I've always preferred the early arrival, from the time I was flying behind the curtain, to the time I have been flying in front of the curtain. Difference is that now, I book a room for the night prior to insure I've got a room at arrival, and it is worth every ¢. I'll usually lie down for 2 or 3 hours (sometimes falling asleep, which is fine), get up, shower, and I'm typically good to go.