Anyone ever pull this off remotely? Calling in to "check in" and just explaining to the manager what you are doing. Is that possible?[/QUOTE]

With great respect to "Mr. Pickles", I don't think it is possible to check-in remotely! I solved this problem by having my spouse check in for me. We had no plans to stay but it helped that I added her name to the reservation (advice from Westin Fr. Desk).

Checking out remotely is a lot easier. Just call the hotel @ check out time! They send a cc of the final bill to your e-mail address on file.

I was recently checked out automatically at 11:00 am from a YYZ-area hotel, when I forgot to call. Its a weird situation as they blocked the room phone. Fr. Desk said its std. practise!