Originally Posted by dannyr
Not matter if it's a Motel 6 or a Hyatt/Hilton/whatever hotel room, I give them a call 48 hours before check in, introduce myself, give them any room preferences, and just confirm that they know what time I'll be arriving.
Certainly helps if at Check In I don't have to request additional pillows [I prefer sleeping on something resembling a rock than a pillow...] or ask for soy milk or decaf coffee [both for my fiancee, not me], or ask for a non-smoking room.
I laughed when I read this and had to respond. My wife makes crazy coffee requests too. She refuses to start the day without coffee which in Japan required paying $15-$20 a morning for a pot of hotel coffee. On our recent trip to S.F., there was a Starbucks right next to The Palace where we were staying so it cut the cost down.
As far as your original question, I would bring your confirmation with you. Once, I had an issue and my confirmation cleared it up.