In 2026, you generally cannot check in to a hotel on behalf of someone else if they are not physically present, due to strict security and fraud prevention policies. Hotels require the person whose name is on the reservation to present a valid photo ID and a credit card that matches that name for incidentals. However, if you are the one paying for the room but won't be there, you can pre-arrange this by filling out a Credit Card Authorization Form with the hotel in advance. This allows the hotel to charge your card for the room and tax while allowing the guest to check in using their own ID. If you simply want to "pick up the keys" for a friend, the hotel will likely refuse unless your name is also listed as an "authorized guest" on the reservation. For 2026 travelers, the best practice is to add the second guest's name to the booking during the reservation process to ensure they have no issues checking in alone.