Planning your next Marriott stay? Want to skip the front desk queue and head straight to your room? Then you've come to the right place! Mobile check-in with Marriott Bonvoy isn't just a convenience; it's a game-changer for modern travelers. Imagine arriving after a long journey, receiving a notification that your room is ready, and simply using your phone to unlock the door. No waiting, no fuss – just pure relaxation.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of using Marriott's mobile check-in feature, including the fantastic Mobile Key option. Get ready to transform your travel experience!
The Power of the Marriott Bonvoy App: More Than Just Bookings
Before we dive into the check-in process, it's crucial to understand that the Marriott Bonvoy app is your ultimate travel companion for all things Marriott. It's not just for booking; it's a hub for managing your stays, earning rewards, and accessing exclusive member benefits. Mobile check-in and Mobile Key are just two of its many powerful features.
Benefits of Mobile Check-In:
Save Time: No more waiting in line at the front desk! This is perhaps the biggest perk, especially after a long flight or drive.
Convenience: Check-in from anywhere – your car, the airport, even your previous hotel.
Personalized Experience: You can often specify your estimated arrival time, allowing the hotel to prioritize your room.
Mobile Key Access: At participating hotels, your phone becomes your room key, offering a truly contactless experience.
Stay Connected: Mobile Chat allows you to communicate directly with the hotel for requests or questions before, during, and after your stay.
Housekeeping Preferences: For longer stays, you can often select your housekeeping preferences through the app.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Mobile Check-In with Marriott Bonvoy
Ready to experience seamless arrivals? Let's get started!
Step 1: Get the Marriott Bonvoy App and Log In (If You Haven't Already!)
Are you ready to streamline your travel? The very first step is to ensure you have the Marriott Bonvoy app downloaded on your smartphone.
Sub-heading: Download the App:
For iOS (Apple devices): Open the App Store and search for "Marriott Bonvoy." Download and install the app.
For Android devices: Open the Google Play Store and search for "Marriott Bonvoy." Download and install the app.
Sub-heading: Log In or Join Marriott Bonvoy:
If you're already a Marriott Bonvoy member, simply open the app and log in using your Marriott Bonvoy member number or email and password.
If you're not yet a member, don't worry! You can join for free directly through the app. Being a member unlocks a host of benefits, including mobile check-in and Mobile Key. Make sure your reservation is linked to your Marriott Bonvoy account.
Step 2: Enable Push Notifications (Crucial for a Smooth Experience!)
This step is absolutely vital for a truly seamless mobile check-in experience. Without push notifications, you might miss important updates about your room readiness.
Sub-heading: Access App Settings:
Go to your phone's general Settings (not within the Marriott Bonvoy app itself).
Scroll down and find the Marriott Bonvoy app in your list of applications.
Tap on it, then find Notifications.
Sub-heading: Turn On Notifications:
Ensure that "Allow Notifications" or similar is toggled ON.
It's a good idea to enable all types of alerts, including banners, sounds, and badges, to ensure you don't miss any critical updates.
Step 3: Initiate Mobile Check-In (Within 48 Hours of Arrival)
Marriott typically makes mobile check-in available up to 48 hours before your arrival date. You'll often receive a push notification from the app prompting you to check-in.
Sub-heading: Locate Your Reservation:
Open the Marriott Bonvoy app.
Navigate to the "My Trips" section. You should see your upcoming reservation listed here.
Tap on your upcoming reservation.
Sub-heading: Start the Check-In Process:
Look for a prominent "Check In" button on your reservation details screen. Tap it.
Step 4: Confirm Your Arrival Details and Preferences
This is where you provide the hotel with important information to prepare for your arrival.
Sub-heading: Select Your Arrival Time:
You'll be prompted to select your estimated arrival time. Be as accurate as possible, as this helps the hotel prioritize your room. If your plans change, you can often go back into the app and adjust this time.
Sub-heading: Housekeeping Preferences (for Longer Stays):
For multi-night stays, you might see options to select your housekeeping preferences, such as declining daily service for points. Make your selection if prompted.
Sub-heading: Opt-in for Mobile Key (Highly Recommended!):
This is where the magic happens! If the hotel participates in Mobile Key, you will see a toggle or option to "Request Mobile Key" or "Use Mobile Key."
Toggle this option ON.
Important Note: Some regions or properties may require multi-factor authentication (MFA) to enable Mobile Key. You might receive a one-time verification code via email or SMS to confirm your identity.
Sub-heading: Review and Confirm:
Review all the details you've entered.
Tap "Check In" to finalize the mobile check-in process. You'll receive a confirmation message in the app.
Step 5: Wait for Your "Room Ready" Notification
Now, the waiting game begins – but it's a short one!
Sub-heading: Push Notification Alert:
Once your room is cleaned, inspected, and ready for you, you'll receive a push notification on your phone (thanks to Step 2!). This notification will tell you your room number and confirm that your Mobile Key is active (if you opted in).
Sub-heading: Check the App:
Even without a notification, you can always open the Marriott Bonvoy app and check your reservation details. Once the room is assigned, your room number will appear, and the "Unlock Door" button for your Mobile Key will become active.
