I never did online check-in, until my trip in November 2015, staying at POR. I will use it from now on. I got my requests, but I also used the Touring Plans room request fax and got the room I requested. I was pleasantly surprised since nothing is guaranteed. I gave the time of my arrival, but did not choose the room ready early option since that overrides all other requests, and my room was ready when I arrived. This upcoming trip we have 3 rooms booked at the Beach Club, and my only requests are for our rooms to be next to eachother and on the first floor.. Will have my TA make a note on our reservations for those and choose ground floor with online check-in. I am also doing the Touring Plans room request fax again too! It worked out great, so it doesn't hurt to use it again.