Early check in hotel

The Ibis Hotels chain in Europe have an early Check in option

Have your husband email or call the hotel and ask. Chances are, the property will say that it will try but there are no guarantees that the room will be ready. If they were sold out the night before, the maids might still be getting the rooms ready. The hotel will hold the luggage until the room is ready.

Customs is a walk through. No wait. You didn't ask about passport control; I would think would be of interest to you. The waiting time there will depend on several things like # of agents working at the time, how many jumbo jets and other aircraft arrived just before yours whose passengers would be ahead of your flight, and if you are among the first to deboard your flight.

Have a great time. I've never been to the Azores. Someday!!

I concur with continental. I don't know about Portugal in particular, but hotels in Europe are stricter with free early check-ins and late check-outs. According to several blogs that I follow, sometimes at major chain hotels, even elite members can't get these privileges.

I thought I might be able to find a hotel that would let him check in early and he could sleep until I got there.

This implies he will sleep several hours during the day. Most here would advise against more than a 45-90 minute nap. Sleep too much during the day and getting to sleep that night and getting 'on schedule' at your new location takes even longer

Another option is to start your reservation one night earlier and make sure the hotel knows he will be a “late” arrival.

Thanks for your suggestions.