Demystifying the Marriott Explore Rate: Your Ultimate Guide to Getting an Authorization Form
Hey there, fellow travelers and hospitality enthusiasts! Ever dreamed of experiencing Marriott's incredible properties at a significantly reduced rate? Perhaps you have a friend or family member who works for Marriott, and you've heard whispers of the elusive "Explore Rate" or "Friends & Family Rate." Well, you're in the right place! This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how to get a Marriott Explore Rate authorization form, ensuring your next stay is not only memorable but also incredibly affordable.
Let's dive in, shall we?
Understanding the Marriott Explore Rate Program
Before we jump into the "how-to," it's crucial to understand what the Marriott Explore Rate program is all about. This isn't just a random discount code you can find floating around the internet. It's a highly valued employee benefit designed to allow Marriott associates (and their eligible friends and family) to experience Marriott's vast portfolio of hotels at a reduced cost.
There are generally two main categories of the Explore Rate:
Marriott Explore Rate (MMP): This is primarily for Marriott associates and their immediate family members. It offers a deep discount, sometimes up to 80% off standard rates. Immediate family typically includes spouses/domestic partners, children, parents/parents-in-law, and siblings.
Marriott Explore Friends Rate (MMF): This is for friends and extended family members of Marriott associates. While still a fantastic discount, it's generally around 50% off.
Important Note: These rates are for personal travel only, not business travel. Misuse can lead to severe consequences for the sponsoring associate, including loss of privileges or even disciplinary action.
Step 1: Engage with Your Marriott Connection (The Crucial First Move!)
This is arguably the most important step, and where your journey begins! If you're looking to get a Marriott Explore Rate authorization form, you must have a direct connection with a current Marriott associate.
Reach out to your Marriott friend or family member directly. This program is exclusively for their benefit and the benefit of those they choose to extend it to. They are your gateway to this fantastic perk.
Be clear and polite about your request. Explain that you're interested in booking a Marriott stay and would love to utilize their Explore Rate benefit, if possible.
Understand that this is a privilege, not a right. Your Marriott connection is doing you a favor, and they are responsible for your conduct while you're using the rate. Be respectful of their generosity and the company's policies.
Step 2: The Marriott Associate's Role – Accessing the Authorization Form
Once your Marriott connection agrees to help, the ball is largely in their court. The authorization form cannot be directly obtained by you, the guest. It must be generated by the Marriott associate.
Sub-heading: Logging into mHUB – The Associate's Portal
The primary platform for Marriott associates to generate these forms is mHUB.marriott.com. This is Marriott's internal intranet site, accessible only to employees with their Enterprise ID (EID) and password.
Your Marriott connection will need to log in to mHUB.
They will then navigate to their "Explore" tab. This section is dedicated to employee benefits, including the Explore Rate program.
Sub-heading: Generating the Correct Form
The process for generating the form differs slightly depending on whether it's for the associate themselves, an immediate family member, or a friend/extended family member.
For the Associate or Immediate Family (MMP Rate):
On the Explore tab, they will typically see an option like "Print Room Discount Form" or "Print Explore Program Authorization Form."
If it's for an immediate family member (spouse, child, parent, sibling), the associate needs to ensure that the guest's name is properly registered under their "Immediate Family" section within mHUB before generating the form. This is crucial as the form will automatically populate with the eligible guest's name.
Do NOT manually edit a form that automatically populates with the associate's name if it's for someone else. This can cause issues at check-in and lead to problems for the associate.
For Friends and Extended Family (MMF Rate):
The associate will typically click on "Manage Friends and Family" from the Actions menu on the Explore tab.
They will then select "Add Friend or Family" and enter your name and your relationship to them (e.g., "friend").
Once your name is added, they can select it from a drop-down list and generate the "Explore Friends Rate" authorization form for you.
Pro Tip: It's recommended that associates only add friends and family members when they have an actual reservation in mind to avoid reaching system limits or cluttering their list.
Step 3: Receiving and Reviewing Your Authorization Form
Once your Marriott connection has generated the form, they will provide it to you. This is typically a PDF document.
Ensure you receive the original PDF document. Do not accept a screenshot or a poorly scanned copy.
