There are many reasons why an early check-in at a hotel or resort feels like something special.
After a long journey, many travelers with a morning arrival don’t want to wait until a 3 p.m. check-in. Families with young children may find that afternoon check-ins disrupt their kids’ nap time. Even if you’re a solo traveler on a staycation, who wouldn’t enjoy a few extra hours in their hotel room? Whatever the backstory, what it all boils down to is simple: travelers like to feel like the hospitality they’re paying for is being maximized and providing them with the greatest convenience possible.
With that in mind, asking for an early check-in is understandably common. Unfortunately, the luxury isn’t always possible or complimentary, and some situations require you to cough up cash. However, when things do work out, your stay is kicked off even earlier with an extra dose of bliss.
Below, find a few TN Insider tips for scoring an early check-in for your next hotel stay.
Ask In Advance
Asking in advance for an early check-in is always the best move. Doing so is especially important if you know the hotel or resort you’re going to will have a high volume of guests when you arrive. Those moments may be during holiday seasons, major local sporting events, back-to-college times, or when the accommodation is hosting a conference. When it comes to making your request, the earlier the better.
After all, the hotel will be trying to appease you while juggling room cleaning schedules, availability, and other guests’ check-ins and check-outs. It’s better to ask ahead of time and find out if you can be accommodated earlier. The alternative is killing time in the lobby because you got to the hotel early and they couldn’t check you in.
Use Your Loyalty Status
Again, an early check-in at hotels and resorts isn’t always complimentary or easily acquired. However, if you’re a loyalty member of the hotel chain you’re checking into, you may be able to use that to your advantage. In the hospitality industry, every company wants to keep its customers happy and coming back. That said, employees may be inclined to make your early check-in happen if you have status, and even more so if you’re a high-level loyal member.
Be Polite
This tip may come across as obvious or even a bit silly, but it’s still worthwhile mentioning. You’d be surprised how far a polite and kind demeanor will often get you while speaking to someone at the front desk (or in a customer service role in general). It’s always smart to include please and thank yous when asking for a favor — which you definitely are when requesting an early check-in.
There’s no harm in expressing simple appreciation to the person who’s trying to fulfill your request, even if getting you the early check-in is an easy arrangement. Who knows, the right words on the right day could even also get you a room upgrade.
Be Open To Checking In — But Still Waiting For Your Room
You might be asking what the point of checking in is if you don’t immediately get to go to your room. However, if a hotel lets you check in without offering room access, you’re still presented with plenty of opportunities to kick off your trip. Despite not having your room yet, you may be able to leave your bags at the front desk or in a locker. Since you’ve already checked in, then you could freely roam the property, enjoy its amenities (pools, spa, gym, private beach, exclusive restaurants, etc.), or start enjoying your destination while unencumbered by your baggage.
The hotel may be able to contact you whenever your room is eventually ready. Though it might not be ideal for everyone, this tip is definitely worth considering if you don’t need to access your room right away.
