EV charging at hotels: what to know before you book

Why overnight charging suits hotels

Most hotel stays last ten hours or more, which is plenty of time for a Level 2 charger to add a large part of a battery. That is why hotel charging is usually slower than a roadside fast charger and still works well: you arrive, plug in, and leave with a full or nearly full battery. If you want to understand the difference, see charger levels and plugs explained.

The questions worth asking

Ask the hotel directly, by phone or email, before you rely on the charger:

• Who can use it? Many hotels reserve chargers for registered guests only. Some are open to the public, which means other cars may already be using it when you arrive.
• What does it cost? Some hotels offer charging at no charge, some bill by the kilowatt hour or by the hour, and some add a parking or idle fee. Ask whether the cost is per session or per night.
• Which plug is it, and what level? A J1772 plug fits most non-Tesla cars and, with the adapter supplied with the car, Teslas. A Tesla connector (NACS) fits Teslas and a growing number of other makes. If you drive something else, ask whether adapters are provided.
• How many chargers are there? One charger shared by a full hotel can mean waiting or moving your car in the middle of the night. Ask whether spots can be reserved.
• Is it working? Chargers fail more often than hotels admit. Ask when it was last used.
• Do I need an app or card? Some networks require an account, an app or an RFID card to start a session, so set that up before you arrive.

How to read a listing here

Each listing shows the plug types, charging level and network where we know them. A listing marked Verified has been checked by a person; an Unverified listing comes from public charging-station data and should be confirmed with the hotel. The green “Free charging” badge appears only on Verified listings where charging costs nothing beyond being a guest. The details are on How it works.

Planning your charge

• Arrive with some range left. A hotel charger is an overnight top-up; don't count on arriving nearly empty unless the hotel has confirmed a working charger.
• Know a backup. Look for a public fast charger near the hotel in case the hotel's charger is out of service or occupied.
• Cold weather slows charging and cuts range, so allow extra time and margin in winter.
• Bring the cable and adapters your car came with. A portable Level 1 cord can work as a last resort in a regular outlet, but only with the hotel's permission and a safe, dry outlet.
• Be considerate. Move your car when it is charged if the charger is shared, and don't unplug someone else's car unless the hotel says that is fine.

When the listing is wrong

If a charger is missing, broken or costs more than we say, please tell us from the listing page or through the contact form. Reports help the next driver.