Why I Love Early Hotel Check-Ins (And How I Make It Happen Every Time)

Whether I’m arriving after an early flight, coming from another hotel, or just eager to relax by the pool, having early check-in makes my travel experiences easier and more enjoyable.

What’s the trick to getting early check-ins consistently? Although early check-in isn’t guaranteed, I use a mix of timing, loyalty and credit card programs, and polite requests to find frequent success in getting early access to hotel rooms. 

Perks of Checking In Early

Getting into a hotel room early is often convenient and enhances my travel plans. Early check-in helps me kick off my vacation sooner, whether it’s unpacking and organizing or hopping into the pool immediately. Not only that, but I can skip the front desk crowds during standard check-in times when I check in early. This offers shorter waits, more personalized service, and less stress.

When I have a travel day starting with an early morning flight, I usually need a break once I arrive. Checking in early allows me to freshen up, relax in a quiet space, and nap if needed before launching into my day.

That’s not all, though. If I’m hotel hopping, scoring early check-in at my next stay can be really helpful. Most hotels have checkout times between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., and late checkout isn’t always available. When check-in times hover around 3 p.m. or 4 p.m., that leaves several hours in limbo with loose bags and nowhere to reset. I can get settled right away if early check-in is available.

Why Hotels Don’t Offer Everyone Early Check-In

Hotels operate on tight schedules while booking as many rooms as possible. Often, rooms aren’t ready any earlier than the standard check-in time. Most hotels have limited housekeeping staff to clean and prepare rooms after guests check out. Standard checkout times are generally 10 a.m. or 11 a.m., so no rooms could potentially be ready if you arrive at noon to check in.

Peak travel seasons and weekends tend to have high occupancy, and hotels may be fully booked with no vacant rooms for early check-in. Guests with elite status may request late checkouts as part of their benefits, which can further delay room availability.

Even when guests don’t occupy rooms, they may be unavailable so the hotel can do deep cleaning or maintenance.

5 Tricks That Get Me Early Hotel Check-Ins

Early check-in is never guaranteed, but I’ve found frequent success with good preparation and strategies. These are my go-to tricks for getting into hotel rooms early and smoothing travel days.

1. Consider Timing and Location

Checking in early often depends on availability, so I think about the timing and location when I hope to get an early check-in. Traveling during off-peak seasons or booking midweek stays makes it easier to find early check-in availability. These times typically have lower occupancy rates, which means more rooms are available and staff generally have more flexibility to accommodate an early check-in request.

I also look for hotels slightly off the beaten path from travel hot spots or major attractions. With higher occupancy rates and tighter schedules, these hotels may not have as much wiggle room as hotels with lower traffic. Looking for properties with less competition for rooms increases my chances of an early check-in.

For example, I stayed at The Driskill in Austin on a Monday night in June. Although the hotel is downtown and borders Austin’s Sixth Street entertainment district, Monday isn’t a busy night and the hotel had low occupancy during my stay. They could easily accommodate me for an early check-in.

2. Ask for Early Check-In

I can’t expect an early check-in offer if I don’t request it. If early check-in isn’t critical, I might request it in the booking notes when I make the reservation and hope for the best when I arrive at the hotel.

When early check-in is more of a necessity, I communicate directly with the hotel ahead of my stay. When it’s relevant, I mention special circumstances, such as a long flight arriving early in the morning or a special occasion. I never expect a guarantee, but hotels generally make a note and try to accommodate my request.

Hotels can’t reliably know until close to arrival whether early check-in is possible, so I will often follow up on my request if needed. For instance, I call to ask the night before or the day of to assess the likelihood of getting in early. If it’s not possible, it’s good to know so I can make other arrangements.

3. Leverage Loyalty Programs

Hotel loyalty programs and premium credit card perks can get hotels to open their doors early. I’ve relied on elite status and exclusive booking platforms for early check-in and other perks during hotel stays.

I have Hilton Honors Diamond status, which I earned using my Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card. The card offers automatic Hilton Honors Gold status, but my spending on the card and Hilton stays got me to Diamond status. Since reaching Diamond status, I’ve yet to be turned away for early check-in.

When I stayed at Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Area, I came straight from checking out of another property and arrived around 11:30 a.m., hours ahead of the hotel’s 4 p.m. check-in time. I chatted with the front desk and asked if I could get a room that early. They were transparent and told me they had clean rooms only waiting for a manager’s approval, which would take about an hour. I grabbed lunch at the lobby market and was still able to check in 4 hours before the standard check-in time.

Using Hilton Honors Diamond status is the most common way I’ve gotten early check-in privileges. Still, it’s not my only option, as I also have Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status (upon enrollment) with The Platinum Card^® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express. 

Special booking platforms are another path to early check-in privileges. I can access The Edit by Chase Travel using my Chase Sapphire Reserve^® and The Hotel Collection with my Amex Platinum card. Both of these programs offer early check-in at participating properties when available, among other benefits.

4. Book an Early Night

Although it’s rare, I sometimes arrive early in the morning, like 1 a.m., which can happen if I have a late-arriving flight or take a long road trip. Technically, it’s the next day, but as far as the hotel is concerned, it’s a full night. In that case, early check-in isn’t possible, so I’ll book a room for the night. 

5. Prepare for Plan B

When I ask for an early check-in, I know that “no” is always possible, so I’m ready to be flexible. Being willing to move to the first available — even if it’s not your desired city view guest room — gives hotel front desk agents more ways to get me into a room early.

Sometimes, rooms are almost ready but not quite. If it’s a short wait of an hour or so, I’m usually happy to use that time to grab a bite, work in the lobby, or explore the hotel’s amenities until I can get in.

Even when early check-in isn’t available, hotels store luggage so I can explore the area. That way, if I want to stay close to the hotel while waiting for check-in time, I plan activities nearby, such as visiting an attraction or getting something to eat.

If all else fails and an early check-in critical is critical, booking a refundable stay gives me the flexibility to switch to another hotel that can accommodate my request.

Final Thoughts

Checking in early is a great way to settle in and recharge instead of waiting until check-in time for a room to open up. Although early check-in is subject to availability, I find that hotels frequently accommodate my early check-in requests. Being polite and realistic is key, but it doesn’t hurt to have elite status, reach out to the hotel, and be ready to adopt Plan B if early check-in isn’t an option.