I routinely do this for my wife/daughter traveling to dance convention/competitions. I normally put her as the additional named when I make the reservation. With most US properties, I also usually just do the online check in from the app. Then she just goes to the front desk with her ID and asks for a room key. I haven't had any issues to date.
Even if I don't do the online, she just goes and says shes arriving well before me. Since her name is on the reservation, no issues.