MONTREAL — In what it calls an industry first, Canadian hotelier Le Germain Hotels, together with sister brand Alt Hotels, is eliminating fixed departure times. Guests registering at the hotel simply have to let staff know at what time they would like to leave their room at the end of their stay.

But here’s the catch: guests have to book direct with the hotel to get the perk. It’s for anyone booking directly with one of the company’s hotels, whether on their websites (legermainhotels.com and althotels.com) or by telephone.

“Booking directly with a hotel offers significant but nonetheless little known advantages for travellers,” said Christiane Germain, co-president of Group Germain Hotels.

“Hoteliers have to pay a commission to online booking agencies, a significant amount of money that could normally be reinvested into the customer experience,” added Germain.

An email to the company asking if traditional non-OTA travel agents booking Le Germain and Alt Hotels properties would receive the same perk for their clients was unanswered at press time.

‘Sleep in Every Day’ is available at all Le Germain Hotels and Alt Hotels in Canada. Guests registering at the hotel have to let staff know at what time they would like to leave their room at the end of their stay.