How to get an early check-in at a hotel

Early check-in is one of the most important services that guests look forward to when they are traveling to another destination or country for business purposes or for a vacation.

You arrived at your vacation destination either after a long transatlantic flight that ended at dawn or after even a longer night drive in a car. But check-in is in 5 hours? What do you do?

It is always a gamble to try to get an early check-in but implementing these strategies will increase the likelihood of occupying the hotel room before the official check-in time.

There is a general rule to book directly with the hotel whenever possible.

In case you made your reservation through a third-party site such as Expedia, you call the hotel directly to inquire about early check-in. This is because most of the third-party sites have limited flexibility and cannot allow individual adjustments. Booking it yourself will enable you to communicate with the hotel staff who have the ability to change the details of your booking.

Call Ahead

Do not wait for a hope to appear and wake up early in the morning to check in hoping that things will turn out for the best. The most appropriate approach to seeking permission to check in early is to contact the hotel and inform them of the desire a day in advance. This provides the staff some time to take cognizance of the request made by you and look for a room that may have been cleaned up before time.

Be Flexible with the Type of Room

Be aware that the room that you have booked for the night could be occupied at the time of your early arrival, but the hotel might offer you other rooms to check into. It is recommended to arrive with the flexibility of the possibility of switching to a different room type or even the possibility of taking a suite if it will be the only option available at the moment. It does not necessarily have to be a luxurious hotel room, as long as one can get a room to take a shower or change their clothes.

Incentivize With a Tip

Money talks. Civility proposes to give a token of appreciation to the front desk agent informing you that they can allow for early check-in. Just $10-20 can do a lot in an endeavor to bend over backward on their part to get you into a room as soon as possible. It is also okay to offer the same amount to the bellhop who assists with the luggage.

To explain, check-in could be done as early as possible to avoid delays of the flight during the actual process.
Typical, check-in times at most of the hotels are around 3-4 in the afternoon. However, if your room is not available yet, go to the front office as soon as you check in and remind the receptionist you want an early check-in. During peak times, the earlier you arrive the better chance you have of ensuring the staff will endeavour to get you a room as soon as possible.

Ask About Upgrades

This is especially more probable if you are in a position to access elite status within that particular hotel’s rewards program; it would be wise to negotiate early access to your room during your check-in. The staff is aware of the fact that elite members are particular about the kind of service they receive and the level of flexibility that they are afforded. Also, when getting checked in inquire if there is any availability for any of the suites for early check-in. So, in summary, it is always a good idea to try.

How about becoming a member of the Hotel’s list of frequent guests?
Besides status benefits, loyalty customers are privileged to enjoy special requests about early check-in among others. However, it is beneficial to get other rewards for future hotel bookings too. Make sure to enroll in the hotel’s loyalty program at the initial stage of planning for the trip and provide your membership number during booking.

Book Mid-Week Stays

It is often experienced that the demand for check-in before the standard time is the highest during the weekends in tourist resorts. Although, depending on the location, hotels are not as crowded during the week as they are during the weekends. I’ve found that choosing your check-in date as Tuesday and check-out date as Thursday means that there are not many people who are trying to get a room at the same time, which gives you a better shot at an early check-in.

Don’t Arrive Too Early

It is normal to require a check-in just a few hours before the scheduled time but it is rather too early to ask for a room at 8 in the morning when the check-in is expected at 4 in the afternoon unless, of course, you’re willing to spend money on the previous night to be guaranteed a room. Ideally, it is advised to time your arrival at the terminal 1-2 hours prior to check-in time if you want to maximize your chances.

Many Young People Want to Arrive Early Before Other Early Birds

If for instance you are aware of a red-eye that arrives in the town at 7 am, and check-in is not until a later time, get to the hotel before other people who are also aware that most people do not arrive at early morning flights check in early too. Sometimes it is better to be the annoying guy who will be heard and get fixed than a silent one who will be ignored. Time it so you’re asking for an early check-in ahead of the crowd will be the best to ask the receptionist more questions.

Book Accommodating Hotels

Every hotel management policy varies in terms of the flexibility that they offer to guests who need to check in early. This is based on the sample evidence accrued from Four Seasons, Kimpton, Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt locations which have been found to be fairly flexible. Whereas budget chains such as Motel 6 and Super 8 are likely to uphold the occupancy regulations more than hotel chains.

THB: Payment of accommodation for the previous night

If you have to get to your hotel room urgently, for instance, arriving in the morning and you urgently need to shower or sleep, you can pay for the night before and check into the hotel very early. For instance, check in at 4 PM Friday, and show up at 8 AM, yet they charge you for Thursday’s lodging even though you had no use of it. This ensures that you get immediate access to them once you get there.

It is always easier to be the first to make a move and seize an opportunity…and sometimes the early bird gets the worm and this is also true to the early hotel guest. By applying all these tips, you will have the easiest time ever when you want to try to check in early before the official check-in time. Shooting a message with the help of the stars guarantees that your desires will be fulfilled, but be polite, yet insistent. While some of the guests can afford to remain in their rooms, other guests have to spend time waiting in the lobby.