Does Instacart Deliver to Hotels in 2024? The Complete Guide
Planning an extended hotel stay but want to cook some of your own meals? With over 85% of major hotel chains now permitting grocery delivery, Instacart makes it easy to shop for fresh ingredients or household essentials during your travels.
Over 23 Million U.S. Travelers Used Grocery Delivery in 2022
According to the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), grocery delivery services like Instacart are growing increasingly popular with travelers. Over 23 million guests ordered delivery during their hotel stays last year – up from just 8 million in 2019.
As one Marriott front desk manager told me:
"We‘ve seen Instacart orders double yearly. Guests love the convenience of cooking in their rooms or suites after long days of meetings and conferences."
With kitchens standard in most suite-style hotel rooms now, on-demand grocery delivery allows you to save money by preparing quick meals and snacks yourself.
Cost Comparison: Instacart vs. Hotel Room Service
| ORDER TOTAL | INSTACART FEES | ROOM SERVICE FEES |
|---|---|---|
| $80 grocery order | $9.99 delivery + $5 service fee + $10 tip = $24.99 total | $10 delivery fee + $12 service charge + $16 tip = $38 total |
As you can see, Instacart comes out significantly cheaper than pricy hotel room service menus. Plus, you‘ll avoid the often exorbitant tray fees and dining charges that room service tacks on.
Grocery Delivery Policies by Hotel Brand in 2024
| BRAND | DELIVERY POLICY |
|---|---|
| Marriott | Instacart delivery permitted directly to room/suite |
| Hilton | Allows lobby delivery only |
| Hyatt | No official policy; varies by property |
| Four Seasons | Prohibits grocery deliveries |
| Holiday Inn Express | Permits contactless delivery to front driveway |
Be sure to call your hotel ahead of time to understand any relevant restrictions in their grocery delivery rules. Most chains are flexible if you explain the circumstances.
Handling Hotel Deliveries: Tips from a Veteran Instacart Driver
I spoke to John S., a 5-year Instacart driver in Los Angeles who frequently delivers to hotels. Here‘s his expert advice:
"Always notify the front desk in advance that you‘re expecting delivery. Text the shopper if you‘ll need to meet them in the lobby. I can usually bring groceries to the room door, but if the desk staff tries to stop me, it gets tricky."
John recommends being available by phone, meeting in the lobby within 5 minutes, and tipping at least 20% for the effort of navigating hotesl.
The Bottom Line
Whether you‘ll be traveling for business or leisure this year, Instacart grocery delivery helps maximize convenience in hotel stays. With the right preparation and communication, food and household essentials can be just a few clicks away.
