Key Takeaways
- Instacart delivers to hotels, but coordination with hotel policies and front desk is advised.
- Meeting the driver outside is courteous to hotel staff and guests, enhances efficiency.
- Always consider tipping for room delivery; acknowledging the extra effort of drivers is important.
Does Instacart Deliver to Hotels?
Yes, Instacart delivers to hotels, though it’s important to consider specific details for a smooth experience. Initially, check with your hotel to confirm they accept deliveries and inform the front desk about any incoming orders.
When placing an order through Instacart, the process is much like any standard delivery: choose your items from stores available in the app and set up your delivery time.
For convenience and to ease the delivery process, I suggest meeting the delivery driver outside the hotel. This approach minimizes disruptions and simplifies logistics for both hotel staff and the driver.
If you opt for direct-room delivery, a generous tip is recommended to acknowledge the extra effort, especially if your room is a significant distance from the hotel entrance.
However, it’s worth noting that some hotels, particularly those with their own restaurants or exclusive delivery partnerships, might restrict services like Instacart.
For example, Disney resorts have moved away from Instacart in favor of their preferred provider, Garden Grocer.
Despite these exceptions, some hotel chains, such as the Wyndham Hotel Group, actively support and encourage Instacart deliveries.
How Much Does it Cost to Have Instacart Delivered to a Hotel?
Having Instacart deliveries made to a hotel incurs various costs beyond the free account setup. Delivery fees start at $3.99 for standard deliveries, but can reach up to $9.99 depending on the order specifics.
To mitigate these costs, there’s an option to subscribe to Instacart+, formerly known as Instacart Express, at $9.99 monthly or $99 annually, which can offer savings for frequent users.
In addition to delivery fees, there are several specific charges you may encounter:
- Alcohol service fee: This covers the costs associated with ID verification and the special handling of alcohol deliveries.
- Long distance fee: Applies to orders sourced from locations further away.
- Priority order fee: Added to orders requesting delivery within one hour.
- Retail pickup fee: Associated with orders from specialty retail stores.
- Bottle deposit or bag fees: Applies to certain regions where there is a charge for plastic bags and bottle deposits.
- Taxes: These will vary by location and can be higher in tourist areas due to local tax rates.
Tipping your Instacart driver, especially for hotel deliveries, is highly recommended to acknowledge their effort and service.
Even if an order does not meet all your expectations, it’s important to remember that drivers may face challenges outside their control, such as inventory shortages.
Suggested: How much to tip Instacart drivers
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Instacart bring groceries inside?
Instacart can deliver groceries directly to your hotel room, though it’s courteous to meet the driver outside. If opting for room delivery, consider an extra tip. Always verify your hotel’s delivery policy to avoid any issues with orders that can’t be delivered due to hotel restrictions.
What are commonly delivered items to hotel rooms?
Common deliveries to hotel rooms include fruits like bananas and strawberries, vegetables such as spinach, avocados, eggs, snacks, beverages, and frozen goods, catering to the need for easy meals and vacation snacks. A balance of healthy options like yogurt and treats like chocolate is typical.
Can You Instacart to a Vegas Hotel?
Yes, you can order Instacart deliveries to Wyndham-branded hotels in Vegas, and many other hotel brands also accept these deliveries. Always confirm with your specific hotel to ensure Instacart deliveries are permitted.
