Have you ever arrived at a Marriott hotel after a long journey, only to be met with a long line at the front desk, eager to just get to your room and unwind? What if I told you there's a way to skip that line entirely and head straight to your room, sometimes even using your phone as a key? Welcome to the world of Marriott Mobile Check-in, a feature designed to make your travel experience smoother and more efficient!
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of using Marriott's mobile check-in feature, from preparing for your trip to unlocking your room with your smartphone. Let's get started on revolutionizing your hotel arrival experience!
The Magic of Marriott Mobile Check-In: A Seamless Start to Your Stay
Marriott Mobile Check-in is a fantastic benefit for Marriott Bonvoy members, allowing you to streamline your arrival at participating hotels. It's all about convenience, saving you precious time and letting you get to the good stuff faster – whether that's relaxing in your room, exploring the hotel's amenities, or heading out to discover your destination.
What is Mobile Check-In?
Simply put, mobile check-in allows you to initiate the check-in process for your hotel reservation through the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app on your smartphone or even via the Marriott website, typically starting 48 hours before your arrival. This means providing your estimated arrival time, confirming details, and in many cases, receiving a notification when your room is ready.
Why Use Mobile Check-In?
Speed and Efficiency: The most obvious benefit! No more waiting in line at the front desk.
Convenience: Check in from anywhere – your couch, the airport, or even while en route to the hotel.
Mobile Key (at select properties): For an even more seamless experience, many hotels offer Mobile Key, turning your smartphone into your room key.
Personalization: You can often indicate your preferred arrival time and sometimes even make requests directly through the app.
Room Ready Notifications: Get a push notification as soon as your room is available, so you know exactly when you can head up.
Step 1: Getting Ready for a Smooth Mobile Check-In
Before you can unlock the magic of Marriott's mobile check-in, there are a few prerequisites to ensure a seamless experience. Don't skip this initial preparation, as it's key to a stress-free arrival!
Sub-heading: Join Marriott Bonvoy
The first and most crucial step is to be a Marriott Bonvoy member. Mobile check-in is an exclusive benefit for members. If you're not yet a member, don't worry – it's free and easy to join! You can sign up directly through the Marriott Bonvoy app or on the Marriott website.
Sub-heading: Download the Marriott Bonvoy App
This might seem obvious, but it's essential. The Marriott Bonvoy app is your command center for mobile check-in and many other valuable features.
For iOS users: Head to the Apple App Store.
For Android users: Go to the Google Play Store. Search for "Marriott Bonvoy" and download the official app. Make sure it's the latest version for optimal performance and access to all features.
Sub-heading: Ensure Your Reservation is Linked to Your Bonvoy Account
When you book your Marriott stay, make sure your Marriott Bonvoy member number is associated with the reservation. If you booked as a guest and later joined Bonvoy, you can usually add your member number to existing reservations through the "My Trips" section of the app or website.
Sub-heading: Enable Push Notifications
To receive real-time updates, such as when mobile check-in is available or when your room is ready, ensure that push notifications are enabled for the Marriott Bonvoy app on your mobile device. You can usually find this setting in your phone's general settings under "Apps" or "Notifications."
Sub-heading: Review Your Payment Information
While you don't typically finalize payment during mobile check-in, having your payment information up-to-date in your Marriott Bonvoy profile can prevent delays. Some hotels may still require you to stop by the front desk to confirm payment upon arrival, especially if a corporate ID or specific payment details need verification.
Step 2: The Mobile Check-In Process (Pre-Arrival)
Now that you're prepped, let's dive into the actual mobile check-in sequence. This usually starts a couple of days before your scheduled arrival.
Sub-heading: Receiving the Notification
Two Days Before Arrival: As a Marriott Bonvoy member, you'll typically receive a push notification or an email as early as 8:00 a.m. (local hotel time) the day before your arrival date, informing you that mobile check-in is available for your upcoming stay.
Within 48 Hours: You can also proactively open the Marriott Bonvoy app within 48 hours of your arrival and navigate to your upcoming reservation. Look for a prominent "Check-In" button.
