Getting Into Your Hotel Room Early
You landed at 7am after a red-eye. Your room won’t be ready until 3pm. Here’s how to potentially change that situation.
Why Check-in Times Exist In The First Place
Housekeeping needs time between guests. Check-out is usually 11am, check-in is usually 3pm. That four-hour window is for cleaning, inspecting, and turning over rooms. Hotels can’t just ignore this reality.
What Actually Works
Ask nicely at the desk. If your room happens to already be clean, they’ll often let you in. Especially if occupancy is low that day. Just ask – worst case they say no and you’re no worse off.
Join the loyalty program. Status members get early check-in as an official perk at most hotel chains. Sometimes guaranteed, sometimes “subject to availability” – but even subject to availability helps.
Book through the hotel directly. OTA bookings get lower priority for favors and special requests. Hotels genuinely prefer direct bookings because they don’t pay commission.
Mention it in advance. Add a note when booking or call ahead. “Landing early, would appreciate early check-in if possible.” Gets you flagged in the system as someone who cares.
What Usually Doesn’t Work
Showing up at 8am demanding a room. The previous guest might not even be out yet. Housekeeping hasn’t started.
Being rude about it. Front desk people have discretion on these things. Don’t give them a reason to use it against you.
Expecting guarantees. Unless you specifically paid for early check-in as an add-on, it’s always a favor they’re doing you.
If You Can’t Get In
Most hotels will store luggage for free. Drop your bags, go get breakfast somewhere, explore the neighborhood, come back when the room’s ready.
Some have day rooms or lobby lounges where you can wait comfortably. Ask about options – they deal with this all the time.
Airport hotels are often better about early check-in since so many guests have weird flight times. It’s built into their operations.
Arriving closer to actual check-in time if possible makes a big difference. 1pm arrival has way better odds than 8am.
