[Soundgod]

There are two different concepts in action here. Early check in is not the same as getting into your room early.
Checking in is the act of registering with your hotel, signing forms, giving credit cards, and getting any vacation package entitlements. You should not expect your room to be ready before 3, although often times it will be. When you check in and they give you your key to the world, it might have the room encoded on it and you probably could open the lock, but the desk will not tell you your actual room number until your room is actually ready for you.