Contact a few hotels directly and ask about complimentary early check-in (e.g. 8am) - some will offer it, especially a day or so before.

I don't want this to devolve into an argument, but I'm hearing people say they've seen this only sometimes, particularly in Asia.

The hotel did NOT disclose it when I made the booking. They emailed me a day after I made a non-refundable reservation.

Seems like a great value to me. Although I wouldn't use it in hotels that have luggage storage and I am not tired, but early or late checkout for a modest price would definitely have value to me in places where flights arrive and depart at rediculous hours like in India, or deep south america where it is a redeye each way to/from North America.

I would pay half a day if it were a guaranteed early checkin. If I just happen to show up early and there happens to be a room available I would expect it free of charge. And that's been my experience thus far.

Why? Unless you're asking for additional housekeeping services, what is the early check-in (i.e., earlier than 2 pm) costing the hotel compared to checking in between 2 pm and 4 pm (or whatever the "normal" check-in time is)?

If they have rooms available, I don't see why they would need to charge for early check-in (other than they can, I guess).

The check in rule is clear. You already know it, because you requested a courtesy. They told you your request has a price. You can agree or not.

They are doing nothing wrong. In fact, it happened to me a couple of times. ^

By the way you posted it originally, the e-mailed you immediately after you told them you would be arriving before the official check-in time.

Because they don't know in advance if they will have a room available. You're asking them to block half a day of room time which will prevent them from using that room for another guest.

You reserve a room from X date to Y date which includes a check-in time, usually between 14:00-16:00 depending on the hotel, and a checkout time of 10:00-12:00 normally. If you want a room beyond those times you pay. A hotel may extend those times as a courtesy for frequent guests.


If you leave at 7:00 do you expect a refund too?

Half-day charge for checking in early to a hotel?
 

Hyatt ICN informed me of similar policy when I arrived at around 9-10am. But they waived it.

I have no status with them.

Sounds reasonable to me.....

I wish more places had this option. I've always paid the extra day to guarantee early check in. I stayed at a Ramada in Bahrain 2 years ago and they refunded 1/2 of my extra day without asking. Such a great benefit.

Half-day charge for checking in early to a hotel?
 

the notion that they had some obligation to tell you this when you booked is ludicrous. Did they list all of the room service charges, spa fees, or other extras that weren't included? You made a reservation for 2pm. Even if offering you the option to pay for early check in isn't standard to you, you should certainly never assume early check in is available at all. You aren't entitled to anything but what you reserved.

Think of the E+ vs. E (middle seat) when booking a flight. You can book the middle seat for free, you can guarantee that you won't have a middle seat by paying for the E+ seat; or you can roll the dice and upon check-in hope the only thing left is E+ which you will then get for free. Same goes with the room, you can pay an upcharge to guarantee a room is available for you in the morning or you can roll the dice and hope one is available in the AM and that they give it to you for free.

I'm wondering OP's reaction if the hotel had replied:

1. they will be full, therefore sorry, not possible;
2. they most likely be full at his arrival date, and the only way to secure an early check in will be reserving an full extra previous day.

And if they don't have a room available? You are creating a high expectation of being given a room early, if you do a courtesy early checkin once.

So you believe all hotels should give a 6am checkin? I had an 8 hour layover in ATL this summer. Since I would arrive at the airport at 5am, and the hotel an hour later, I asked, and was told to book the night before to guarantee the room.

I didn't get upset about it. Many hotels would lose income if they did it for everyone. Extra housekeeping staff, plus customers without rooms because the occupant stayed later than expected.

Mostly, I value elite hotel membership that gives late checkouts, and early ones too.