I agree that VegasGambler's position is the "rules". However, I've found that especially when traveling with a spouse or family member with the same last name it has always worked to book one room in my name, and add the second person to be able to check in ahead of me. As mentioned, you should definitely go to the front desk to make sure that your payment method is on file. But at least within the US, I've never had an issue with this (probably a half dozen times when family gets there before me).