How Early Check-In Works (And How to Request It!)

If you think “Are we there yet?” is the most asked travel question, think again. In the hotel world, many guests are wondering, “Can I check in early at the hotel?” And rightfully so. Arriving in your room early can make all the difference in your hotel experience, whether you’re looking to relax after a long journey or want a head start on using amenities like high-speed wifi for work meetings.

Guests who book directly with the hotel often have the upper hand when it comes to getting coveted perks like early check-in. DirectBooker is building tools that make this process easier by integrating verified hotel listings and direct booking options into conversational AI platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini, helping travelers compare properties and connect directly with hotels for perks like early check-in.

What Is Early Check-In at a Hotel?

Most hotels have a standard check-in time of 3 or 4 pm. Early check-in is when a guest requests to access their room before the standard check-in time on their arrival date. Since it’s outside of the typical check-in hours, it’s considered a special hotel perk. Some hotels make early check-in available to all guests, subject to availability and the hotel’s policies. Other hotels may reserve it for their most loyal guests.

Here are a few benefits that make early check-in a desirable perk for hotel guests:

• Maximize your time in the hotel room

• Early start to your vacation or business trip

• Rest, refresh, and relax upon arrival

• Less waiting

Hotel policies and availability for early check-in vary by property.

Can You Always Check In Early at a Hotel?

Early check-in is not always guaranteed, but it is greatly appreciated when you can! Hotel guests may think that it’s up to the receptionist’s discretion to let them check in early. 

However, several factors can affect whether or not you can check in early at a hotel before the standard check-in time:

• Housekeeping schedule: Housekeeping has a set schedule and may not reach your room by the time you’d like to check in.

• Hotel occupancy: Another guest may be in your hotel room. Many hotels have a check-out time of 11 am, typically followed by housekeeping. Busier travel seasons have a higher chance of a previous guest occupying your room, making it unavailable until the standard check-in time.

• How early you want to check in: Check-in times are based on the hotel’s accounting period. The earliest is typically around 7 am, which is when the reservation day officially begins. Earlier requests may require booking the day before your arrival to increase your chances of having your room available in the early morning hours.

• Advanced notification: Hotels must prepare your room in advance to accommodate an early check-in. Requesting an early check-in in advance allows the hotel time to arrange for early cleaning or reserve your room for your arrival.

• Booking direct, and/or loyalty program status: Booking directly with the hotel often increases your priority for access to limited availability benefits like early check-in. Achieving a higher loyalty program status with a hotel reward program can grant you even higher priority access to early check-in. The higher your status, the more likely you are to receive an early check-in.

• Hotel type: Certain hotels are more accommodating with early check-in requests. Luxury hotels, boutique hotels, and airport hotels with flexible check-in times are the best options for guests who require early check-in.

How to Request Early Check-In at a Hotel

If the hotel is aware of your early arrival, they are typically more likely to accommodate your request. Here are ways to inform your hotel that you’ll arrive early and request to check in before the standard time.

Make a note on your reservation

Hotels often dedicate a section on their reservation forms to note the guest’s arrival time. It’s the perfect place to indicate your early arrival and request an early check-in. 

Alternatively, you’ll receive a hotel guest service contact email or phone number with your reservation confirmation to make your request.

Pay an early check-in fee

Some hotels offer early check-in for a fee. These policies typically specify a time range in which your hotel room will be ready. Refunds are available if the hotel is unable to accommodate your request.

Ask upon arrival

Sometimes, you can’t predict if you’ll need to check in early. In these cases, you can ask the front desk receptionist if the hotel can accommodate an early check-in. For a better chance of early check-in, ask politely and respectfully.

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Early Check-In at a Hotel

While early check-in isn’t guaranteed, using these tips and tricks can help boost your chances.

Book the hotel directly

Guests who book directly with the hotel are frequently prioritized for benefits such as early check-in or late check-out over guests who have booked through a third-party, especially when there is limited availability. 