Sub-heading: Initiating Check-In in the App
Open the App and Select Your Trip: Launch the Marriott Bonvoy app. Your current or upcoming trip should be visible on the home screen or under the "My Trips" section. Tap on your reservation.
Tap "Check In": You'll see a "Check In" button. Tap this to begin the process.
Confirm Arrival Time: The app will ask for your estimated arrival time. Be as accurate as possible, as this helps the hotel prioritize room readiness. You can adjust this time later if your plans change.
Request Late Checkout (Optional): If you anticipate needing a late checkout, you might see an option to request it here. Note: This is a request and not a guarantee; it will still need to be confirmed with the front desk upon arrival or during your stay, especially for non-elite members. Elite members have varying guaranteed late checkout benefits.
Select Housekeeping Preferences (Optional): Depending on the length of your stay and the hotel brand, you may be able to select your housekeeping preferences through the app.
Opt-in for Mobile Key (If Available): This is where the true magic happens! If the hotel participates in Mobile Key, you'll see a toggle to opt-in for Mobile Key. Definitely enable this if you want to use your phone as your room key. Important: You may be prompted to set up two-step verification for your Marriott Bonvoy account if you haven't already, which is often required for Mobile Key activation.
Sub-heading: Confirmation and Waiting for Room Ready
After you've completed these steps and tapped "Check In," you'll receive a confirmation. Your reservation is now prioritized for check-in based on your submitted arrival time. The hotel staff will be working to prepare your room. You should allow the hotel a two-hour window after submitting your request.
Step 3: Arrival Day and Mobile Key Activation
The big day is here! Here's how mobile check-in streamlines your arrival.
Sub-heading: Room Ready Notification
Push Notification: When your room is ready, you'll receive a push notification on your phone from the Marriott Bonvoy app. This notification will confirm your room number.
Check the App: Even without a notification, you can check your reservation details in the app. Once your room is assigned and ready, you'll see your room number clearly displayed. If you opted for Mobile Key, you'll also see the Mobile Key icon.
Sub-heading: Using Mobile Key (If Applicable)
Go Straight to Your Room: If you received your Mobile Key, you can bypass the front desk entirely (unless you need to confirm payment details or pick up physical keys). Head directly to your assigned room.
Unlock Your Door: Open the Marriott Bonvoy app and tap on the "Mobile Key" button associated with your current stay. Hold your phone near the door lock (often where you would insert a physical key card) until the light turns green and you hear the lock disengage. Voila! You're in!
Access Common Areas: Mobile Key often works for other secured areas of the hotel, such as the fitness center, pool, or executive lounge.
Sub-heading: If Mobile Key Isn't Available or Issues Arise
Head to the Mobile Check-In Desk: If Mobile Key isn't offered at your particular hotel, or if you encounter any issues, simply proceed to the Mobile Check-In or Front Desk upon arrival. Since you've already completed most of the formalities, your interaction should be quicker. You may just need to show your ID and pick up your physical key card.
Verify Payment: In some cases, even with mobile check-in, the front desk may need to verify your payment information or swipe your physical card for incidentals. This is a quick process.
Step 4: During Your Stay and Beyond
The Marriott Bonvoy app continues to be a useful companion throughout your stay and even for checkout.
Sub-heading: Mobile Requests & Chat
Connect with the Hotel: The app allows you to chat directly with the hotel staff for requests, questions, or local recommendations. Need extra towels? Forgotten your toothbrush? Have a question about nearby restaurants? Just send a message through the app! This is a fantastic way to get assistance without having to call or go down to the front desk.
Order Room Service (at participating hotels): Some hotels allow you to browse menus and order room service directly through the app.
Sub-heading: Mobile Checkout
When it's time to depart, you can also use the app for a quick and easy checkout.
Open the App: On your departure day, open the Marriott Bonvoy app.
Tap "Check Out": You'll see a "Check Out" option for your current stay, usually available from 4:00 a.m. onwards.
