Check in time?

Mimoshka · Jul 14, 2011

Do the HGVC resorts strictly enforce the 4 pm check in time? We'll be visiting HGVC Sea World next month, but will be arriving somewhere between 1-2. Didn't know if they would allow us into our room before 4, or if they'd just hold our luggage and tell us to chill by the pool until 4. We arrive on a Monday, which I am guessing will be less busy of a check-in day than the weekend, if that makes a difference.

Thanks!

Adrienne · Jul 14, 2011

All I know is Kingsland, but they always let us check in early.

Remy · Jul 14, 2011

Some do, some don't. We got in at 2:30 and checked in without a problem last week. During busier times I've had someone make me wait until exactly 4:00. Not even kidding. I asked at 3:55 and they said "Just a few more minutes."

Talent312 · Jul 14, 2011

If you are set for a unit that was just vacated that morning, you may well be told to cool your heels while its cleaned. OTOH, you might be offered an alternative unit that was vacated a day or two before.

If you must wait, it would be a good time to do your grocery shopping.

linsj · Jul 14, 2011

I've never had to wait until 4:00, but it depends on how full they are that day.

Mimoshka · Jul 14, 2011

Talent -- great idea! Thanks.

janckenn · Jul 14, 2011

Contact front desk at HGVC Seaworld a few days before your arrival and let them know that you would like to check in early. They usually will try to accommodate you if you ask nicely.

jestme · Jul 15, 2011

It's never been a problem if the room is available. However, last year, we had a room that was vacated by an Elite member who checked out later (3:00 PM) and we had to wait a bit.

rebel · Jul 15, 2011

We normally get to the resort just after noon and don't have a problem. One time we took a redeye flight to Orlando and got to Int. Drive about 6:00am and got into our rooms. But we just went to the Lagoon Tower at HHV and could not get in until about 2:30. Depends if they were fully booked the night before for the type of room you reserved.

Passepartout · Jul 15, 2011

My experience over hundreds of check-ins is that IF the room is available, you can check in. If not, they can hold you until THEIR check-in time. However, even in the most humble of 2 star lodgings, there's a place to stash your bags so you can go shopping, sightseeing, to the bar, lunch, pool, beach or wherever without dragging your suitcases along.

Pretty much a case-by-case situation. Believe me, if your room is ready, the front desk people don't want you hanging around the lobby watching the clock. They might offer you a different room that's made-up rather than the one promised you (and this may be lucky or not).

Jim Ricks

travelguy · Jul 15, 2011

We always go to the front desk regardless of what time we get there. We explain that we know we are early but are checking to see if any rooms are available. The HGVC front desk personnel have ALWAYS found a way to get us rooms at that time. Other timeshare systems ... not so much.

It pays to be respectful and pleasant to the staff as they have the power to add tremendous benefit to your stay!

Luanne · Jul 15, 2011

Passepartout said:
My experience over hundreds of check-ins is that IF the room is available, you can check in. If not, they can hold you until THEIR check-in time. However, even in the most humble of 2 star lodgings, there's a place to stash your bags so you can go shopping, sightseeing, to the bar, lunch, pool, beach or wherever without dragging your suitcases along.

Pretty much a case-by-case situation. Believe me, if your room is ready, the front desk people don't want you hanging around the lobby watching the clock. They might offer you a different room that's made-up rather than the one promised you (and this may be lucky or not).

Jim Ricks

This has been our experience as well. We stayed at the Bay Club (check in is at Kingsland I believe) and were told our unit wasn't ready. But they took all of our luggage, including the bag of groceries. And when we did finally check in, our luggage was in the unit, and the groceries had been put into the refrigerator.

Check in time?

Mimoshka

Adrienne

Remy

Talent312

TUG Review Crew: Veteran

linsj

TUG Review Crew: Veteran

Mimoshka

janckenn

jestme

rebel

Passepartout

TUG Review Crew: Veteran

travelguy

Luanne

TUG Review Crew: Expert