Lodgify
Property Management

What is Early Check-in?

Updated 2026-05-28

Early check-in is a guest service that grants access to a vacation rental property prior to the official check-in time. This accommodation is typically contingent on the property being clean and ready ahead of schedule.

While some hosts offer it as a complimentary gesture of goodwill, others treat it as an ancillary service and charge a fee. The feasibility of an early check-in often depends on whether there was a guest departing the same day.

Join the Lodgify newsletter

Once a month, get free templates, expert tips for hosts, industry news, webinar invitations, and more.

How it works

A guest typically requests an early check-in either during the booking process or in the days leading up to their arrival. The property manager or host then consults their booking calendar and cleaning schedule to determine if the property can be prepared in time.

If a same-day turnover is not scheduled, accommodating the request is often simpler. If approved, the host confirms the new arrival time with the guest and makes necessary arrangements, such as activating a smart lock code earlier.

These requests can also be managed through automated messages that offer early check-in as a potential upsell.

Why it matters

Offering early check-in provides flexibility and convenience, significantly enhancing the guest experience. It caters to travelers arriving on early morning flights or those simply eager to start their vacation, which can lead to positive reviews, increased guest satisfaction, and repeat bookings.

For property managers, it serves as a valuable opportunity for upselling, creating an additional revenue stream from what would otherwise be unoccupied time. It also acts as a competitive differentiator that signals a host's commitment to superior hospitality.

Examples

  • A family with young children lands at 9 a.m. for a rental with a 4 p.m. check-in. They request to check in by 1 p.m. to let their children nap. Since the cleaners are scheduled to finish by noon, the host approves the request at no charge.
  • A business traveler needs to check in by 12 p.m. to prepare for a 2 p.m. meeting. The host offers a guaranteed 12 p.m. check-in for a $50 fee, which the guest pays to secure the earlier time.
  • During a same-day turnover, a host receives an early check-in request. They check with their cleaning team, who confirms they can have the property ready two hours ahead of schedule. The host informs the new guest they can arrive at 2 p.m. instead of 4 p.m.
  • A host's direct booking website offers 'Early Check-in' as a paid add-on during the booking process. A guest selects this option, and the payment and confirmation are handled automatically.

Frequently asked questions

Should I charge a fee for early check-in?+
Whether to charge a fee depends on your business strategy. A fee can compensate for the additional coordination required with cleaning staff and position the service as a premium convenience. Alternatively, offering it for free on a case-by-case basis can be a powerful goodwill gesture that builds guest loyalty and encourages positive reviews.
How can I automate early check-in requests?+
Property management software is the key to automating these requests. Using scheduled, automated messages, you can inform guests about the option of an early check-in for a fee a few days before their arrival. Platforms like Lodgify allow hosts to manage these communications, process payments for the fee, and automatically update cleaning schedules, simplifying the entire process.
What if I cannot accommodate an early check-in request?+
Polite and prompt communication is crucial. Graciously decline the request and briefly explain why it is not possible (e.g., "To ensure the property is perfectly prepared for your stay, our cleaning team requires the full time until 4 p.m."). If possible, offer helpful alternatives, such as recommending a local café to relax in or a nearby luggage storage service.
How much should the fee be for an early check-in?+
A common approach is to set a flat fee (e.g., $25–$100) or a percentage of one night's rate (e.g., 25%). The price should reflect the level of convenience provided and any extra operational costs incurred, while remaining reasonable enough to be an attractive upsell for guests.
Keep reading

Related terms

Property Management

Check-in Time

Check-in time is the designated time on the day of arrival from which guests are permitted to enter and occupy a vacation rental property. It is a critical…

Read
Property Management

Late Check-out

Late check-out is an arrangement that permits guests to vacate a vacation rental property after the standard, pre-set departure time. It can be offered as a…

Read
Marketing

Upselling

Upselling is a sales technique designed to encourage guests to purchase a more expensive or premium version of a product or service, or to add additional…

Read
Property Management

Same-Day Turnover

Same-day turnover refers to the process where one guest checks out and another checks in on the same calendar day. This practice maximizes occupancy and…

Read
Stay in the loop

Join the Lodgify newsletter.

Once a month, get free templates, expert tips for hosts, industry news, webinar invitations, and more — straight to your inbox.

One email a month. Unsubscribe anytime.