Confirm Folio Email: Confirm the email address where you'd like your final folio (receipt) to be sent.
Confirm Checkout: Tap the "Check Out" button. You'll receive a confirmation, and you're all set! No need to stop at the front desk.
Important Considerations and Tips:
Direct Bookings Only: Mobile check-in is generally available only for reservations booked directly through Marriott (Marriott.com, Marriott Bonvoy app, or Marriott reservation centers).
Participating Properties: While widely available, not all Marriott properties offer every aspect of mobile check-in (especially Mobile Key). You can usually check the hotel's amenities on the Marriott website or within the app to see if Mobile Key is offered.
Group Bookings: If you are part of a group booking, you might still need to check in at the front desk.
Early Check-in/Late Checkout: While you can indicate an early arrival time during mobile check-in, guaranteed early check-in typically requires booking the night prior or is a benefit for higher elite tiers based on availability. Similarly, late checkout is subject to availability unless guaranteed by your elite status. It's always best to confirm with the front desk if you have specific needs.
Troubleshooting: If you experience any issues with the app, try signing out and back in, clearing the app's cache (for Android), or uninstalling and reinstalling it. If problems persist, contact Marriott customer service or the hotel directly.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to use Marriott Mobile Key?
To use Marriott Mobile Key, first opt-in for it during your mobile check-in process on the Marriott Bonvoy app (typically available 48 hours before arrival). Once your room is ready, you'll receive a notification, and the Mobile Key will be active in the app. Simply open the app, tap the "Mobile Key" button for your reservation, and hold your phone to the door lock until it turns green.
How to find my reservation in the Marriott Bonvoy app?
Open the Marriott Bonvoy app and log in. Your upcoming reservations should typically appear on the home screen under "My Trips." If not, navigate to the "Trips" or "My Stays" section within the app.
How to change my arrival time using Marriott mobile check-in?
After initiating mobile check-in, if your travel plans change, you can often go back into your reservation in the Marriott Bonvoy app and use an "Edit" button (or similar) to adjust your anticipated arrival time.
How to confirm if a hotel offers Mobile Key?
You can usually confirm if a specific Marriott hotel offers Mobile Key by checking its amenities listed on the Marriott.com website or within the Marriott Bonvoy app under the hotel's details. Look for "Mobile Key" or "Mobile Services."
How to get an early check-in with Marriott Mobile Check-in?
While mobile check-in allows you to indicate your anticipated early arrival time, it doesn't guarantee an early check-in. Early check-in is always based on hotel availability. For guaranteed early access, you might need to book the night prior or have a higher Marriott Bonvoy elite status, and even then, it's subject to availability at some property types. It's best to communicate directly with the hotel.
How to request a late checkout via the Marriott Bonvoy app?
During the mobile check-in process, you might see an option to request a late checkout. However, this is a request and not a guarantee. For guaranteed late checkout (for eligible elite members) or general requests, it's recommended to confirm with the front desk upon arrival or during your stay.
How to troubleshoot issues with Marriott mobile check-in?
If you're having trouble, first ensure your Marriott Bonvoy app is updated to the latest version. Try signing out and back into your account. For Android users, clearing the app's cache can sometimes help. If the issue persists, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app, or contact Marriott Mobile Customer Care.
How to receive my room number with mobile check-in?
Your room number will be displayed within the Marriott Bonvoy app on your reservation details once your room is ready. You will also typically receive a push notification to your phone informing you that your room is prepared and providing the room number.
How to chat with the hotel using the Marriott Bonvoy app?
Once you've checked in (or even before, for some queries), open your current reservation in the Marriott Bonvoy app. Look for a "Mobile Chat" or "Chat with Hotel" option. This allows you to send direct messages to the hotel staff for requests or questions.
How to check out using the Marriott Bonvoy app?
On your departure day, open the Marriott Bonvoy app and navigate to your current stay. You should see a prominent "Check Out" button. Tap it, confirm the email address for your folio, and then confirm your checkout. Your bill will usually be emailed to you.
