Checking into a Marriott can generally be done any time after the hotel's official check-in time, which is typically 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM, but may vary by location. The most important thing is to communicate with the hotel if you'll be arriving late. If you don't, the hotel might mark your reservation as a "no-show" and cancel it, which can result in a cancellation fee.
Step 1: Start with the Right Attitude
Hey there! Planning a trip and worried about a late arrival? Don't stress! The key to a seamless late check-in at a Marriott property is all about proactive communication. Think of the hotel staff as your travel partners, not just the people behind the counter. A little politeness goes a long way. Let's make sure your late arrival is as smooth as possible.
How Late Can You Check Into A Marriott |
Step 2: Find the Official Check-In Time ️
Every Marriott hotel has a standard check-in time, and this is the first piece of information you'll need. This is the time when your room is guaranteed to be ready. You can find this information in a few places:
Your Reservation Confirmation: This is the best place to look. The check-in and check-out times are almost always listed here.
The Marriott Website or App: When you're looking at the hotel's page, you'll find the check-in and check-out times in the "Hotel Information" or "Property Details" section.
A quick phone call: If you can't find it online, a quick call to the front desk will get you the answer.
Most Marriott properties have a check-in time around 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM local time. However, this can change, especially at resort or vacation club properties, so it's essential to confirm the exact time for your specific hotel.
Step 3: Communicate Your Late Arrival
This is the most critical step! As soon as you know you'll be arriving late, you need to inform the hotel. This prevents the hotel from thinking you're a no-show.
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Sub-heading: How to Get in Touch
Call the hotel directly: This is often the most effective method. A quick phone call to the front desk is the best way to ensure your late arrival is noted on your reservation. You can find the hotel's phone number on your reservation confirmation or the Marriott website.
Use the Marriott Bonvoy App: If you're a Marriott Bonvoy member, you can use the app to check in online up to 24 hours before your arrival. During this process, you can specify your anticipated arrival time. Some hotels also offer a chat feature within the app, which is a great way to communicate with the front desk staff.
Add a note to your reservation: When booking online or modifying your reservation, there's often a section for "Room Requests and Accessibility" where you can add your estimated arrival time.
Step 4: The Night Audit and What It Means for You ⏰
Every hotel runs a "night audit" process, which is an accounting procedure that closes the day's business. This usually happens sometime between 1:00 AM and 3:00 AM. During this time, the system processes things like payments and room charges. If you haven't checked in by the time the night audit runs, the hotel's system might automatically flag you as a no-show and cancel your reservation.
This is why calling the hotel and having them make a note on your reservation is so important. By doing this, they can manually check you in before the audit runs, ensuring your room is held for you even if you arrive at 4:00 AM.
Step 5: What if I'm a Marriott Bonvoy Member?
Being a Marriott Bonvoy member can make the process even easier.
Mobile Check-in: As mentioned, the app allows you to check in online up to 24 hours in advance. This streamlines the process significantly.
Digital Key: For some properties, you can use the app as your room key, which means you might be able to bypass the front desk entirely and go straight to your room, as long as you've already checked in online and communicated your late arrival.
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10 Related FAQs
How to request a late check-in?
Just call the hotel's front desk directly and let them know your estimated arrival time. You can also use the Marriott Bonvoy app to specify your arrival time during mobile check-in.
How to avoid my reservation being canceled for a no-show?
The best way is to call the hotel and let them know you will be arriving late. This allows them to manually pre-check you in and hold the room.
How to find the official check-in time for my hotel?
Check your reservation confirmation email or the specific hotel's page on the Marriott website or app.
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How to know if my late check-in request was successful?
When you call, ask the front desk agent to make a note on your reservation and give you their name. You can also ask them to confirm what time they'll hold the room for you.
How to use the Marriott Bonvoy app for late check-in?
Open the app, select your reservation, and tap the "Check In" button. You'll be able to enter your anticipated arrival time during this process.
How to get a digital key for my room?
The digital key is available for many properties through the Marriott Bonvoy app. You'll be prompted to use it after you've completed a mobile check-in and the hotel has assigned your room.
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How to handle a last-minute flight delay affecting my check-in?
Call the hotel as soon as you know your plans have changed. Explain the situation, and they will likely make a note to hold your room for you.
How to guarantee a room will be available for a very late arrival (e.g., 2 AM)?
If you are worried about a very early morning arrival (after midnight), the only way to guarantee a room is to book the room for the night before. Otherwise, you must communicate with the hotel.
How late can I check in at a Marriott Vacation Club property?
Check-in times for Marriott Vacation Club properties are often stricter, usually around 4:00 PM. Always confirm the specific policy for the property you are booking.
How to find the hotel's contact information?
The hotel's phone number and address are listed on your reservation confirmation and on the hotel's page on the Marriott website or app.