What hotel is she staying at? Has she ever stayed there before, thus already having a relationship with them? We have booked the room many times the night before with absolutely no problem. Having the hotel's car service does not guarantee the room will be ready. A few years ago, we arrived from Heathrow with the car service (had not booked the room the night before) and our room was available at around 2:00 that afternoon - it was a very busy time for the hotel. Your friend could also book the hotel through a travel agent who has a relationship with the hotel, thereby assuring a better chance of a smooth early arrival.