Originally Posted by
CIT85
I always put my wife's name in the reservation with a note that she'll be checking in, if I'm going to be late or not there at all. Of course if website does not allow for that, then I'll call and ask for a note. Only time I had a problem was when my daughter checked in at Athens Hilton. They asked her to make sure her dad checked with the front desk when I arrived. They did offer Club Lounge access (I was Gold at the time), but they charged for wifi.
You made a tactical error having your wife check in when her name is not on the reservation. This is where the Hilton website is nice, allowing for second person name and comment field.
This, if she wasn't on the reservation that's on you and the property should ask questions. Otherwise almost anyone with your last name that knew you were staying there could check in.
I wish there was a box to add a 2nd guest when making a reservation to make it easier, but a quick call to the hotel or Marriott to add a 2nd guest solves this problem 99% of the time.