Hotels often provide luggage storage services to their guests, and it can be used even after you have checked out of the hotel. There is usually no additional charge for using a hotel's luggage storage service. However, a generous tip to the bellman or front desk worker who stores and retrieves your luggage is appropriate.
Airports are a good option for storing your luggage. For example, luggage storage at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City is $4 to $16 per day (as of 2011) depending on the size of your luggage. For people in transit who have not yet reached their destination, it can be convenient to store luggage at the airport while resting at the airport hotel or exploring the layover city.
Not all railroad and bus stations offer luggage storage, but if they do it tends to be cheaper than other luggage storage options, especially the airport. For example, Penn Station in New York City charges $5 per bag per day (as of May 1, 2010) irrespective of luggage size. However, you might be asked to show your train ticket to use the luggage check rooms at Amtrak Stations. If you are not traveling by train, you might be asked for proof of identity.
If you can't find a place to store your luggage elsewhere, a luggage storage company might be a good option for you. For example, Schwartz Travel in New York City charges $7 to $10 per day (as of February 2011) depending on the size of your luggage. It also offers monthly space rental service that costs $2 to $5 per day (as on February 2011). Some luggage storage companies will also pick up your luggage from a nearby place such as a hotel or an airport for an extra fee.
