Hello there! Have you ever dreamed of staying at a beautiful Marriott hotel for a fraction of the cost? Well, if you know someone who works for Marriott, this dream can become a reality. The Marriott "Friends & Family" program, officially known as the Marriott Explore Rate, is an amazing benefit that allows employees to extend deep discounts on hotel stays to their loved ones.
This guide is going to walk you through everything you need to know, from understanding the different discount codes to the exact steps you need to take to book your next vacation. Let's get started on your journey to incredible savings!
Step 1: Understand the Different Marriott Employee Discounts
Before you can book, it's crucial to understand that there isn't just one single "friends and family" rate. Marriott has a tiered system to distinguish between discounts for employees, their immediate family, and their broader network of friends and extended family. Knowing the right one is the first and most important step.
The Explore Rate (Code: MMP)
This is the primary and most generous discount and is reserved for Marriott employees and their immediate family. The discounts here are significant, often reaching up to 80% off the standard room rate. Immediate family includes spouses, domestic partners, parents, parents-in-law, and children.
Who it's for: Marriott employees and their immediate family.
Key benefit: Heavily discounted rates, often 50% or more.
Authorization: The employee must make the booking and provide an "Explore Rate Authorization Form" at check-in. The employee is not required to stay, but the person staying must present a photo ID and the form.
The Explore Friends Rate (Code: MMF)
This is the rate most people refer to when they talk about the "friends and family" discount. This code is for a wider circle of people and is also an excellent value, though the discount is generally less than the MMP rate. Discounts can vary but typically range from 20-50% off the standard rate.
Who it's for: Friends, extended family, and any other nominated guests of a Marriott employee.
Key benefit: Significant savings for a broader group of people.
Authorization: Just like the MMP rate, you will need a valid "Explore Friends Rate Authorization Form" from the employee. This form must be presented at check-in along with your photo ID.
Quarter Century Club (Code: QCC)
This is a special benefit for former or current employees with 25 or more years of service. It offers even more generous benefits, including complimentary rooms. This is a very exclusive club and not a rate that most friends and family will be able to access.
Step 2: The Essential Requirement - The Authorization Form
This is the non-negotiable part of the process. You cannot book or use a Marriott Friends & Family rate without a valid authorization form.
What is the Form?
The authorization form is an official document generated by the Marriott employee through the company's internal system. It contains your name, the employee's name, and is valid for a specific period (usually two months). This form is what proves your eligibility for the discounted rate.
How to Get the Form
You must ask a Marriott employee to generate and provide this form to you. They will log into the internal system, enter your name, and generate the form. You should receive a digital copy (often a PDF) that you'll need to print out and bring with you.
Crucial Tip: The name on the authorization form must exactly match the name on your photo ID and the reservation. Any discrepancy could lead to the hotel denying the rate and charging you the full, standard price.
Step 3: Making the Reservation
Once you have your authorization form in hand, you're ready to book! The process is straightforward, but it's important to do it correctly to ensure the discount is applied.
Sub-heading: Booking Online
Go to the Marriott Website: Visit
www.marriott.comor use the Marriott Bonvoy app.Enter Your Details: Input your desired destination, travel dates, and the number of guests.
Find the "Special Rates" Section: This is the most critical part. Under the search criteria, you will see a dropdown or a link for "Special Rates." Click on it.
Enter the Code: In the "Corporate/Promo/SET#" field, enter the appropriate code:
For friends and extended family, use MMF.
For immediate family, use MMP.
Search for Hotels: Click "Find Hotels." The search results will now display only the hotels that have availability for the Friends & Family rate on your selected dates.
Book Your Room: Select your preferred hotel and room type. Complete the reservation as you would for any other booking. Remember to use the name on your authorization form!
Note: These rates are subject to availability. If a hotel is at high occupancy, you may not see the MMF or MMP rate available. It's always best to book well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Step 4: The Check-in Process
This is where your preparation pays off. You've booked your room and now you're at the front desk.
Have Your Documents Ready: As you check in, be prepared to present the following:
A valid photo ID (passport, driver's license, etc.).
The printed authorization form that was provided by the Marriott employee.
Verification: The front desk agent will verify the information on your photo ID against the authorization form and the reservation.
Enjoy Your Stay! Once everything is verified, you're all set to enjoy your discounted stay.
Step 5: Important Rules and Limitations
To avoid any issues, it's essential to be aware of the rules that govern the Marriott Friends & Family program.
Personal Use Only: These rates are for personal travel only. They cannot be used for business trips.
Non-Transferable: The discount is for the person whose name is on the authorization form and cannot be transferred to anyone else.
Booking Limits: The number of rooms you can book may be limited. The MMP rate for immediate family is typically limited to one room per night per family member, while the MMF rate can be more flexible.
No Stacking: You cannot combine the Friends & Family discount with other promotions, offers, or loyalty points.
No Bonvoy Points or Status: Stays booked with the MMF or MMP rates do not earn Marriott Bonvoy points or elite night credits. However, you can still get your Bonvoy member benefits at the hotel, such as free Wi-Fi, if you are a member.
Disclaimer: Marriott reserves the right to change the program rules at any time. Always double-check the latest terms and conditions with the employee who is providing the form.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to get a Marriott Friends and Family authorization form?
You must ask a current Marriott employee to generate the authorization form for you through their internal system. The employee will then provide you with a digital copy (usually a PDF) that you need to print and bring with you.
How to book a room with the Marriott Friends and Family code?
Visit marriott.com and enter your destination and dates. Click on the "Special Rates" dropdown and enter the code MMF in the "Corporate/Promo/SET#" field. Then, click "Find Hotels" to see available rates.
How much is the Marriott Friends and Family discount?
The discount can vary significantly depending on the hotel, location, and time of year. The MMF rate typically ranges from 20% to 50% off the standard room rate, while the more generous MMP rate can offer even deeper discounts.
How to know if a hotel has the Friends and Family rate available?
You will only see the Friends and Family rates available on the Marriott website or app after you enter the code (MMF or MMP) in the "Special Rates" field and search for hotels. If a hotel does not appear, it means the rate is not available for your selected dates.
How to know if I am eligible for the Marriott Friends and Family discount?
You are eligible if a current Marriott employee has given you a valid authorization form with your name on it. Eligibility is determined by the employee's relationship to you, and the specific codes (MMP or MMF) reflect that.
How to check in with the Marriott Friends and Family rate?
At check-in, you must present a valid photo ID and a printed copy of the authorization form you received from the Marriott employee. The name on the reservation, ID, and form must all match.
How to book multiple rooms with the Friends and Family rate?
The MMF rate generally allows for more flexibility with multiple rooms, but the exact policy can vary. It's best to confirm the number of rooms allowed with the employee who is providing the form and check the specific rate rules during the booking process.
How to use the Friends and Family rate if the employee isn't staying with me?
The employee is not required to be present at check-in or to stay at the hotel. As long as you have the valid authorization form with your name on it and your photo ID, you can check in and enjoy your stay.
How does the Marriott Bonvoy program work with the Friends and Family rate?
Stays booked with the MMF or MMP rates do not earn Marriott Bonvoy points or elite night credits. However, if you are a Marriott Bonvoy member, you can still enjoy your standard member benefits, such as complimentary Wi-Fi.
How to resolve an issue if a hotel denies my Friends and Family rate?
If a hotel denies your rate, it is likely due to a discrepancy with your authorization form or a failure to present the required documents. Politely ask the front desk agent to clarify the reason. If you believe there has been a mistake and all your documents are correct, you may need to contact the Marriott employee who provided the form for assistance.
