Check-In/Check-Out
All hotels have standard check-in and check-out times.  You will usually find the check-in time is 1 PM or 3 PM, and the checkout time is between 10 AM and noon.  So, how does this affect your getting around? Well, the easy part is to plan your arrival for shortly after the Check-in time.  Some hotels will allow you to check in early, if they have a room ready. (if you have a room in a reserved block, the this might not apply)  Ask about early arrival when you make your reservation.

You also want to plan to get up with enough time to pack and clear out before check out. Many hotels do allow a late checkout (usually two hours later).  Again, ask about it when you make your reservation.

Room etiquette
Here's a simple plan; leave the room as you find it!

Yes, housekeeping expects to find the bath towels in a pile on the floor and the beds slept in.  Beyond that, do not try rearranging the furniture.  Do not take the pictures off the wall, do not try to force the windows open beyond their stops.  Treat everything as thought it's your grandmother's.

Room TV 
So, all hotels include a television in thier rooms.  These days it is usually some type of flat-screen. DO NOT THINK ABOUT TAKING IT HOME!  Most of these TVs have multiple inputs, and most hotels will not mind if you plug your XBox into the spare input jacks. 

The typical TV service is some type of basic cable or satellite (local channels, news,weather and some family channels).  Most support Pay-per-view, and will bill PPV to your room.

WiFi
Many hotels now offer in-room WiFi.  Some charge, others don't.  It varies.  If you need to be online, you might ask about it when you're looking for where you want to stay (many will advertise ifi it is free). Many hotels that are too big for WiFi offer wired internet service under similar conditions.  You may want to pack a spare network cord for your laptop, just in case.

Amenities 
Besides the television, hotels will vary greatly on the amenities. You will usually find a light-duty hair dryer in the bathroom.  Most have a small ironing board and light-duty iron in the closet area.  Many are starting to make mini-fridges and microwaves standard, though not all do.  Small coffee makers are also frequently found.

Many hotels will have a complimentary continental breakfast.  Some have small dining areas, and most will allow you to take food back to your room. If you are making a point of eating right during the con (and you *should be*), this is a great way to get your day started.

Bring a power strip
One thing you will will notice is a distinct lack of power outlets in your hotel room.  Most rooms have just enough outlets for the room's equipment and a laptop at the desk.  If you have a cell phone charger, digital camera and XBox, you may have to spend a lot of time plugging/unplugging gear.  We recommend a small outlet strip in your laptop bag. You don't need a fancy 15 outlet "power bar." A decent 12 inch long outlet strip only costs around 10 bucks.  If you find you forgot one, find the nearest anyplace and pick one up.  (they're so universal, we won't even bother trying to recommend one)

Room parties
Ok, so you and a group of friends are going to a con, and you know you will see more friends there. At some point, you all may want to go back to your room to hang out away from the mass crowds. If it's just eight to tem of you, sitting around eating pizza, drinking soda and chatting, it's usually all cool.  If, however, you are leaving your door open and whoever wants to wander in is welcome, then you have a "room party."

If you are planning this from the start, you will want to consider getting your room art the conventions's main hotel.  Many times, the convention will have a block or hotel rooms reserved for room parties. They are typically on the first floor, near the convention space.  some conventions require you to register your room party with them, others just say to tell the hotel to put you in the party block when you make your reservation.

Please note: If you are running a formal room party, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE!  It is on you to control how many people are jammed in your room, you are responsible for making sure that anyone consuming alcohol in your room is of legal drinking age, and you are responsible for paying for any damage done to the room.