Carefully review all the details on the form.
Your full name should be clearly and accurately spelled.
The Marriott associate's name and Employee ID should be present.
The type of rate (Explore Rate for immediate family, or Explore Friends Rate) should be correctly indicated, often with an 'X' in a checkbox.
The relationship to the associate should be noted.
There might be a section for the hotel name and stay dates, though sometimes these forms are more generic.
Step 4: Booking Your Marriott Stay with the Explore Rate
With your authorization form in hand, you're ready to book your discounted stay!
Sub-heading: Using the Correct Corporate/Promotional Code
When booking on Marriott.com, you'll need to enter a specific corporate/promotional code:
For the Explore Rate (immediate family), use code MMP.
For the Explore Friends Rate (friends and extended family), use code MMF.
Go to
www.marriott.com Enter your desired destination and dates.
Look for the "Special Rates" or "Corporate/Promotional Code" field.
Enter the appropriate code (MMP or MMF) and click "Apply."
Search for hotels. You should now see the discounted rates appear for eligible properties.
Important Considerations:
Availability is key: The Explore Rates are space-available and are not guaranteed. During peak seasons, holidays, or at very popular properties, these rates may not be available.
Not all properties participate: While most Marriott properties participate, some exclusions exist (e.g., certain luxury brands like Ritz-Carlton, EDITION, Bulgari, or Design Hotels might have limited or no participation).
Booking restrictions: The Explore Rate (MMP) usually allows for up to two rooms per night under an associate's benefit (the associate must stay in one). Immediate family members are typically limited to one room per night. The MMF rate generally has no limit on the number of rooms, subject to availability.
Step 5: The Check-In Process – Presenting Your Form and ID
This is where all your preparation pays off!
Print your authorization form. While digital copies may sometimes be accepted, it's always safest to have a physical printout.
Bring a valid photo ID. This is mandatory. A government-issued ID like a driver's license or passport is ideal.
Present both the authorization form and your photo ID at the front desk during check-in. The front desk staff will verify the information.
The front desk may make a photocopy of your authorization form but should not retain the original. However, policies can vary, so be prepared for them to keep the physical form.
Establish credit for your stay. Just like any other hotel stay, you'll need a valid credit card for incidentals.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Marriott Explore Rate
Here are 10 common questions asked about the Marriott Explore Rate, with quick answers to guide you:
How to obtain the Marriott Explore Rate authorization form?
You cannot directly obtain it. A current Marriott associate must generate the form for you via their internal mHUB portal.
How to know if I'm eligible for the Marriott Explore Rate?
You are eligible if you are a current Marriott associate or an immediate family member (spouse/domestic partner, child, parent/parent-in-law, sibling) of a current Marriott associate. Friends and extended family are eligible for the "Explore Friends Rate."
How to book a room with the Marriott Explore Rate?
Book directly on
How to ensure my authorization form is valid?
Ensure it's an original PDF generated by the Marriott associate through mHUB, with your name and relationship accurately listed. Do not accept manually altered forms.
How to handle check-in with the Explore Rate?
Present your printed authorization form and a valid photo ID at the front desk. Be prepared for the hotel to make a copy of the form.
How to find out which hotels participate in the Explore Rate program?
Most Marriott-managed and franchised hotels participate, but availability depends on forecasted occupancy. Some luxury brands or specific properties may have limited or no participation. Search on Marriott.com with the code to see available rates.
How to determine the difference between MMP and MMF rates?
MMP (Marriott Explore Rate) is for associates and immediate family, offering a higher discount (up to 80%). MMF (Marriott Explore Friends Rate) is for friends and extended family, typically offering around 50% off.
How to avoid issues when using the Explore Rate?
Always have the correct, unedited authorization form and a valid photo ID. Understand that rates are space-available and may not always be the absolute lowest price. Adhere to all program terms and conditions.
How to get help if my Marriott connection has trouble generating the form?
They should contact their Marriott HR department or internal IT support for assistance with mHUB and the Explore Program.
How to find the terms and conditions of the Marriott Explore Rate?
The detailed terms and conditions are accessible to Marriott associates on mHUB when they generate the forms. It's advisable to review these with your Marriott connection.
