So, I would like to place a Hotel's perspective two years later.
There is a set check-in time of 3pm and a set check-out time of 11am. We schedule the number of housekeepers based on occupancy projections the night before, which use these arrival and departure limits. If a person arrives earlier, the staff needs to make a number of adjustments for other guests who have actually paid for the privilege to arrive early or have loyalty memberships that award them free early arrival or a specific room for a fee. When a guest stays later, it causes the staff to scramble to not overbook and decline check-in to another guaranteed guest.
At our hotel, we let people know when they book on the phone or online about the extra fees. It is up to the guest to choose to pay them or remain within the restrictions. We made them simple:
- Between 3pm and 11am, no fee.
- A couple of hours early or late, free when politely asked for, so don't act rude or entitled (there's your trip hack of the day... many things can be had when you are polite and not a jerk).
- Any check-ins between morning change of staff and before late check-out time are charged a fee. This is partly because of the rooms, as explained, and it's because the staff are focusing on the free breakfast, which is only for those who stayed the night before and not the early check-ins (though you people still try and get an extra perk you are not allowed while the staff reallocates to get another room ready for you).
- The extra late fee is charged if you wait past check-in time to leave, forcing the housekeeping staff to wait while not getting paid or getting paid to wait (they are paid by the hour and by the room) and forcing the front desk agents to tell the next person their room isn't ready at 3pm because of a late check-out.
- If you come in too early or too late, you might be required to pay for a full night, depending on the staffing schedules.
So, no, you should not get an automatic free early check-in any more than you get a free extra burger at McDonald's (yes, it is the same thing, unless you are fine checking into a dirty room with people not yet ready to check out). A room is only good to rent when it is vacant.
This being said loyalty has its perks. If you have a membership in a loyalty program, you get some extra benefits. If you always stay at a particular hotel and get to know the staff and pay for the reservation to the hotel over to a website, you will most likely get the same room you request by number, have it ready early, and get extra time at check out.
TL;DR
- Read the rules or ask the agent on the phone... be prepared.
- Be polite and do not demand free stuff.
- Join a loyalty program or be a loyal and regular guest.
- Understand that every other person is trying to get the same extra time as you and without the rules, you won't get a clean room, swift and polite service, or any form of discount (your rates might just go up).