The irony is of course, is that even if paid for it will not be guaranteed as they will reserve the right to withdraw it and refund the money based on space. If you didnt have status, then I might consider paying, as a Gold Card holder if they have a room, I would expect to have it without paying.
I think for me I will continue to email ahead asking for an early check in normally at the same time as I ask for a hotel pick up from the airport. As a diamond HH I’ve always been lucky, but once as gold arrived at Melbourne around 8am and had to wait till noon as hotel was full. Lesson learnt not to try again.
Seems to me this “amenity” is oriented on the “non-premium” guest. I have been a Platinum with Marriot and a Diamond with Hilton and I am routinely upgraded and given a room regardless of the time of day that I arrive.
