How to Get Early Check-in at Your Hotel (and What to Do If You Can’t)
I try my best not to make a terrible flight with red eyes. Not only is it a pathetic way to get a few hours of restless sleep, it also gets me to my destination long before I have access to a real bed. Hotels and short-term rentals usually have check-in times in the afternoon, so what do you do about those hours of fatigue in between?
Early arrivals are sometimes unavoidable, but you don’t have to wait until 3pm or later to crash. This is also where hotels have an advantage over Airbnb and other short-term rentals – you’re more likely to get into your room before check-in time. Here are a few ways to get early check-in at a hotel and some ideas for what to do if you can’t.
How to get an early check in at the hotel
There are no guarantees, but if you communicate your arrival to the hotel in advance – in as many formats as possible – you have a better chance of having your room ready.
Use your hotel’s app to check in
According to The Points Guy , checking in a day early on your hotel’s mobile app has a pretty good chance. Many hotel chains allow mobile check-in 24-48 hours prior to arrival with the option to mark your arrival time. This worked for check-in as early as 8am and the hotel sent a notification that the room was ready via the app.
Request an early check-in when booking
When booking online, many hotels and third-party booking platforms allow special requests such as extra pillows, floor numbers, and yes, early check-in. Even if that particular option is not available, you can often include your arrival time and other booking notes. If you are a member of a hotel’s loyalty program, you may also find it easier to access perks such as early check-in.
Call the hotel directly
Whether you requested an early check-in or not, call the hotel at the time of booking and again the day before your scheduled time to let them know your plans and preferences. Again, they probably won’t make any promises, but at least you can warn them so they can expedite the process where possible. Hotel mobile apps may also have the ability to chat with staff.
show and ask
At least you can go to your hotel and try to check in. In this case, you do not need to explicitly request an early check-in, especially if there is a charge for doing so. Just let the front desk know you are there. Some time spent in the lobby with your luggage can be a useful and constant reminder of your request.
What to do if your hotel room is not ready
Despite your best efforts, there may be times when a hotel cannot accommodate an early check-in request. In these scenarios, you have several options to kill time :
- Stay at the airport and buy a day pass for the lounge . It will cost you a little, but at least you can spend time in relative comfort with access to Wi-Fi, food and drink, and you can even take a nap while you wait. This probably works best if you have hand luggage.
- Take advantage of hotel amenities such as the business center, swimming pool or spa . Even if you are unable to enter your room, you must be allowed access to on-site amenities while you wait.
- Hide your bags and go explore . If you have the energy, leave your bags at the hotel and go on vacation.
One final reminder, you can also request a late check out and as long as the hotel is not full this option is probably available. Of course, this may prevent the next person – you at some point – from getting through early check-in.