Hotel early check-in?

We do on line check in with Disney. The last two times we've been able to check in early, around 2:30 p.m.
 
I can't see any advantage to checking in early generally, and definitely don't see the advantage of checking in days early. Most of our reservations are cancelable, and something could always come up that changes our plans.

In cases where someone books through a third party (Expedia, etc), checking in days early could really bite you. You would have not only the hotel's policies to deal with, but also the travel site's policies. Lots of folks have gotten stuck using third parties, so I use them only to research fares and hotel rates -- then I book directly.

I get some benefits from Hilton Honors, but those have nothing to do with early checkin.
In the case of Disney at least, you can definitely still modify/cancel after you "check in".
 
I have gotten those emails several times at non Disney hotels, usually with Marriott. I do not see any reason to check in days ahead of time. I like a physical key and do not do the digital key on my phone so I have to stop at the desk anyway.

We have a WDW trip coming up and I usually have questions at check in so I like to check in at the desk at the hotel in person.

This is from the Marriott website:

How Do I Check-In Prior To Arrival?

  • When you book your Reservation directly through the Marriott Bonvoy® Mobile App, Marriott Website or by calling one of our Reservation Centers, with your Marriott Bonvoy® Member Number, you will receive a Check-In Notification on your mobile device as early as 8:00 a.m., the day before your arrival date.
  • Web Check-In is available at most Hotels in the United States and Canada that offer Mobile Guest Services and may be available in other regions in the future.
    • Marriott Bonvoy® Members are encouraged to use the Mobile App, as it is tailored to your Membership tier and you will have access to Mobile Key and Mobile Chat.
    • Marriott Bonvoy® Members using Web Check-In are still entitled to all Member benefits based on current status.
    • For all Guests (Members and non-members) using Web Check-In we will need you to come to the Front Desk when you arrive to confirm Payment and Reservation information.
Steps for Online Web Check-In:
  1. Within 48-hrs prior to arrival, all Reservations at participating Hotels will receive an automated email which will include the Web Check-In link. Select Check-In and proceed. [Click here to view Image]
  2. Follow the steps to enter the Arrival Date, Confirmation Number, First and Last Name as it appears on your Reservation; provide a Phone Number to receive a Room Ready text.
  3. Continue through the Check-In phase, confirming your arrival time information.
    • When you use Web Check-In or Mobile Check-in your Reservation is prioritized for Check-In based on the submitted arrival time.
    • If the time selected is not available or we are unable to meet this time, please know that our team is working to prepare your Guest Room as soon as possible.
    • If your travel plans change and you need to adjust the time you originally provided please use the same web link and provide an updated arrival time.
  4. Review your summary and press Check-In.
  5. If you provided a phone number, you will receive a Room-Ready text. [Click here to view Image]
Please Note: For multiple Reservations, each Confirmation Number must be checked in individually.
Steps for Mobile Check-In:
  1. Tap the notification on your device
  2. Tap 'Check In' [Click here to view Image]
  3. If available, a 'Get a Mobile Key' toggle will be displayed. Toggle on or off to avail of a Mobile Key [Click here to view Image]
  4. If applicable, select preferences
    • Tap 'Arrival Time' to select the time you'll arrive [Click here to view Image]
    • Tap 'Parking Options' to select parking options [Click here to view Image]
    • Tap Request 'Late Check-Out' to select the desired Check-Out time
    • Select the preferred currency by tapping on the relevant radio button
  5. Tap 'Confirm Check-In' [Click here to view Image]
  6. Review the 'Check-In' screen and tap 'Done' [Click here to view Image]
Once the Check-In is processed by the property, the Member is prompted to download their Mobile Key:
  1. Open the App and tap 'Get Key' [Click here to view Image]
  2. Tap 'Download Key' [Click here to view Image]
Please Note:
 
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We have checked into a hotel early... it is handy for dropping off luggage, putting stuff in the refrigerator etc... then go out and do what you want to do and come back and not have to worry about it.
 
My husband has done it before for Hilton properties. I think most of the time the advantage has just been picking your room like it would show a map and you select your room.
 














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