Ready to plan your next incredible getaway? Booking a Marriott hotel can be a breeze, but knowing the ins and outs of their booking window can make all the difference in securing the perfect room at the best possible rate. Whether you're planning a dream vacation a year in advance or a last-minute business trip, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about booking Marriott hotels.
Step 1: Understand the Standard Marriott Booking Window
The most critical piece of information you need is the "booking window." For most standard paid reservations and redemptions with Marriott Bonvoy® points, you can book a Marriott hotel as early as 50 weeks (or about 350-355 days) in advance of your desired arrival date.
What does this mean for you? It means you can start looking for and reserving a room for a trip that's almost a year away. This is especially useful for securing a room during major holidays, festivals, or at highly sought-after properties where availability can disappear quickly.
A key distinction: While the general booking window is 50 weeks, some third-party sources may state slightly different numbers (e.g., 354 or 355 days). The official Marriott policy is the one to trust, but these small variations won't significantly impact your planning. The important takeaway is that you have nearly a full year to lock in your stay.
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| How Early Can You Book Marriott Hotels |
Step 2: Know the Exceptions and Special Cases
While the 50-week rule is a solid guideline, there are some important exceptions to be aware of. These can affect both when you can book and how you should approach your reservation.
Marriott Vacation Club: If you're a member of the Marriott Vacation Club, your booking window can be different. Depending on your membership level and the type of reservation you're making, you might be able to book up to 13 months in advance. This is a significant advantage for those looking to secure a specific, high-demand vacation week.
Last-Minute Bookings: Of course, you can book a Marriott hotel right up until the last minute. The Marriott Bonvoy® app and website are designed for easy, on-the-go reservations. However, while you might find a deal, you'll also be competing with other travelers for the remaining rooms, which could lead to higher prices or limited choices.
Step 3: Strategize Your Booking for the Best Value
Booking early is not just about securing a room; it's also about maximizing your value. Here's a step-by-step strategy to make the most of the booking window.
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Sub-heading: Booking with Cash
Book the "Flexible Rate" Early: When you book far in advance, your travel plans might still be uncertain. The best approach is to book a flexible, cancellable rate. This allows you to lock in a price while giving you the freedom to change or cancel without penalty if your plans change.
Monitor Rates Regularly: The price of a hotel room is dynamic and can fluctuate. After you've made your initial reservation, keep an eye on the rates. If the price drops closer to your travel date, you can easily cancel and re-book at the lower rate. This is where the flexible rate is your best friend.
Sub-heading: Booking with Marriott Bonvoy® Points
Secure Your Award Stay Early: Award availability can be limited, especially at popular properties and during peak seasons. As soon as the booking window opens, it's a good idea to book your award stay if you see availability.
Understand Dynamic Pricing: Marriott uses a dynamic pricing model for point redemptions. This means the number of points required for a free night can change. Like with cash bookings, it's a good practice to book early and then check back periodically. If the points required for your stay decrease, you can cancel and re-book to get those points back in your account.
Step 4: Making the Reservation
Now that you've got your strategy down, here's how to actually make the booking.
Online and App: The easiest and most common way to book is through the Marriott website or the Marriott Bonvoy® app. This gives you full visibility into available rooms, rates, and the booking window.
Phone Reservations: If you prefer to speak with a person or have a complex request, you can always call the worldwide reservations numbers. This is a great option for clarifying specific details or for special requests.
Book Your Group or Event: For weddings, corporate meetings, or other large events, you will need to book well in advance. Marriott has a dedicated portal for planning meetings and events, which often have their own specific booking windows and contract terms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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How to book a Marriott hotel with Bonvoy points?
You can book a Marriott hotel with Bonvoy points directly on the Marriott website or mobile app. Simply select the "Use Points/Awards" checkbox when searching for a hotel.
How to find the best rate for a Marriott hotel?
To find the best rate, book a flexible rate as early as possible and then regularly check back to see if the price has dropped. You can also look for special offers and promotions on the Marriott website.
How to book a Marriott hotel for a group?
Marriott has a dedicated "Meetings & Events" section on its website where you can submit a request for a group booking. This is the best way to secure a block of rooms and negotiate a group rate.
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How to change or cancel a Marriott hotel reservation?
You can modify or cancel your reservation online through the "My Trips" section of your Marriott Bonvoy® account or by contacting the hotel directly, provided your rate type allows for changes or cancellation.
How to book a Marriott hotel on a third-party website?
While you can book on third-party sites, it's often best to book directly with Marriott to ensure you receive all your Marriott Bonvoy® benefits and to be eligible for things like the Best Rate Guarantee.
How to make a special request for my Marriott reservation?
When making your reservation online, you can often add special requests in the "Room Requests and Accessibility" section. You can also call the hotel directly to confirm your request.
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How to book a Marriott hotel with a Free Night Award?
Free Night Awards can be redeemed online or via the Marriott Bonvoy® app. The process is similar to booking with points—the award will automatically be applied if it's eligible for your selected hotel and dates.
How to get an early check-in or late check-out at a Marriott hotel?
Early check-in and late check-out are based on availability and are not guaranteed unless you are a high-tier elite member. You can request it during online check-in or by speaking with the front desk upon arrival.
How to use Marriott's Best Rate Guarantee?
If you find a lower rate for the same hotel, room type, and dates on a non-Marriott website within 24 hours of booking, you can submit a Best Rate Guarantee claim on the Marriott website for a potential discount.
How to get the most value out of my Marriott Bonvoy® membership?
To get the most value, be sure to book directly with Marriott, earn and redeem points strategically, take advantage of elite status benefits, and keep an eye out for promotions and bonus point offers.
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