I face a similar situation in July when my flight lands in Nairobi at 3:45 am. Ny the time I get my luggage and arrive at the hotel, it will be past 5:00 am. I have IHG Plat and would like to stay at IC OR Crowne Plaza, and have emailed both hotels regarding early check-in.

CP said they will charge me half rate for the previous night. IC is less committal and said that they would allow early check-in IF there is availability. However, given the uncertainty, the manager wants me to book the night before as we'll to secure a room. I would then pay full rate for the previous night. I'm not sure what I should do. I can either do the half night at CP or just take a chance on early check-in at IC. Maybe if no room is available, I can just ask them to hold my luggage and explore the city. But what is there to do in Nairobi at 5:00 am on a Wednesday morning?