Is your upcoming Marriott stay a solo adventure, or are you bringing along a travel companion? Perhaps someone needs to check in before you, or you simply want to ensure their name is on the reservation for a smoother experience. Whatever the reason, adding a name to your Marriott reservation is a common need, and while it might seem straightforward, there are a few nuances to be aware of. Let's dive in and make sure your travel plans are as seamless as a perfectly made hotel bed!
The Essential Guide: Adding a Name to Your Marriott Reservation
Adding an additional guest's name to a Marriott reservation is primarily handled offline – meaning, it's not typically something you can do yourself through their website or mobile app for an existing reservation. Marriott's system is designed with the primary guest in mind, especially when it comes to Bonvoy benefits. However, don't fret! There are effective ways to ensure your travel companion is properly listed.
 |
| How Do I Add A Name To My Marriott Reservation |
Step 1: Identify Your Situation – Who Needs to Be Added and Why?
Before you pick up the phone or send an email, consider the specifics of your situation. This will help you articulate your request clearly and ensure you get the right support.
-
Is the additional guest arriving before you? This is a key scenario where having their name on the reservation is crucial for check-in. Without it, they might face difficulties accessing the room.
-
Are you both arriving together, but you want their name on file? While perhaps less critical for immediate check-in, it's good practice for clarity and security.
-
Is this an "Award Redemption" (points or free night certificate) reservation? The process can be slightly different for these bookings compared to paid stays.
-
Are you a Marriott Bonvoy member, and how might that affect the process? Your status can sometimes influence how easily certain requests are handled.
Understanding your "why" will streamline the "how"!
Step 2: The Most Reliable Method – Calling Marriott Reservations or the Hotel Directly
For adding an additional name to an existing reservation, contacting Marriott via phone is generally the most recommended and effective method.
Sub-heading 2.1: Contacting Marriott Reservations
Marriott's central reservation line is equipped to handle such requests. This is a good starting point if you're not sure which specific hotel you'll be dealing with or if your reservation is for a future date far out.
-
Locate the Correct Number: Find the Marriott Reservations number for your region. For India, you can typically find numbers like 1800 258 2555 (Marriott Bonvoy Hotels Contact No. for Reservations in India). For other regions, a quick search for "Marriott Reservations [Your Country]" will provide the relevant number.
-
Have Your Reservation Details Ready: Before you call, gather the following information:
-
Your Reservation Confirmation Number
-
The exact dates of your stay
-
The name on the reservation (your name)
-
The full name (first and last) of the person you wish to add
-
Their relationship to you (optional, but can sometimes help clarify)
-
-
Explain Your Request Clearly: When you connect with a representative, state upfront that you want to add an additional guest's name to an existing reservation. Specify if this person needs to be able to check in before you.
-
Confirm the Update: Ask the representative to verbally confirm that the name has been added to the reservation notes or as an authorized guest. You can also request an updated confirmation email, though this isn't always standard for a simple name addition.
QuickTip: Reading regularly builds stronger recall.
Sub-heading 2.2: Calling the Specific Hotel
If your stay is imminent (within a few days) or you prefer to deal directly with the property, calling the hotel itself can be a highly effective approach.
-
Find the Hotel's Direct Number: Look up the specific Marriott property's direct phone number online. Avoid calling the central reservations number if you want to speak to someone at the hotel directly.
-
Be Prepared: Have all the same reservation details as mentioned above.
-
Request to Add a Guest to the Reservation: Inform the front desk agent that you'd like to add another guest's name to your reservation. Again, emphasize if this person needs to be able to check in independently.
-
Inquire About Key Pick-up (if applicable): If your additional guest is arriving first, ask about their procedure for key pick-up. Some hotels may require a valid ID from the added guest.
-
Politely Confirm: Ask the agent to confirm that the name has been added and that the additional guest will be able to check in if necessary.
Step 3: Understanding Online Limitations – What You Can and Cannot Do
It's important to set realistic expectations for online changes, as Marriott's system has specific limitations regarding adding guest names.
Sub-heading 3.1: Marriott.com and Mobile App
-
Cannot Add/Edit Additional Names Online: As of now, you generally cannot directly add or edit an additional guest's name (other than the primary guest) on an existing reservation through the Marriott Bonvoy website or mobile app. The option typically isn't available.
-
Can Modify Number of Guests (Sometimes): You can usually modify the number of guests on your reservation online. However, this primarily adjusts the room capacity and may trigger a rate change if the new number of guests affects the room pricing. It does not automatically add a specific name for check-in purposes.
