Have you ever dreamt of experiencing the luxurious comfort of a Marriott hotel, but at a price that won't break the bank? If you're a Marriott employee or have a close connection to one, that dream can become a reality with the incredible Marriott employee discount program! It's a fantastic perk that allows you to explore stunning destinations and enjoy world-class hospitality for a fraction of the regular cost.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of booking a room with a Marriott employee discount, ensuring a smooth and rewarding experience.
The Marriott Explore Program: Your Gateway to Discounted Stays
Before diving into the booking process, let's understand the core of these amazing discounts: the Marriott Explore Program. This program offers different tiers of discounts, primarily:
Explore Rate (MMP): This is the deepest discount, primarily for Marriott employees and their immediate family members (spouse, domestic partner, children, parents, and siblings). You can typically expect significant savings, often in the range of 60-80% off the standard rate.
Explore Friends Rate (MMF): This rate is for friends and extended family members nominated by a Marriott employee. While still a great deal, the discounts are generally not as steep as the MMP rate, often around 50% off.
Quarter Century Club (QCC): For long-serving Marriott associates (25+ years), this offers complimentary stays. Eligibility and booking for this rate have specific rules, and it's less common for a general booking scenario.
Important Note: These discounts are strictly for personal travel and are subject to availability. Hotels have the right to limit the number of discounted rooms, especially during peak seasons or high occupancy. Always be prepared for the possibility that the discount may not be available for your desired dates or property.
Step 1: Are You Eligible and Do You Have Your Authorization?
This is the absolute first and most crucial step. Without proper eligibility and the required authorization, your booking will not be valid.
1.1 Understanding Your Eligibility
Marriott Employees (Associate): If you are a Marriott associate (full-time, part-time, seasonal, temporary, or pool status), you are eligible for the Explore Rate (MMP). You can book up to two rooms per night under your benefit, provided you stay in one of them.
Immediate Family Members of an Employee: If you are the spouse, domestic partner, child, parent, or sibling of a Marriott employee, you are also eligible for the Explore Rate (MMP). You can book one room per night.
Friends and Extended Family Members: If you are a friend or extended family member (e.g., cousin, aunt, uncle) nominated by a Marriott employee, you are eligible for the Explore Friends Rate (MMF). There is generally no limit on the number of rooms that can be booked under this rate, other than availability.
1.2 Obtaining Your Explore Program Authorization Form
This form is your golden ticket and is mandatory for check-in. Without it, the hotel may deny your discounted rate, and you could be charged the full, rack rate.
For Marriott Employees: You can typically access and print this form from https://www.google.com/search?q=mHUB.marriott.com (Marriott's internal associate portal) using your Enterprise ID (EID) and password. Look for the "Explore Program Authorization Form" or "Property (Non-Room) Discount Card" link.
For Friends and Family Members: The Marriott employee who is extending the discount to you must obtain this form and either provide it to you or have it sent directly to the hotel. They will need to log into mHUB and generate the form in your name.
Key things to remember about the Authorization Form:
Print it out! Have a physical copy ready to present at check-in.
Photo ID Required: You will need to present a valid photo ID that matches the name on the authorization form.
Validity: Check the expiry date on the form. Ensure it is valid for your entire stay.
Non-Transferable: These forms and rates are for personal travel only and cannot be sold or transferred.
Behavior Matters: Remember that your conduct, and the conduct of your friends and family, reflects on the Marriott employee. Inappropriate behavior could lead to the loss of discount privileges.
Step 2: Booking Your Room Online or via the Marriott Bonvoy App
Marriott employee discounts are primarily booked online or through the mobile app. Phone reservations for these rates are generally not accepted.
2.1 Navigating to the Marriott Website or App
Go to
www.marriott.com It's highly recommended to log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account. While not strictly required for searching, it streamlines the process and allows you to earn points on your stay (even at discounted rates!).
2.2 Entering Your Search Criteria
Destination: Enter your desired city or specific hotel.
Check-in and Check-out Dates: Select your travel dates.
Number of Guests: Specify the number of adults and children.
Number of Rooms: Remember the limits:
Marriott Employee (MMP): Up to 2 rooms.
Immediate Family (MMP): Up to 1 room.
Friends/Extended Family (MMF): No limit other than availability.
2.3 Applying the Special Rate Code
This is where the magic happens!
Look for a field or dropdown menu usually labeled "Special Rates," "Corporate/Promo Code," or "Promotional Code."
For the Explore Rate (Employee/Immediate Family): Enter the code MMP.
For the Explore Friends Rate (Friends/Extended Family): Enter the code MMF.
Click "Apply" or "Find Hotels" to see available rates.
What if you don't see the discounted rate?
Don't panic! This usually means the Explore Rate or Explore Friends Rate is not available for your chosen dates or hotel due to high occupancy. Try adjusting your dates, searching for different properties, or consider using the MMF rate if you were initially trying for MMP (as MMF generally has broader availability, though a smaller discount).
Sometimes, if occupancy is very high (e.g., above 85%), the MMP rate might automatically default to the MMF rate.
