I saw a post that state you do not really need to check-in to the hotel, is this true? I know you can do a no-show. But will some of these small hotel charge you any add'l fee for being a non-show?

I see a very cheap BUF-JFK for Dec17 return on Dec18 and again for Dec 18/Dec19. i.e. I can do 2 MR and my cost will be just the parking charge at the BUF airport.. + $3 for the bridge on the border.... which is very cheap way to get 4000 Status Miles into my AEROPLAN account.