Anyone ever pull this off remotely? Calling in to "check in" and just explaining to the manager what you are doing. Is that possible?[/QUOTE]

With great respect to "Mr. Pickles", I don't think it is possible to check-in remotely! I solved this problem by having my spouse check in for me. We had no plans to stay but it helped that I added her name to the reservation (advice from Westin Fr. Desk).

Checking out remotely is a lot easier. Just call the hotel @ check out time! They send a cc of the final bill to your e-mail address on file.

I was recently checked out automatically at 11:00 am from a YYZ-area hotel, when I forgot to call. Its a weird situation as they blocked the room phone. Fr. Desk said its std. practise!

You could always bring some extra luggage and clothes you don't need anymore and leave it in the room to "hold your place." If you don't have any, a thrift store might be able to help you out.

You could offer the hotel room to someone at the Occupy protest in the city the hotel is in.

That sounds risky... they could trash the place and I would be held responsible.