It doesn't always work. I am 3 for 3 doing "online check in" and then getting there and there is no packet ready for me. I have never gotten a room ready text ahead of arrival, so I have had to stop at the desk every time, and I end up having to go through the whole process with setting up my credit card, etc.

I am going to try it again this summer. Crossing my fingers that I can AVOID the front desk check in shenanigans entirely this time.