Step 6: Head Straight to Your Room with Mobile Key (The Best Part!)
This is the moment you've been waiting for – bypassing the front desk entirely!
Sub-heading: Accessing Your Mobile Key:
Open the Marriott Bonvoy app.
On your active reservation, you'll see a prominent "Unlock Door" button or icon. Tap on it.
A digital key interface will appear.
Sub-heading: Unlocking Your Door:
Hold your phone firmly and steadily against the door lock reader. The precise location can vary, but generally, it's where you would insert a traditional key card.
You might hear a click or see a green light on the lock, indicating that it has unlocked.
Congratulations! You're in!
Sub-heading: Troubleshooting Mobile Key:
If it doesn't work on the first try, don't panic.
Ensure your phone's Bluetooth is on (though Mobile Key often uses NFC as well, Bluetooth can help).
Make sure the app is open and the Mobile Key screen is active.
Try holding your phone in a slightly different position on the lock.
If you continue to have issues, or if the hotel does not support Mobile Key, simply proceed to the front desk to pick up a physical key. They'll already have your information from your mobile check-in!
Important Considerations for Mobile Check-In
Marriott Bonvoy Membership: Mobile check-in and especially Mobile Key are exclusive benefits for Marriott Bonvoy members. If you're not a member, you can still do online check-in via the website, but you'll likely still need to stop at the front desk to confirm payment and collect a physical key.
Participating Properties: While widespread, Mobile Key is available at participating properties. Most Marriott brands offer it, but it's always good to check the hotel's amenities on the app or website if Mobile Key is a must-have for you.
Early Check-in/Late Check-out: While you can note an anticipated arrival time during mobile check-in, early check-in or late check-out is never guaranteed and is always subject to hotel availability. For guaranteed early access, you might need to book the night prior. Elite members often receive priority for late check-out requests.
Payment Information: For all guests (members and non-members), if you haven't pre-paid your stay or if additional payment authorization is required, you might still need to briefly stop at the front desk to confirm payment information, even with mobile check-in.
Troubleshooting the App: If you experience issues with the app crashing or not functioning correctly, try the following:
Sign out and sign back into your Marriott Bonvoy account in the app.
Ensure you have the latest version of the Marriott Bonvoy app installed.
Check that your phone's operating system (iOS or Android) is up to date.
Clear the app's cache (Android) or uninstall and reinstall the app (iOS/Android).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to use Mobile Key after checking in?
Once you've completed mobile check-in and received your room number notification, open the Marriott Bonvoy app, navigate to your active reservation, and tap the "Unlock Door" button. Hold your phone near the door lock reader to unlock it.
How to request an early check-in using the Marriott app?
While you can't guarantee an early check-in through the app, during the mobile check-in process, you can select your anticipated arrival time. This informs the hotel of your early intention, and they will accommodate if a room is available. For a guaranteed early check-in, you generally need to book the night prior.
How to request a late check-out using the Marriott app?
Similar to early check-in, you can often indicate a requested late check-out time during the mobile check-in process or via Mobile Chat with the front desk. However, late check-out is subject to availability and is a benefit often prioritized for Marriott Bonvoy Elite members.
How to share a Mobile Key with other guests?
Yes, at participating properties, you can share your Mobile Key with other Marriott Bonvoy members on your reservation (e.g., family members, friends). The primary guest with the reservation can initiate sharing through the "Unlock Door" or "Mobile Key" section in the app, inviting others via text. They must also have the Marriott Bonvoy app.
How to know if a Marriott hotel offers Mobile Key?
You can usually check if a hotel offers Mobile Key by looking at its amenities listed on the Marriott.com website or within the Marriott Bonvoy app's hotel details page. Look for "Mobile Key" or "Digital Key" under "Amenities" or "Services."
How to troubleshoot if Mobile Check-in isn't working?
First, ensure you have the latest version of the app and your phone's operating system. Try signing out and back into the app. If issues persist, try clearing the app's cache (Android) or reinstalling the app (iOS/Android). If all else fails, proceed to the front desk upon arrival.
How to receive notifications for Mobile Check-in?
Ensure push notifications are enabled for the Marriott Bonvoy app in your phone's general settings. Marriott usually sends a notification up to 48 hours before arrival when mobile check-in becomes available, and another when your room is ready.
How to cancel Mobile Check-in if plans change?
While you don't typically "cancel" mobile check-in, if your arrival time changes significantly, you can usually go back into your reservation in the app and update your anticipated arrival time. If you need to cancel the entire reservation, you'll do that separately through the app or Marriott.com, adhering to the cancellation policy.
How to get a physical key if I use Mobile Key?
Even if you opt for Mobile Key, you can always visit the front desk at any time during your stay to request a traditional physical key card. This is particularly useful if your phone battery dies or if you prefer a physical key.
How to check out using the Marriott Bonvoy app?
Just as you can check in, you can often check out using the Marriott Bonvoy app. Look for a "Mobile Check-Out" button on your reservation details screen within the app on your departure day. This allows you to settle your bill and depart without visiting the front desk.