Step 3: Reviewing and Confirming Your Reservation
Once you've found an available room at the discounted rate:
3.1 Carefully Review Your Selection
Hotel Name and Location: Double-check that you're booking the correct hotel.
Room Type: Ensure the room type meets your needs.
Dates: Confirm your check-in and check-out dates are accurate.
Rate Details: Pay close attention to the rate details. It should clearly state "Explore Rate" or "Explore Friends Rate." Also, note any included amenities or cancellation policies.
Total Price: Verify the total cost, including any taxes and fees. Some Explore rates may include a small voluntary daily donation to the TakeCare Relief Fund, which you can opt-out of at the front desk if desired.
3.2 Entering Guest Information and Payment Details
Guest Name: Ensure the name on the reservation exactly matches the name on the Explore Program Authorization Form and your photo ID.
Payment Method: You'll need a valid credit card to secure the reservation.
Contact Information: Provide accurate email and phone number for confirmation.
3.3 Confirming Your Booking
After reviewing all details, click "Book Now" or "Confirm Reservation."
You should receive a confirmation email shortly with your reservation details. Keep this email handy!
Step 4: Preparing for Check-in (The MOST Important Step!)
This step is critical to a seamless check-in and avoiding any issues with your discounted rate.
4.1 Gather Your Essential Documents
Printed Explore Program Authorization Form: As emphasized, this is non-negotiable.
Valid Photo Identification: Ensure your ID matches the name on the reservation and the authorization form.
Marriott Bonvoy Account Information (if applicable): If you're a member, have your account details ready.
Confirmation Email: While not always required, it's good to have a copy of your booking confirmation.
4.2 Be Ready for Verification
At check-in, the front desk staff will verify your eligibility. They will likely ask for your Authorization Form and photo ID.
Be polite and cooperative. The staff is simply following procedures to ensure the integrity of the program.
In some cases, especially for the MMP rate, the hotel might even call the Marriott employee to verify their employment. This is more common if there are any discrepancies or if it's a first-time use at that particular property.
4.3 Understanding Potential Scenarios at Check-in
Smooth Check-in: Most of the time, if you have all your documents in order, check-in will be quick and easy.
Rate Adjustment: If you don't have the required authorization form or your eligibility cannot be verified, the hotel has the right to adjust your rate to the standard, non-discounted rate. They can also charge your credit card on file for the difference.
Property-Specific Rules: While the core rules are global, some properties might have specific nuances or questions. Be prepared to answer them.
Additional Discounts: Remember to inquire about other employee benefits, such as a 20% discount on food and beverages, or discounts on spa services, which often require showing your employee ID or Property (Non-Room) Discount Card.
Enjoy Your Stay!
Once you've successfully checked in, it's time to relax and enjoy the fantastic benefits of the Marriott Explore Program! Remember to uphold the professionalism expected of those utilizing these privileges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about booking with a Marriott employee discount, with quick answers:
How to Check Eligibility for Marriott Employee Discounts?
You are eligible if you are a current Marriott employee (full-time, part-time, seasonal, temporary, pool status) or an immediate family member (spouse, domestic partner, children, parents, siblings) of a Marriott employee. Friends and extended family are eligible for the "Explore Friends Rate" (MMF) if nominated by an employee.
How to Get the Marriott Explore Program Authorization Form?
Marriott employees can typically access and print the form from https://www.google.com/search?q=mHUB.marriott.com using their Enterprise ID (EID) and password. For friends and family, the sponsoring Marriott employee must generate and provide the form to you.
How to Book an Explore Rate (MMP) on Marriott.com?
Go to
How to Book an Explore Friends Rate (MMF) on Marriott.com?
Similar to the Explore Rate, go to
How to Know if the Employee Discount is Available for Specific Dates?
The availability of Explore Rates (MMP/MMF) is dynamically shown during the booking process on Marriott.com or the app. If the rate does not appear, it means it is not available for those dates or that specific hotel.
How to Handle Check-in Without the Authorization Form?
You cannot. The authorization form is mandatory. Without it, the hotel reserves the right to deny the discounted rate and charge you the standard rack rate for your stay. Always have it printed and ready along with a photo ID.
How to Book Multiple Rooms with an Employee Discount?
A Marriott employee can book up to two rooms per night at the MMP rate (one for themselves, and one additional room for any guest relationship, provided the employee is staying in one room). Immediate family members can book one room. There's generally no limit on the number of rooms for the MMF rate (other than availability).
How to Get Dining or Other Discounts at Marriott Properties?
Marriott employees often receive a 20% discount on food and beverages and sometimes other services (like spa treatments or retail) at participating Marriott properties. You typically just need to show your Marriott employee ID or your Property (Non-Room) Discount Card, without a special booking code.
How to Cancel or Modify an Employee Discount Booking?
Like regular bookings, changes or cancellations for employee discount reservations should be made online through Marriott.com or the Marriott Bonvoy App, usually in the "My Trips" or "Reservations" section. Be aware of the cancellation policy for your specific booking.
How to Ensure a Smooth Check-in Experience with the Discount?
The best way is to always have your printed Explore Program Authorization Form and a valid photo ID ready. Ensure the name on all documents matches the reservation. Being polite and cooperative with the front desk staff also goes a long way!
