Originally Posted by
Often1
If the individual is listed on the reservation, then the reservation is in their name and there is no issue.
If the individual is not listed, then it is entirely a matter of chance and the other person runs the risk of having to wait for you. Thus, seems easy to either add the individual to the room so that they hold the reservation too or that you have made specific arrangements with the property.
I'd be HORRIFIED if someone could check into my hotel room based solely on the claim that they're my spouse or because they have the same last name. I can't think of any circumstance where it would be acceptable to check someone in and provide room access without some sort of verified arrangement authorized by the person named on the reservation.
To the OP, please list your spouse in the reservation (online or via phone) and don't put the front desk agent in an impossible position.