JDiver

Well, I perhaps should moderate my statement that it can NEVER help to arrive late. I don't believe it is a positive - but it can be mitigated with communication, so they can plan ahead, know that the room is paid for, and allocate my room / upgrade, knowing I will be there, even if it's at oh-dot-thirty (and did I mention knowing my room is paid for?)

One other negative is many hotels where I've checked in late have a skeletal staff at that time, and it may be when other travelers and flight crews are arriving. That's usually also when the HHonors staff is non-existent for a separate queue.