u/WeWantWeasels

complete newbie, sorry if this is a "stupid" question:

i'm going on a cross country trip by train from the north of sweden to the south of sweden. i need a hotel upon my arrival. i arrive at 00:42 on may 20th, and depart at 05:17 on may 22nd.

when booking a hotel, i see the terms "check in" and "check out". can i just book a hotel for may 20th to may 22nd, or does "check in" mean i actually need to stand around and wait until like noon on the 20th so i'd have to actually book for may 19th to may 22nd?