We arrived at the Best Western Fairwinds Inn at 1:15pm for a 2-night stay. We had driven 5 hours in heavy rain, and were earlier than expected due to crossing a time zone. Upon arrival we learned that rooms were available but if we wanted to check in early we would have to pay one-half of the daily lodging rate (about $40). There was no attempt to accommodate us any earlier than the official 3:00pm check-in time, even though we were staying more than one night. Needless to say, we drove around in the rain until the 3:00pm check-in time.
It is a hotel’s prerogative to choose whether to have a policy where they make a reasonable effort to accommodate travelers who arrive early, or a policy where they try to take advantage of a situation to make a buck, as was our experience. However, if it is the hotel’s policy of charging for early check-in, this policy should be clearly stated on its hotel website, and in the hotel description on 3rd party booking engines. Had we been aware of this policy we would not have booked at the Best Western Fairwinds, and because of this experience we will stay elsewhere during our next visit to Cullman.
