Ever been in that situation where you've booked a fantastic Marriott stay, only to realize the name on the reservation needs changing? Perhaps you booked it for a family member, a friend, or maybe there was a slight typo, or even a legal name change. Don't panic! While it might seem like a daunting task, changing a name on a Marriott reservation is often possible, though it requires a specific approach. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring a smooth process so you can focus on enjoying your upcoming trip.
Changing a Name on Your Marriott Reservation: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Identify the Type of Name Change You Need
Before you even pick up the phone or navigate the Marriott website, it's crucial to understand what kind of name change you're trying to make. Are you:
Correcting a minor typo in your own name? (e.g., "Jonh" instead of "John")
Adding an additional guest to the reservation? (e.g., your spouse, a travel companion)
Completely transferring the reservation to another person? (e.g., you can no longer go, and someone else is taking your place)
Changing your name due to a legal reason? (e.g., marriage, divorce, legal name change)
Your answer to this question will significantly influence the steps you need to take. Marriott's policies can vary depending on the nature of the change and the type of reservation (paid vs. points).
Step 2: Access Your Reservation Details
No matter the type of change, you'll first need to pull up your reservation.
Sub-heading 2.1: For Marriott Bonvoy® Members
If you have a Marriott Bonvoy® account and booked your stay while logged in, this is the easiest route.
Log In: Go to Marriott.com and sign in to your Marriott Bonvoy® account.
Navigate to "My Trips": Once logged in, look for a section usually labeled "My Trips" or "Upcoming Stays." This is where all your current reservations will be listed.
Select the Reservation: Click on the specific reservation you wish to modify.
Sub-heading 2.2: For Non-Members or Guest Bookings
If you booked as a guest or are not a Marriott Bonvoy® member, you'll need your confirmation details.
Go to "Look Up a Reservation": On the Marriott.com homepage, look for an option like "Look Up a Reservation" or "Find & Reserve" and then "Look Up a Reservation."
Enter Details: You'll typically need to provide your confirmation number, the first name and last name used on the reservation, and the check-in date. Ensure these details are exactly as they appear on your original confirmation email.
Step 3: Attempt Online Modification (Limited Scope)
Marriott's online platform offers limited capabilities for name changes. It's always worth checking, but generally, full name transfers aren't available online, especially for Bonvoy point redemptions.
Sub-heading 3.1: Adding an Additional Guest (Online for some paid reservations)
For some paid reservations, you might be able to add an additional guest online. This typically means adding a second name to the reservation, not replacing the primary guest.
Locate "Guest Information" or "Modify Room": Within your reservation details, look for a section related to "Guest Information," "Rooms & Guests," or a "Modify Room" button.
Add Second Guest: If available, you may see an option to add a second guest's name. This is usually for situations where the primary guest will still be present, but another individual might arrive first or also needs to be recognized at check-in.
Save Changes: Confirm and save any modifications you make.
Sub-heading 3.2: Correcting Minor Typos in Your Own Name (Potentially Online)
For very minor typos in your own name (e.g., one or two letters), some users report success in directly editing the guest name field if it's editable within the "Guest Information" section of their online reservation. However, this is not consistently available, and often, only the number of guests can be modified online. If the field is greyed out or doesn't allow editing, you'll need to proceed to Step 4.
Important Note: You generally cannot fully transfer a reservation to another person online or change the primary guest's name if they are entirely different from the original booking name, especially for Marriott Bonvoy® redemptions. Marriott has tightened these policies to prevent fraud and unauthorized transfers of points.
Step 4: Contact Marriott Customer Service – The Most Reliable Method
For most name change scenarios, especially changing the primary guest's name or transferring a reservation, contacting Marriott Customer Service directly is your most effective and often only option.
Sub-heading 4.1: Gather Your Information Before Calling
Before you dial, have the following ready:
Your Confirmation Number: This is essential.
Original Guest's Full Name: The name currently on the reservation.
New Guest's Full Name (if applicable): The name you want to change it to.
Marriott Bonvoy® Account Number (if applicable): If the reservation is linked to an account.
Dates of Stay: Check-in and check-out dates.
Hotel Name and Location: Be specific.
Payment Method Details: The credit card used for the booking. You may need to confirm details for security purposes.
Reason for the Name Change: Be prepared to explain why you need the change. This is especially important for full transfers.
Sub-heading 4.2: Making the Call
Find the Right Number: Go to the Marriott.com "Help" or "Contact Us" section. Look for "Global Reservation Phone Numbers" to find the appropriate contact for your region.
Be Patient: You might experience hold times, especially during peak hours. Have your information ready so you can provide it quickly once connected.
Clearly State Your Request: Explain exactly what you need to do (e.g., "I need to change the primary guest name from [Old Name] to [New Name] on reservation number [Confirmation Number]").
Explain Your Situation:
For typos in your own name: State that it's a simple correction. "There's a minor spelling error in my name on the reservation. It should be [Correct Name] instead of [Incorrect Name]."
For adding an additional guest: Inform them you want to add a second name. They might be able to add this as an "additional guest" or "note" on the reservation, allowing that person to check in even if you aren't present initially.
For transferring the reservation (complete name change): This is where it gets trickier. Marriott generally does not allow direct transfers of reservations, especially those booked with points, to entirely different individuals. However, in some cases, they might be able to cancel and rebook if the rate is still available, or add the new person as an additional guest with a note that they are the primary one checking in. Be honest about your situation. Be prepared for the possibility that a full transfer might not be feasible without cancelling and rebooking, which could lead to a change in rate or even forfeiture of a non-refundable booking.
