That’s why the host will ask for the name, date of birth and ID of everyone, children included.

The easiest way is an online form you fill in before leaving, with a photo of the document. Be wary of anyone who asks you to send documents in a chat without explaining why.

Questions to ask before you book

1. From what time can I get in? Self check-in doesn’t mean “any time from the morning”: there’s still the cleaning schedule.
2. How many steps are there? Gate, main door, apartment door: knowing in advance how many codes you need avoids surprises in the dark.
3. Do the instructions have photos or videos? A 30-second video is worth more than ten lines of text.
4. If something doesn’t work, who do I call? There must be a contact who answers, even in the evening.
5. Can I leave my luggage before or after? If you arrive early or leave late, ask.

Security: signs of a system done right

• codes that are personal to each stay, changed between guests;
• instructions sent only after your ID has been registered;
• no keys under the doormat or in a box without a code.

Self check-in at Teodorico Apartments Milano

For our one-bedroom apartment at Viale Teodorico 7, everything goes through your guest area, a page you receive after booking:

1. Enter the details of all guests, in Italian, English, French, German or Spanish.
2. Pay the city tax and, if you like, add parking or other extras.
3. On arrival day, from 3:00 pm, open the gate from your phone, enter the main door with the code and open the apartment door with the PIN.

Every step has a video and, if something goes wrong, a plan B explained step by step. Jakub, the host, answers on WhatsApp.

Need to arrive earlier or leave later? Read how flexible check-in works.