Feeling that urge to squeeze a few more hours out of your Marriott stay? Perhaps you have a late flight, a final sightseeing adventure planned, or simply want to savor that plush Marriott bed a little longer. Whatever your reason, navigating late checkout at Marriott can sometimes feel like a mystery. But fear not! This comprehensive guide will illuminate everything you need to know about extending your stay, from the free options to when you might need to open your wallet.
Let's dive right in, shall we?
Step 1: Are you a Marriott Bonvoy Member? – The Crucial First Question!
This is where your journey to a later checkout truly begins. Are you enrolled in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program? If the answer is no, then your options for free or discounted late checkout will be significantly limited. If yes, then congratulations! You're already a step ahead, as Marriott Bonvoy status plays a massive role in late checkout benefits.
If you're not a member, I highly recommend signing up. It's free and opens up a world of possibilities for future stays, including potential late checkout perks.
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| How Much Is Late Check Out At Marriott |
Step 2: Understanding Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status and Late Checkout Privileges
Marriott Bonvoy offers different levels of elite status, and each tier comes with varying late checkout benefits. This is where you can often secure a complimentary extension.
Sub-heading 2.1: Silver Elite - Priority, Not Guarantee
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Who it's for: Members who have stayed 10 nights per year.
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The benefit: Silver Elite members receive Priority Late Checkout.
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What this means: This is not a guaranteed benefit. It means your request will be prioritized over non-elite members, but it's still subject to availability at the hotel's discretion. You should call the front desk the morning of checkout to inquire.
Sub-heading 2.2: Gold Elite - A Step Up with 2 PM
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Who it's for: Members who have stayed 25 nights per year.
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The benefit: Gold Elite members are eligible for 2 p.m. late checkout.
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What this means: While it's a specific time, it's still subject to availability. You'll need to request it from the front desk, typically on the morning of your departure.
Sub-heading 2.3: Platinum Elite and Above (Titanium, Ambassador) - The Sweet Spot: Guaranteed 4 PM!
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Who it's for: Platinum Elite (50 nights/year), Titanium Elite (75 nights/year), and Ambassador Elite (100 nights/year + $20,000 in qualifying spend).
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The benefit: This is the holy grail of Marriott late checkout – Guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout!
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What this means: For most participating Marriott properties, this benefit is guaranteed. You can request it when making your reservation, at check-in, via the mobile app (where available), or at any time during your stay.
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Important Exceptions for Platinum and Above: While generally guaranteed, there are some key exceptions where 4 p.m. late checkout is subject to availability:
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Resort hotels
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Convention hotels
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Design Hotels
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Marriott Vacation Club, Marriott Grand Residence Club, Sheraton Vacation Club, Westin Vacation Club, The Phoenician Residences, a Luxury Collection Residence Club, Scottsdale, and Ritz-Carlton Reserve
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Sonder Apartments and Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy: For these, Platinum Elite and above members are guaranteed a 2 p.m. late checkout and may request 4 p.m. based on availability.
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Sub-heading 2.4: Ambassador Elite's "Your24™" - Ultimate Flexibility
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Who it's for: The highest tier, Ambassador Elite (100 nights/year + $20,000 in qualifying spend).
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The benefit: Your24™.
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What this means: This is the pinnacle of flexibility. Ambassador Elite members can choose their specific check-in time, and their checkout time will be set for the same time on the day of departure. So, if you check in at 6 p.m., you can check out at 6 p.m. on your last day! This is requested via Ambassador Service two days prior to arrival and is based on availability with some property and brand exceptions.
Tip: Keep your attention on the main thread.
Step 3: Making Your Late Checkout Request – When and How to Ask
Even with elite status, it's always a good idea to communicate your late checkout needs.
Sub-heading 3.1: Requesting in Advance (Recommended)
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Best Practice: If you know you'll need a late checkout, it's always best to request it as early as possible. This can be done:
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When making your reservation: Mention it in the special requests section or call central reservations.
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During mobile check-in: The Marriott Bonvoy app often allows you to specify a preferred checkout time.
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At physical check-in: Politely inform the front desk agent of your desired checkout time.
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Why it helps: Giving the hotel advance notice allows them to manage their room inventory more effectively and increases your chances of getting your request granted, especially if it's subject to availability.
Sub-heading 3.2: Requesting on the Morning of Checkout
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Common Practice: Many guests wait until the morning of their departure to ask for late checkout. This is perfectly acceptable, especially for Silver and Gold Elite members where it's based on availability.
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How to do it: Simply call or stop by the front desk.
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Tip for Elite Members: Even if your 4 p.m. late checkout is guaranteed (Platinum and above, non-resort/convention/Design hotels), it's still courteous to inform the front desk of your intention to utilize it. Some elite members simply set their 4 p.m. checkout time on the app and proceed, which is generally fine as per the Bonvoy terms.
Step 4: When You Might Have to Pay – Understanding Potential Charges
This is the big question: "How much is late check out at Marriott?" The answer is: it varies significantly, and often, you won't pay anything if you have elite status and the property can accommodate.
However, there are scenarios where you might be charged:
Sub-heading 4.1: No Elite Status or Denied Request
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If you don't have Marriott Bonvoy elite status, or if your elite late checkout request (e.g., Silver, Gold, or a Platinum/Titanium/Ambassador at an excluded property) is denied due to hotel occupancy, you might be offered a paid late checkout.
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The cost: This is entirely at the discretion of the individual hotel. There's no standardized fee across Marriott. You might encounter:
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Hourly fees: Some hotels may charge a set amount per extra hour.
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Half-day rate: Often, if you need to stay until late afternoon (e.g., 5 PM or 6 PM), the hotel might offer a "half-day rate," which is typically a percentage of the standard nightly rate (e.g., 50%).
