Hi, I have a question;

I usually arrive at the hotel in the evening (eg, 8pm or later). Am I best to provide my actual arrival time or an earlier time? Do I potentially get a better room if I, for example, say I will be arriving at 4PM but don't actually show up until 8PM? Or does it not make any difference?

Don't think about it that way. It won't help. Are you staying at a full-service or select-service hotel: it makes a difference in the process from my experience.

If at a full-service hotel, when they send you the email about you stay. Use the virtual concierge to request a "platinum/gold" upgrade. Even state the room type you want. Your reservation will generally change to the new room type at some point prior to checking in. When you check in with the mobile app, put the actual time you will arrive. Your room will have already been upgraded before you check in anyway. I have had a 90% success rate with this method.

For select-service properties, there are generally no upgrades--and there is no virtual concierge. Just use mobile check in for the time you think you will arrive (maybe slightly earlier). Then when you get to the hotel, ask for what room you got and see if there is a better one at that time. They will change your room sometimes. This has worked for me with about 25% success rate when there was a better room type in the hotel.

The last virtual concierge I got only had buttons to order things. No place to type anything.

i haven't determined the exact advantage to using this (and mobile checkout) for me. I don't stay at full service as a rule (price and corporate policy). As far as I can tell the only advantage is for the property so they know when i will be there. Yes, it is good that I have a room ready, but after that at SHS and FI - the room is the room

checkout is to tell them i have left and they can clean the room

I have mainly used the mobile app for checkout rather than going to the front desk (or the implicit checkout of just leaving). Recently I needed a very early check-in 10AM at a FI. So I used mobile check-in and my room was ready and I had been upgraded to a suite without even asking. Perhaps I will start using it more for check-in as well.

--Jon

I dont see the big advantage either. I did the mobile check in, then I wanted to change rooms to a lower floor at the desk. And i had to tell them that i wanted points, so the app did nothing to help. If it could ask what my bonus preference is that would be good, then ask me if the room assigned is ok, good, then chenge to another room if i request it, good. Otherwise, it's a waste of time for me.

Hmmmm. I haven't been able to see what Mobile Checkin has to offer me. I checkin at the Elite line. It is very quick and I can chat with the desk clerk.

Or I can checkin by mobile, wait in line next to the elite line to get my keys. I still have to show ID, credit card and decide what gift I want.

Is there really a benefit?

Does mobile check in reduce the chance of being walked, especially for someone without status?