Dreaming of that perfect Marriott getaway, whether it's a luxurious escape to a St. Regis in Bali, a family adventure at a sprawling Marriott Resort, or a quick business trip stay at a Courtyard by Marriott? A common question that pops up for eager travelers is: how far in advance can I book with Marriott? Planning ahead can often secure better rates, ensure availability, and simply give you peace of mind.
Well, get ready, because we're about to dive deep into Marriott's booking windows, point redemptions, and all the insider tips to help you snag that ideal reservation!
Your Ultimate Guide to Booking Marriott Stays Far in Advance
Step 1: Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Unforgettable Journey?
Let's face it, the anticipation of a trip is half the fun! Before we get into the nitty-gritty of booking windows, take a moment to visualize your ideal Marriott experience. Where do you want to go? What kind of property are you dreaming of? Having a clear vision will help you navigate the booking process more efficiently and ensure you're looking for the right dates and locations.
Step 2: Understanding the Standard Marriott Booking Window
For most standard paid and award reservations with Marriott Bonvoy, you can typically book your stay as early as 50 weeks (approximately 11.5 months) prior to your arrival date. This is the general rule of thumb for most Marriott properties and is applicable whether you're paying with cash or redeeming your hard-earned Marriott Bonvoy points.
Sub-heading: Why the 50-Week Mark?
This 50-week window allows Marriott to manage its inventory effectively. It provides a balance, giving early planners ample opportunity to book highly sought-after dates or locations, while also leaving room for shorter-term bookings and dynamic pricing adjustments.
Step 3: Special Considerations for Marriott Vacation Club Owners
If you're a proud Marriott Vacation Club (MVC) owner, the booking rules can be a bit more nuanced and often offer even earlier access to reservations. This is where your ownership type and benefit level come into play.
Sub-heading: Deeded Weeks vs. Abound Club Points
Deeded Week Owners: If you own a deeded week, you can generally book your specific home resort and week as early as 12 months (365 days) prior to the check-in date. This is a significant advantage for those who love returning to their favorite MVC property year after year.
Abound Club Points Owners: For those with Abound Club points, the booking window can be even earlier, sometimes up to 13 months prior to the desired check-in date. However, this often comes with specific conditions:
Booking multiple owned weeks concurrently or consecutively: If you're booking two or more of your owned weeks that either overlap or immediately follow each other, you might gain access to that 13-month window.
Benefit Level: Your specific Marriott Vacation Club benefit level (Owner, Select, Executive, Presidential, Chairman's Club) can also influence how far in advance you can book and for how many nights. Higher tiers often enjoy earlier access and more flexibility.
Sub-heading: Important MVC Tips
Always check your specific Marriott Vacation Club account and the inventory release calendars for your resort. Dates can shift slightly due to factors like leap years or holiday closures.
For highly demanded instantaneous week bookings within the 13-month window, it's often recommended to book by phone rather than online, as phone requests can sometimes take priority.
Step 4: The Process of Booking Your Marriott Stay
Regardless of whether you're booking a standard hotel or an MVC property, the general process remains straightforward.
Sub-heading: Booking Online via Marriott.com or the Marriott Bonvoy App
Access the Platform: Head to Marriott.com or open your Marriott Bonvoy mobile app.
Enter Details: Input your desired destination, travel dates, and number of guests.
Specify Special Rates/Points: If you're a Marriott Bonvoy member, ensure you're logged in. If you plan to use points or a free night award, toggle the "Use Points/Awards" option. You can also select special rates like AAA/CAA, Senior Discount, or Corporate/Promo codes here.
Search and Select: Click "Find Hotels" and browse the available properties. Once you've found your ideal hotel, click "View Rates" and select your preferred room type and rate.
Complete Your Booking: Review all the details carefully, including the cancellation policy, and proceed to confirm your reservation.
Sub-heading: Booking by Phone
If you encounter any issues online, have specific questions, or are an MVC owner needing to book further out, don't hesitate to call Marriott's global reservation numbers. Their customer service agents are equipped to assist with complex bookings and provide personalized guidance.
Step 5: Strategies for Securing Highly Desired Dates
Booking far in advance is often the best strategy, especially for popular destinations, holiday periods, or unique Marriott properties.
Sub-heading: The Early Bird Gets the Worm (and the Room!)
Set Reminders: If you have a specific date in mind, set a reminder for 50 weeks out (or 12/13 months for MVC owners) to begin your search.
Be Flexible (If Possible): While planning far ahead, if you have some flexibility with your dates, you might find more availability and potentially better rates. Shifting your travel by a day or two can sometimes make a big difference.
Consider Different Marriott Brands: If your preferred brand or property is fully booked, explore other Marriott brands in the same vicinity. Marriott offers a vast portfolio, from luxury (Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, EDITION) to lifestyle (W Hotels, Aloft) and extended stay (Residence Inn, Element), increasing your chances of finding a suitable option.
Step 6: What if Your Plans Change? Understanding Cancellation Policies
Even with the best planning, sometimes things change. Marriott's cancellation policies vary by rate type and property, but generally, booking far in advance gives you more leeway.
Sub-heading: Always Read the Fine Print
When you're booking, the cancellation policy will be clearly stated. Pay close attention to the deadline for free cancellation to avoid any penalties.
Many standard rates offer free cancellation up to a few days or even 24 hours before check-in.
Advance Purchase rates are often non-refundable or have stricter cancellation terms, but they usually come with a discount. Weigh the savings against the flexibility you need.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to: Find the exact 50-week booking window for a specific date?
Count back 50 weeks from your desired check-in date. A quick online date calculator or a calendar app can help you pinpoint the precise day.
How to: Book a Marriott hotel using Marriott Bonvoy points?
On Marriott.com or the Bonvoy app, select the "Use Points/Awards" checkbox when searching for hotels and dates. The search results will then display the point redemption rates.
How to: Determine if a specific Marriott property is a Marriott Vacation Club resort?
Marriott Vacation Club resorts are typically identified as such on the Marriott website, often under the "Marriott Vacation Clubs" section or with "Vacation Club" in their name.
How to: Change or modify an existing Marriott reservation booked in advance?
Log into your Marriott Bonvoy account, go to "My Trips" or "My Reservations," select the booking, and look for "View/Modify Room" or "Edit Stay Details" options.
How to: Find special offers and deals for Marriott hotels when booking early?
Check the "Deals" or "Special Offers" section on Marriott.com. Many promotions, like "Advance Purchase," offer discounts for booking further out.
How to: Get the best rate when booking far in advance with Marriott?
Book directly on Marriott.com or the Marriott Bonvoy app, consider prepaying if your plans are firm (for potential discounts), and always compare rates. Marriott's Best Rate Guarantee offers additional assurance.
How to: Book more than 9 rooms for a group event with Marriott?
For group bookings (typically 10 rooms or more), Marriott recommends contacting their group sales department directly or using the "Book Meetings & Events" section on their website.
How to: Use a Free Night Award certificate when booking in advance?
Ensure your Free Night Award is deposited into your Marriott Bonvoy account. When searching for a reservation, select "Use Points/Awards," and if eligible, the certificate will be an option to apply during the booking process.
How to: Contact Marriott customer service for booking assistance?
You can find global reservation numbers and customer service contact information on the "Help & Contact Us" section of Marriott.com, or through the Marriott Bonvoy app.
How to: Ensure your Marriott Bonvoy member benefits apply to an advance booking?
Always log into your Marriott Bonvoy account before making a reservation directly on Marriott.com or the app. Your member benefits, including elite status perks and earning points, will automatically apply.
