So I need to check-in early for a stay, can't find anything that talks about check-in time for elites.

Any recommendations? If possible need to be in by 8am.

I'm gold status if you think that makes a difference.

Should I just show up or contact hotel ahead of time?

Doesn't hurt to call and ask.

However when I travel for business I just book the room the night before so its ready when I get there. That solves your problem 100% if your on the companys dime.

There is no stated elite benefit for early check-in, only late check-outs. But I've had very good luck with being able to check-in early at Marriotts, especially at the Marriotts at international gateway cities where it may be common for people to arrive early from flights.

Probably your best option is what JCPTX suggests and call the hotel directly to see what their normal policy is. If they aren't too full when you arrive and have a room available, they may let you go ahead and check-in. If they are closer to full and don't have a room, (and assuming you are a Gold/Plat, they may let you wait in the CL while they get you a room.

Also note that a lot of this depends on what you mean by "early". If your talking about pre-breakfast early and you really want a room, you might need to actually reserve the room for the previous night. If by early you mean 10am-noon timeframe, then the hotel may try to work with you if they can.

Even if your room isn't ready at 8:00 a.m., the hotel may be able to secure your bags for you so that you can at least explore the area without having to drag everything along.

Last month I had an arrival into Seoul at 0600 and contacted the Renaissance beforehand and requested an "early" checkin.......... wound up with a suite upgrade and early checkin so as other OP says, doesn't hurt to contact and ask......... but note, no guarantee of early checkin regardless of your status - case by case more then likely based upon availability

They are unlikely to have housekeepers making up rooms for an 8:00 AM arrival so it may depend on not selling out the previous night. Some international arrival airport locations will have early housekeeping though.

I would contact the hotel and let them know of your request but be ready to just check your bags and come back in a few hours. Use of the lounge or business center would be expected, sleeping in the lobby will get you featured in another thread here though.