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Full night's rate: If you need to stay significantly late into the evening (e.g., past 8 PM), or if the hotel is very busy and wants to ensure they can prepare the room for the next day, they might require you to pay for an additional full night.
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How to inquire about costs: Simply ask the front desk. Be polite and ask what their policy is for late checkout and if there are any associated fees for your desired time.
Sub-heading 4.2: Resisting the Urge to Just Stay
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Avoid unauthorized late checkout: Do not simply stay in your room past the standard checkout time (usually 11 AM or 12 PM) without informing the front desk. Hotels track room occupancy, and if you haven't communicated a late checkout, you could be charged for an additional night, or even worse, face a lockout from your room with your belongings inside.
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The charges can be significant: Unauthorized late checkouts can result in hefty fees, often a full night's rate or more, plus potential inconvenience.
Step 5: Strategies for Maximizing Your Chances (Even Without Top-Tier Status)
Even if you're not a Platinum Elite, you can still increase your odds of a successful late checkout:
QuickTip: Focus more on the ‘how’ than the ‘what’.
Sub-heading 5.1: Be Polite and Flexible
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A friendly and polite request goes a long way. Hotel staff are often more willing to help accommodating guests.
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If your ideal time isn't available, ask if there's any flexibility, even for an hour or two. Every little bit helps!
Sub-heading 5.2: Inquire About Hotel Occupancy
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Gently ask the front desk if they are expecting high occupancy or many arrivals. If the hotel isn't fully booked, they'll be more inclined to grant your request.
Sub-heading 5.3: Explain Your Reason (Optional but Helpful)
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If you have a genuine reason for needing a late checkout (e.g., a late flight, a baby's nap schedule), briefly explaining it might help the front desk sympathize and accommodate you.
Sub-heading 5.4: Offer to Pay (As a Last Resort)
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If a complimentary late checkout isn't possible, and you really need those extra hours, politely inquire about any paid options. This shows you're serious about the request.
Sub-heading 5.5: Consider Using Hotel Amenities
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If a late checkout isn't granted, ask if you can still use the hotel's common areas, like the lobby, lounge, or pool. Many hotels are happy to store your luggage after you check out, allowing you to continue enjoying the facilities before you leave. Some even have changing rooms or showers available for guests after checkout.
Step 6: Checking Out Gracefully
Once you've enjoyed your extended stay, ensure a smooth departure.
Sub-heading 6.1: Confirm Your Checkout
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If you've received a confirmed late checkout, you generally don't need to do anything special other than leave your room by the agreed-upon time.
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You can often check out via the Marriott Bonvoy app, through the in-room TV, or by simply leaving your key card in the room.
Sub-heading 6.2: Return Key Cards (If Applicable)
Tip: Reread sections you didn’t fully grasp.
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If you have physical key cards, you can drop them off at the front desk or in a designated express checkout box.
Sub-heading 6.3: Check Your Bill
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Before you leave, or shortly after, review your bill to ensure no incorrect charges have been applied, especially related to late checkout.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to Request Late Checkout at Marriott?
You can request late checkout when making your reservation, during mobile check-in via the Marriott Bonvoy app, at the front desk upon arrival, or by calling/stopping by the front desk on the morning of your departure.
How to Get a Guaranteed Late Checkout at Marriott?
To get a guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout at most participating Marriott properties, you need to achieve Platinum Elite status or higher (Titanium Elite, Ambassador Elite) in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program.
How to Check My Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status?
You can check your Marriott Bonvoy elite status by logging into your Marriott Bonvoy account on the Marriott website or via the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app. Your current status and progress towards the next tier will be displayed.
How to Determine if a Marriott Hotel is a "Resort" or "Convention" Hotel?
Generally, hotels explicitly marketed as "resorts" or located directly next to or integrated with a large convention center fall into these categories. If unsure, you can often find this information on the hotel's specific webpage on Marriott.com, or simply ask the front desk when booking or checking in.
Tip: Reading on mobile? Zoom in for better comfort.
How to Extend My Stay Past 4 PM at Marriott?
If you're a Platinum Elite or higher and need to stay beyond the guaranteed 4 p.m. (or if it's an excluded property), you can inquire about paid late checkout options at the front desk. For Ambassador Elite members, the "Your24™" benefit offers the most flexibility for extended stays.
How to Avoid Late Checkout Fees at Marriott?
The best way to avoid late checkout fees is to be a Marriott Bonvoy elite member (Platinum and above for guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout) or to politely request a complimentary late checkout (Silver and Gold) and hope for availability. Always communicate your intentions to the front desk.
How to Use the Marriott Bonvoy App for Late Checkout?
When you check in via the Marriott Bonvoy app, you'll often see an option to select your desired checkout time. For elite members, this might default to your eligible late checkout time (e.g., 4 p.m. for Platinum).
How to Handle a Denied Late Checkout Request at Marriott?
If your late checkout request is denied, politely ask the front desk about alternative options. Inquire if they can store your luggage, or if there's a communal area or changing facility you can use. As a last resort, ask about any paid options (hourly, half-day rate).
How to Know the Standard Checkout Time at a Marriott Property?
The standard checkout time is typically listed on your booking confirmation, on the hotel's website, or on a sign at the front desk. It's most commonly 11 AM or 12 PM.
How to Get Late Checkout at a Marriott Vacation Club Property?
Marriott Vacation Club properties, along with Marriott Grand Residence Club, Sheraton Vacation Club, Westin Vacation Club, The Phoenician Residences, a Luxury Collection Residence Club, Scottsdale, and Ritz-Carlton Reserve, are generally excluded from the guaranteed late checkout benefit for Platinum Elite and above members. Late checkout at these properties is always subject to availability and discretion of the individual property.
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