Booking with a third-party or online travel agency (OTA) doesn’t always provide guests with direct contact with the hotel. In some cases, the hotel may not receive your details until shortly before your arrival, making it more difficult for them to match your request with your reservation. Therefore, it requires more effort to contact them for an early check-in request.

DirectBooker is developing tools that bring this same direct-booking experience into conversational AI platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini. Soon, travelers will be able to ask about early check-in, compare verified hotels, and book directly with the property, all in one seamless interaction.

Understand hotel policies

Before submitting a request, review the hotel’s website and website FAQs. Many hotels outline details on how to access your room earlier, whether it’s by paying a fee, having rewards status, or just asking. Knowing the policy helps you plan or opt for a different hotel with more flexible check-in options.

Stay at luxury or boutique properties

Luxury category hotels are more likely to accommodate early check-in requests compared to budget hotel options. Additionally, boutique properties that aren’t part of major hotel chains may be more likely to handle special requests.

Obtain status with the hotel rewards program

Early check-in is one of the significant benefits of achieving high-tier status with a hotel’s loyalty program. 

Popular programs, such as Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt, and IHG One Rewards, offer early check-in to their higher-tiered rewards members. 

Use mobile check-in

Mobile check-in via the hotel’s app may actually surprise you with a notification that your room is ready, even before the standard check-in time. Most hotel apps allow check-in 24-48 hours before your arrival date. Mobile check-in through the hotel’s app is often only available if you’ve booked directly. Make sure to turn on your hotel’s app notifications, just in case. 

Alternatives If You Can’t Check In Early

Not everyone gets the green light for checking into their hotel room early. If the hotel declines your request, don’t worry. Here are ways to maximize your time before the standard check-in time.

Check your luggage in and explore

Many hotels will happily store your luggage upon arrival, free of charge, even if your room isn’t ready yet. Once you lighten your load, you can start exploring your destination, grab a bite to eat, or simply lounge by the hotel pool while your room is prepped.

Use a luggage storage service

Using a luggage storage app for temporary storage can be more convenient than going back and forth between the hotel and the city. These apps typically charge by the hour and find you a nearby service to store your luggage. Popular luggage storage companies are LuggageHero and Bounce Luggage Storage. 

Take advantage of day-use rooms

Day-use rooms are a way hotels continue to maximize profits from unused rooms. Travelers can book these temporary spaces and wait until their reserved room is ready. Hotels typically charge for this room type by the hour. Some hotels may even offer courtesy rooms for free. 

Book the day before

Travelers expecting to arrive far in advance of the standard check-in time should consider booking an extra day on their reservation to avoid any hassles. Be sure to contact the hotel with your expected arrival time to maintain your reservation. If the hotel isn’t aware that you are arriving in the early hours of the next morning, they may cancel your reservation as a no-show. 

Request a different room

If your reserved room isn’t ready for early check-in, try requesting a different room. Ask your hotel receptionist if any downgraded rooms are available, or you can consider paying for an upgraded room.

Check Out Hotels With Early Check-In

Arriving before standard check-in? DirectBooker is making it easier to find hotels with early check-in options through conversational AI. Soon, you’ll be able to ask about arrival times, compare verified properties, and book directly with the hotel, all in one simple chat.

Sources

Overgaard, Duane. “The $6 Billion Hotel Revenue Opportunity: Transforming Empty Daytime Rooms into Profit Centers.” DerbySoft, 13 May 2025, https://www.derbysoft.com/resources/blog/the-6-billion-hotel-revenue-opportunity-transforming-empty-daytime-rooms-into-profit-centers/.

Bryan Shelmon

Bryan Shelmon is a travel writer with bylines in Lonely Planet, Midwest Living, and Wanderlust, known for immersive storytelling shaped by long-term travel across 25+ countries. He combines a background in business with nearly a decade of freelance experience, collaborating with tourism boards and capturing culture through art, language, and local exploration.

Our editorial process: DirectBooker curates insights from global hospitality experts and our network of industry insiders. Articles undergo rigorous fact-checking and quality review before publication, ensuring authentic, actionable advice for savvy travelers.