I try to check in the night before if i have enough notice.
Originally Posted by sensualsanaa
That is a good suggestion and then ask for a late checkout. Still presents a problem for those pesky noonish to 3pm appointments.
I think the hotels that are most strict when it comes to early check ins are actually the higher end hotels. I remember one time wanting to check in at an Embassy Suites. Check in was 3pm. I arrived at the desk at 2:59 and couldn't check in. Actually, I was told to come back in 30 minutes b/c the room was not ready. I think some of the high end places have a very structured cleaning process.
I've noticed that your low end 2 to 2 1/2 star places (Comfort Inn, Days Inn, etc) are much more flexible with requests or even walk ups. Unless there is something big in town, these places are never at capacity and have spare rooms all the time.