Are you eagerly anticipating those Marriott Bonvoy elite night credits to hit your account? You've just checked out of a fantastic Marriott property, and the countdown to your next elite status tier begins! But then you wait... and wait... and nothing. Sound familiar? Don't worry, you're not alone! The posting of Marriott Bonvoy nights can sometimes feel like a mysterious process, but with a little understanding and patience, you'll know exactly what to expect and what to do if your nights don't show up.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the typical timeline, potential reasons for delays, and the precise steps to take if your hard-earned nights go missing. Let's get those nights credited!
The Waiting Game: How Long Does It Take for Nights to Show Up on Marriott Bonvoy?
The official word from Marriott Bonvoy is that it can take up to 10 business days after check-out for a stay to post to your account. While many members report seeing their nights and points post much faster – often within 1-3 days – it's crucial to be aware of that 10-business-day window before you start panicking.
What's a "business day" you ask? Generally, this refers to Monday through Friday, excluding public holidays. So, if you check out on a Friday, the 10 business days would start the following Monday, potentially extending the wait significantly if there are holidays in between.
Factors Influencing Posting Time
Several factors can influence how quickly your nights appear:
Property Type: Some report that stays at certain brands or international properties might take a bit longer to process.
Booking Method: Stays booked directly through Marriott's website or app generally post faster than those booked through third-party channels (which may not even be eligible for elite night credits or points).
System Processing: Sometimes, there are simply system delays on Marriott's end, especially during peak travel seasons or around promotional periods.
Group Bookings/Special Rates: If your stay was part of a group booking or utilized a special corporate rate, the processing might take a little longer.
Step-by-Step Guide: Monitoring and Managing Your Marriott Bonvoy Nights
Step 1: The Initial Check & Patience is a Virtue!
First things first, let's establish a baseline. You've completed your stay, right? Now, it's time to set a reminder and exercise a little patience.
Sub-heading: Verify Your Stay Details
Before you even start monitoring, ensure your Marriott Bonvoy number was correctly applied to your reservation. This is the single most common reason for missing credits. Double-check your confirmation email or the hotel folio (receipt) to confirm your member number is listed.
Sub-heading: Mark Your Calendar
Given the "up to 10 business days" rule, make a note of the date 10 business days after your check-out. This is your personal "trigger date" for taking further action. Until then, while it's natural to be eager, it's best to allow the system to do its work.
Step 2: Checking Your Marriott Bonvoy Account
Regularly checking your account is key. You don't need to do it every hour, but a quick look every few days can save you from unnecessary worry.
Sub-heading: Accessing Your Account Activity Online
Log In: Go to the official Marriott Bonvoy website (marriott.com) and log into your account.
Navigate to Activity: Once logged in, look for a section typically labeled "My Account," "Activity," or "Account Activity."
Review Recent Stays: Here, you'll see a list of your recent stays, points earned, and elite night credits. Look for the specific stay in question.
Sub-heading: Using the Marriott Bonvoy Mobile App
The mobile app is often the quickest way to check your status on the go.
Open the App: Launch the Marriott Bonvoy app on your smartphone.
Go to Account: Tap on the "Account" or "Profile" icon, usually located at the bottom of the screen.
View Activity: Look for "Activity" or "Account Activity" to see your posting history.
If your stay has posted, fantastic! You'll see the nights and points reflected, and your elite status tracker will update accordingly.
Step 3: Understanding Missing Stay Criteria
If your trigger date has passed and your nights still haven't appeared, don't despair! But first, let's ensure your stay actually qualifies for Bonvoy credit.
Sub-heading: Qualifying Stays Explained
Not all stays are created equal when it comes to earning Marriott Bonvoy nights and points. Generally, to qualify:
Direct Booking: The reservation must have been made directly through Marriott.com, the Marriott Bonvoy App, Marriott's call centers, or directly with a Marriott property. Stays booked through online travel agencies (OTAs) like Expedia, Booking.com, or third-party wholesalers are typically not eligible.
Eligible Rate: You must have paid an eligible rate. This usually excludes heavily discounted rates, airline crew rates, tour operator rates, and some group rates unless specifically stated as eligible.
Your Name on Reservation: Your Marriott Bonvoy member number must be linked to a reservation where you are the primary guest. If someone else booked for you, or if you booked multiple rooms, ensure your name and Bonvoy number are associated with the room you occupied.
