The staff is always very polite and try to be as helpful as possible.
We were about 15 minutes from the resort but wanted to stay and watch the AFC game before checking in. When the game was over, around 4PM, I called the front desk to inquire about a late check in. We spent the early part of the day, prior to check in, at our in-laws watching the NFC Championship game.
While all the rooms and suites at Tulalip are very nice the upper floors offers slightly better amenities and views. We made our reservations in late November and requested an upper floor room.
Being well seasoned travelers we are well aware of the check in policies at most hotels and we schedule our trips and arrival times accordingly. My wife and I stay at the Tulalip Resort every Jan for 2 or 3 days.