Are hotels generally willing to let you check in early? We arrive at 8:30. After a full night of flying, all I can think of is renting a cabana poolside for awhile if our room isn't ready. Any experience with this? Thanks.

Much depends on where you're staying, if you have a record with the hotel, whether or not it's a weekend, etc etc.
I've been checked in at 10 AM at Bellagio and refused until 4 PM at Venetian on different trips.
There's no blanket answer to your question.

I've usually found when traveling to different cities that this predicament really depends on whether or not they have a room available.

My experience has usually been that they will give you a room if they have one cleaned and ready. It also doesn't hurt to be a member of the hotel's frequent guest program. However, I'm sure there are times when it's just not doable.

I would have my swimsuit and other readily needed items in a daybag and store my luggage at the front desk until a room is ready.

If you want to be guaranteed an early check in, you can block the room for the night before. You'll pay for one extra night, but you will have your room on arrival.

here's what i do: pack an extra bag, the size of a gym bag, with a swimsuit, change of clothes etc., and then just check your bags with the front desk. I've gotten to my hotel as early as 9:00 and just checked the bags and gone swimming. If i've ever encountered the hotel reservation clerk who was unwilling to do this, i've just asked to see the manager and been told, no problem. I usually indicate that i'm going to the gym and the pool, and i'm willing to pay the fee (if any) for the gym. then you can swim, have a workout shower and change in time to check in.

If you plan to rent a cabana, arrange for it in advance. We've been shut out for a same day rental.

I have an idea Jay...


How about doing that other thing that you asked about in a previous post...it is a 24 hour town you know!

PS: I couldn't help myself <grin>

Oh placeu2... the thing is, we are just arriving, you silly goose, after flying all night. So how about letting us rest up first? But now, I'm sure there will be a rash of new replies on that,lol. Just hope the moral majority doesn't get all hepped up. I mean, after 20 happy years of marriage, what's the big deal with a happy couple seeing a strip show? Ironic, with all the dumb reality tv, that some have to be so judgemental about it! You gave me a chuckle in any case