You can certainly check in at a hotel at 8pm. Most hotels have a 24/7 front desk service, which means you can check in at any time of the day or night. However, it is always a good idea to call ahead and make a reservation if you know you will be arriving late.
By calling ahead and making a reservation, you ensure that the hotel will hold a room for you until you arrive. This is especially important if you are arriving late in the evening when the hotel might be fully booked or have limited availability.
When making a reservation, it is common practice to provide your credit card information as a guarantee. This guarantees the hotel that you will show up and also serves as a form of payment for the room. The hotel will typically charge your credit card for the cost of the room, either in advance or upon arrival.
Calling ahead and making a reservation with your credit card information also allows the hotel to prepare for your arrival. They can assign you a room, make sure it is clean and ready for your stay, and have all the necessary paperwork ready for a smooth check-in process.
It’s worth noting that some hotels may have specific policies or procedures for late check-ins, so it’s always best to call ahead and confirm their requirements. This will help to avoid any confusion or inconvenience upon your arrival.
In my personal experience, I have checked into hotels late at night on multiple occasions. By calling ahead and making a reservation, I have always been able to secure a room and have a hassle-free check-in process. The hotel staff has always been accommodating and understanding of late arrivals, ensuring a comfortable stay.