-
Can Add Your Marriott Bonvoy Number: If you made a reservation without your Marriott Bonvoy number, you can typically add it online. This is separate from adding a second guest's name.
Sub-heading 3.2: Why the Online Limitation?
Marriott's policy for requiring phone calls to add names is primarily for security and to prevent unauthorized access or potential fraud. It helps ensure that only legitimate guests are added to a reservation, especially when points or elite benefits are involved.
Step 4: Special Considerations – Award Stays and Primary Guest Changes
There are a couple of scenarios that warrant extra attention when adding names.
 |
Tip: Break long posts into short reading sessions.
Sub-heading 4.1: Award Redemption Reservations
If you booked your stay using Marriott Bonvoy points or a Free Night Award, the process of adding a name remains similar – you'll still need to call Marriott Reservations.
-
Gifting an Award Stay: If you are booking an award stay for someone else entirely and you will not be present, this is known as "gifting an award redemption." This requires specific procedures and cannot be done online. You must contact Marriott Bonvoy customer service, and they will need to add an "M8 code" to the reservation to signify that it's a gifted stay. Failure to do this might result in the guest being denied check-in or losing out on your Bonvoy benefits.
Sub-heading 4.2: Changing the Primary Guest
It's generally not possible to change the primary name on a Marriott reservation after it's booked, especially within 48 hours of check-in, and particularly for award stays. Marriott is increasingly cracking down on this due to fraud concerns.
-
If the primary guest needs to be changed, you might be advised to cancel the existing reservation (be aware of cancellation policies and potential fees!) and re-book under the new primary guest's name.
-
If you are a Bonvoy member and want someone else to receive the benefits, they ideally should have their own Bonvoy account and book the reservation themselves.
Step 5: Upon Arrival – What to Expect at Check-in
Even if you've added the name beforehand, a quick confirmation at check-in is always a good idea.
-
Both Guests Arriving Together: If you and your added guest arrive together, simply present your IDs at the front desk. The front desk agent should see both names on the reservation notes.
-
Added Guest Arriving First: If the added guest is arriving before you, they should present their valid photo ID and mention the primary guest's name. The front desk should have the notes indicating they are authorized to check in. They may also ask for a credit card for incidentals.
-
Confirm Keys: Ensure both individuals who need access to the room receive a key.
Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about adding names to Marriott reservations, with quick answers:
How to add a name to a Marriott reservation online?
You generally cannot directly add or edit an additional guest's name online for an existing Marriott reservation. You will need to call Marriott Reservations or the hotel directly.
Tip: Revisit challenging parts.
How to add a secondary guest to a Marriott reservation?
Contact Marriott Reservations or the specific hotel directly by phone and provide them with your reservation details and the full name of the secondary guest you wish to add.
How to ensure my travel companion can check in to my Marriott reservation before me?
Call Marriott Reservations or the hotel directly and explicitly state that your travel companion needs to be authorized to check in first. Provide their full name.
How to add a name to a Marriott award stay reservation?
The process is the same as for paid reservations: call Marriott Reservations. If you are gifting the stay, be sure to inform them so they can add the necessary "M8 code."
How to change the primary guest name on a Marriott reservation?
Generally, you cannot change the primary guest name. You may need to cancel and re-book the reservation under the new primary guest's name, being mindful of cancellation policies and rates.
How to add multiple names to a single Marriott room reservation?
QuickTip: Read actively, not passively.
Marriott typically allows up to two adult guests to be selected when making a reservation. If you need to add more names to the reservation's notes (e.g., for a family), contact the hotel directly.
How to verify a name was added to my Marriott reservation?
After contacting Marriott or the hotel, politely ask the representative to verbally confirm that the name has been added. You can also re-confirm at check-in.
How to add a guest's name to a Marriott reservation using the mobile app?
Currently, the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app does not have a feature to directly add additional guest names to an existing reservation. You'll need to call.
How to add a name to a Marriott reservation for a future stay?
If it's a new booking, you can often select two guests during the initial booking process. For existing reservations, call Marriott Reservations or the hotel to add additional names.
How to handle Marriott Bonvoy benefits if my guest checks in before me?
If your Marriott Bonvoy account is attached to the reservation and your guest checks in before you, you must stop by the Front Desk upon your arrival to receive your Membership Benefits.
 |
