Ever found yourself shivering or sweating in a Marriott hotel room, fighting with a thermostat that just won't cooperate? You're not alone. Many hotels, including Marriott properties, use thermostats that are programmed with a limited temperature range to conserve energy. This can be frustrating, especially when you want your room to be a specific temperature for a good night's sleep. But don't worry, there are some clever ways to take control. This guide will walk you through the process of overriding a Marriott thermostat, so you can get the room temperature just right.
Step 1: Identify Your Thermostat Type
Before you can override the thermostat, you need to know what you're working with. Marriott properties use a variety of thermostat models, but some of the most common ones are made by Inncom or Honeywell. They often look like a small digital display with a few buttons.
Inncom Thermostats: These are very common in Marriott hotels. They're typically a small, square unit with a digital display and buttons for "Display," "Mode," "Fan," and temperature up/down arrows.
Honeywell Thermostats: You might also find Honeywell models. These can vary in appearance, but they often have a more modern look with a larger digital screen and a similar set of buttons.
Take a quick look at your thermostat. If you can, try to find a brand name on it. This will help you find the most accurate override instructions. If you don't see a brand name, don't fret; the most common methods usually work on multiple models.
Step 2: The "VIP Mode" or "LEN Mode" Trick
This is the most popular and often most effective method for overriding a hotel thermostat. This sequence of button presses unlocks a "VIP" or "LEN" mode, which stands for "Limited Energy Management." This mode essentially gives you full control over the temperature settings, bypassing the hotel's programmed limits.
Sub-heading: The Button Combination ️
The exact combination can vary slightly depending on the thermostat model, but here's a general sequence to try first:
Press and hold the "Display" button.
While holding "Display," press and release the "Off" or "Mode" button.
While still holding "Display," press and release the "Up" arrow button.
Now, release all buttons.
If the sequence worked, you should see "VIP" or "LEN" appear on the screen. The display might flash for a moment, and then you'll be able to adjust the temperature below the previous limit. This can often get you down to as low as 60-65°F (15-18°C).
If that combination doesn't work, try these alternatives:
Alternative 1: Press and hold "Mode" and "Fan" simultaneously, then press the "Up" arrow.
Alternative 2: Press and hold the "+" and "-" buttons together for a few seconds.
Remember, the key is to press and hold certain buttons while quickly pressing others. It might take a few tries to get the timing right, so be patient.
Step 3: Dealing with Motion Sensors ♂️
Many modern hotel thermostats have motion sensors that turn off the heating or cooling system when no one is in the room. This is another energy-saving feature that can be particularly annoying when you're trying to sleep and the room gets warm.
Sub-heading: The "Fan On" Hack ️
The simplest way to bypass this is to set the fan to the "On" setting instead of "Auto." The fan will run continuously, which often tricks the system into thinking the room is occupied. This keeps the air circulating and can help maintain a more consistent temperature. While it might not keep the AC running at full blast, it's a great way to avoid the system shutting down completely.
Sub-heading: The "Physical Trick"
Another method, although a bit more creative, is to trick the motion sensor itself. The sensors are usually small, infrared units. You can try a few things to keep the sensor "active":
Hang a towel or shirt over a chair or the end of the bed where the sensor can see it. The slight movement from the air conditioner or people walking by can sometimes be enough to trick it.
Use a small object like a piece of paper or tissue attached to a fan or air vent to create constant, gentle movement near the sensor.
Step 4: When All Else Fails... Call the Front Desk
If you've tried everything and the thermostat is still being stubborn, don't give up. The best thing to do is to simply call the front desk.
Politely explain the situation: Tell them you're having trouble getting the room to a comfortable temperature.
Request assistance: A maintenance or engineering staff member can often come to your room and make the necessary adjustments from their end. They have access to the system's master controls and can override the limits permanently for your stay.
Asking nicely is key here. They are usually more than willing to help a guest be comfortable.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get a Marriott thermostat to go below the set limit? To get a Marriott thermostat to go below its set temperature limit, try the "VIP" or "LEN" mode trick by pressing and holding a combination of buttons, typically "Display" and "Off," followed by "Up."
How to make a hotel thermostat stay on? To make a hotel thermostat stay on, set the fan to "On" instead of "Auto." This keeps the fan running continuously, which can prevent the system from shutting down due to a motion sensor.
How to reset a hotel thermostat? To reset a hotel thermostat, try turning it off, then pressing and holding the "Up" and "Down" arrows simultaneously for a few seconds. This can sometimes reset the unit to its default settings.
How to turn off the motion sensor on a Marriott thermostat? Most Marriott thermostats don't have a direct button to turn off the motion sensor. The best way to bypass it is to use the "Fan On" hack or place a moving object, like a small helium balloon, in the sensor's line of sight.
How to override a Honeywell hotel thermostat? For a Honeywell hotel thermostat, try holding down the "Display" button, then pressing "Off," and then "Up" while continuing to hold "Display." This is a common override sequence for many hotel models.
How to override an Inncom hotel thermostat? For an Inncom hotel thermostat, the most common override method is the "Display," "Off," and "Up" sequence. Holding down "Display" first is the crucial step.
How to get a hotel room colder without the AC? Without the AC, you can try opening the window if possible, using a desk fan to circulate air, and closing the blinds or curtains during the day to block out heat.
How to get the fan to stay on constantly on a hotel thermostat? To keep the fan on constantly, simply press the "Fan" button until you see the "On" or "High" setting displayed on the screen. Avoid the "Auto" setting.
How to find the VIP code for my hotel thermostat? The "VIP" or "LEN" mode isn't a code but a hidden setting accessed by a specific button sequence. The most common sequence is pressing and holding "Display," then pressing "Off," then "Up."
How to trick a hotel thermostat's motion sensor when sleeping? When sleeping, a motion sensor might turn off the AC. To trick it, you can place a small fan in the room and aim it at the sensor to create constant movement, or place a light object that can be moved by the AC's airflow.