If it's a paid reservation and you're still responsible for payment, they might be more flexible in adding another guest's name for check-in purposes.
For points reservations, Marriott is very strict. The Bonvoy member whose points were used must typically be present at check-in. If they are not, the reservation might need to be cancelled and rebooked by the new guest (if possible). In some rare cases, for legitimate reasons, a supervisor might be able to make an exception, but it's not guaranteed.
For legal name changes: You will likely need to provide supporting documentation (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order). Ask the representative what specific documents they require and how to submit them.
Sub-heading 4.3: Document Everything
Agent's Name/ID: Ask for the name or ID number of the representative you speak with.
Confirmation of Change: Get a clear confirmation that the change has been made. Ask for an updated confirmation email reflecting the new name.
New Confirmation Number (if applicable): If they have to cancel and rebook, ensure you get the new confirmation number.
Step 5: Follow Up and Confirm
Even after getting confirmation from a representative, it's wise to double-check.
Check Your Email: Look for the updated confirmation email from Marriott.
Access Reservation Online: Try to look up the reservation again on Marriott.com using the updated name (if it was a primary name change) or the original details to see the added guest.
Call the Hotel Directly (Optional but Recommended): A few days before your stay, especially for critical name changes or if you had difficulty with the central reservations, call the specific Marriott hotel directly to confirm that they have the correct name on file and are aware of any special arrangements. This can prevent issues during check-in.
Important Considerations and Potential Hurdles
Pre-Paid vs. Flexible Rates: Changing names on pre-paid, non-refundable reservations can be significantly more difficult, if not impossible, without incurring cancellation penalties. Flexible rates offer more leeway.
Marriott Bonvoy® Points Redemptions: As mentioned, Marriott is very strict about who can check in on a points reservation. The Bonvoy member whose points were used is usually required to be present. If you're trying to let someone else use your points reservation without you being there, this is generally not allowed without specific pre-arranged "gifting" procedures which are rare or require the Bonvoy member to add the guest and potentially lose elite night credits/benefits.
Third-Party Bookings: If you booked through an online travel agency (OTA) like Expedia, Booking.com, etc., you must contact the OTA first. Marriott cannot directly modify reservations made through third parties. The OTA will then communicate with Marriott on your behalf.
Fees: While generally there aren't direct "name change fees," cancelling and rebooking a reservation to facilitate a name change might result in a higher rate if prices have increased since your original booking.
Hotel Discretion: While Marriott has corporate policies, individual hotels may sometimes have slight variations or interpretations, especially for unusual requests. Being polite and clear can go a long way.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to add an additional guest to a Marriott reservation?
You can sometimes add an additional guest online for paid reservations via "My Trips" or by looking up your reservation, then going to "Guest Information" or "Modify Room." If not, or for points stays, you must call Marriott Customer Service to have them add the guest's name to the reservation.
How to change the primary guest name on a Marriott reservation?
Changing the primary guest name generally requires calling Marriott Customer Service. Be prepared to explain the reason for the change, and understand that full transfers to a different person are often not permitted, especially for point redemptions, without potential cancellation and rebooking.
How to correct a spelling error in my name on a Marriott reservation?
For minor spelling errors in your own name, you can sometimes edit the guest details online within your reservation. If the field is not editable or for more significant changes, you'll need to contact Marriott Customer Service.
How to transfer a Marriott reservation to another person?
Direct transfer of a Marriott reservation to an entirely different person is generally not permitted, particularly for Marriott Bonvoy® points bookings due to fraud prevention. You will likely need to cancel the original reservation (subject to cancellation policies) and have the new person make a fresh booking, or discuss options with customer service, who might add the new person as an additional guest with a note.
How to change the name on a Marriott reservation booked with points?
Changing the primary guest name on a Marriott reservation booked with points is highly restricted. The Marriott Bonvoy® member whose points were used must typically be the one checking in. Any significant name changes or transfers usually require calling Marriott Bonvoy® Member Services, and often result in the reservation being cancelled and potentially rebooked by the new guest if allowed, potentially losing elite benefits for the stay.
How to change a Marriott reservation name if I booked through a third party (Expedia, Booking.com, etc.)?
If you booked your Marriott stay through a third-party website (e.g., Expedia, Booking.com, Travelocity), you must contact that third-party booking agency directly to request any name changes. Marriott cannot modify reservations made through external channels.
How to change the name on a Marriott reservation after marriage or legal name change?
For a legal name change (e.g., after marriage or divorce), you will need to contact Marriott Customer Service and be prepared to provide official documentation such as your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or a court order to prove the name change. It's also advisable to update your Marriott Bonvoy® account name if you are a member.
How to check if my name change on a Marriott reservation was successful?
After requesting a name change, always ask the Marriott representative for an updated confirmation email. You should also try to look up your reservation online to see if the changes are reflected. For complete peace of mind, consider calling the hotel directly a few days before your stay to confirm.
How to avoid issues with name discrepancies on Marriott reservations?
Always double-check the spelling of all names when making a reservation. If booking for someone else, ensure you use their exact legal name as it appears on their ID. For point redemptions, be mindful that the Bonvoy member is usually required to be present.
How to handle a Marriott reservation name change if I'm not the original booker but need to check in?
If you are not the original booker but need to check in, the original booker must contact Marriott Customer Service to add your name as an additional guest or (if permissible for the reservation type) change the primary guest name. Without your name on the reservation, the hotel may deny check-in, even with a confirmation number.
