Often, early checkout is conditioned on fees or /a and penalties, as you read the T&Cs. When things go wrong, as they did in this instance, I have requested they release me from my "no early checkout" responsibility so I don't have any surprises - such as paying for nights I did not stay. (It's always best in writing, of course.)

In this instance, the OP advocated effectively and the property responded appropriately - no need for it.

And, yep, I always take ear plugs - they work on aircraft or noisy hotels (traffic, a convention or prom night, the ASBO lady who couldn't keep quiet when "engaged" with others, etc.)