Originally Posted by
fwdlink
Question to others, is the Executive Lounge as far as you know still open for check-in in the early afternoon? I'm Gold but looking at posts this doesn't seem to matter, hoping it also helps get a decent room on Exec level for lounge access.
In my experience, access to the lounge requires a key, so in order to check in there one must stop at the front desk and request to be escorted to the elevator or lounge. Considering that there is usually only one person working the desk at the lounge, and often guests are negotiating an upgrade or conducting an extensive and involved check-out or something, I don't bother trying to check-in there. It's quicker to check-in at the front desk. Typically the hotel pre-assigns rooms (including upgrades) the evening before arrival.