Originally Posted by UniChris

Perhaps a silly question, but as something I've never tried to do on a ride, what sort of experiences have people had staying in motels?

Any general pushback or feelings of unwelcome over showing up with the appearance and aroma of a long day's ride?
Is your cash green? That's all they care about.
Instances of being told you have to leave your bike outside? An overnight-worthy lock is hardly in the carry budget.
Never had an issue bringing a bike in a room. Muddy Mt bike might be different.

What about the mechanics of checking out to start riding at 5am?
Let them know ahead of time and it shouldn't be an issue, especially with card keys today.

In a way I'm particularly ignorant... haven't been in a hotel or motel period in a number of years, and have basically never done so under anything but the usual, sterile airport shuttle / taxi type business travel or conventional drive up in a car and unload a suitcase type road trip.