Step 4: Requesting Missing Stay Credit – Your Action Plan!
If 10 business days have passed since your check-out, and your stay still hasn't posted, it's time to take action. Marriott has a straightforward process for requesting missing stay credit.
Sub-heading: Gather Your Documentation
This is critical. You will almost certainly need:
Your Marriott Bonvoy Member Number.
Hotel Name and Location.
Check-in and Check-out Dates.
Confirmation Number for the reservation.
A copy of your hotel bill (folio). This is essential as it proves your stay and payment. If you don't have it, contact the hotel directly to request a copy.
Sub-heading: Submitting an Online Missing Stay Request
This is the most efficient method.
Log in to Marriott Bonvoy: Go to marriott.com and log in to your account.
Navigate to Missing Stay Request:
Click on "My Account" or your name in the top right corner.
Select "Account Activity."
Scroll down to the bottom of the page (or look for a dedicated link) and find "Report a Missing Stay" or "Missing Stay Request."
Fill Out the Form: You'll be prompted to enter all the details you gathered in the previous step, including uploading your hotel folio.
Submit and Note Confirmation: Once you submit the form, you should receive a confirmation number. Make sure to save this number! It's your reference if you need to follow up.
Sub-heading: What to Expect After Submission
Marriott states that it can take up to 10 business days for a missing stay request to be processed and credited to your account. Many members report much faster resolution, sometimes within a few days.
Step 5: Following Up (If Necessary)
If, after another 10 business days following your missing stay request submission, your nights still haven't appeared, it's time for a follow-up.
Sub-heading: Contacting Marriott Bonvoy Customer Service
Have Your Confirmation Number Ready: When you call or chat, immediately provide the confirmation number from your missing stay request. This will help the agent locate your inquiry quickly.
Be Polite and Prepared: Clearly explain the situation: the dates of your stay, when you submitted the missing stay request, and that the 10 business days have passed since both the original checkout and your request.
Contact Options:
Phone: Find the appropriate customer service number for your region on the Marriott Bonvoy website.
Chat: Some regions offer a live chat option through the website or app, which can be convenient.
Email: While typically slower, email is also an option if you prefer written communication.
Often, a quick call with your missing stay request number will resolve the issue quickly. Agents can often manually push through the credits if all information is verified.
Conclusion
While the official line is "up to 10 business days" for Marriott Bonvoy nights to show up, don't be alarmed if it takes a little longer, or if they appear much sooner. The key is to be proactive if the stipulated timeframes pass. By keeping your reservation details and folio handy, and following the clear steps for requesting missing credit, you'll ensure all your valuable nights contribute to your elite status journey. Happy travels!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to Check My Current Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status?
You can easily check your current elite status by logging into your Marriott Bonvoy account on the official website (marriott.com) or through the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app. Your status, along with your progress towards the next tier, is prominently displayed on your account dashboard.
How to Request Credit for a Missing Marriott Bonvoy Stay?
To request credit for a missing stay, log into your Marriott Bonvoy account online, navigate to "Account Activity," and look for the "Report a Missing Stay" link. You'll need your hotel name, dates of stay, confirmation number, and a copy of your hotel bill (folio) to complete the form.
How to Obtain a Copy of My Hotel Bill (Folio) from a Past Marriott Stay?
If you didn't receive your hotel bill upon checkout, you can typically request a copy directly from the hotel where you stayed. Many Marriott properties also allow you to request a digital copy through the Marriott website by searching for your past reservations or contacting Marriott Bonvoy customer service.
How to Ensure My Marriott Bonvoy Number is Linked to My Reservation?
Always provide your Marriott Bonvoy member number when booking directly through Marriott's website, app, or call center. At check-in, confirm with the front desk agent that your Bonvoy number is attached to your reservation.
How to Know if My Booking is Eligible for Marriott Bonvoy Nights?
Generally, only stays booked directly through Marriott channels (website, app, call center, hotel direct) at eligible rates qualify for elite night credits and points. Bookings made via third-party online travel agencies (OTAs) are typically not eligible.
How to Contact Marriott Bonvoy Customer Service for Missing Stays?
If your missing stay request hasn't been processed within 10 business days, you can contact Marriott Bonvoy Customer Service via phone (numbers available on their website) or through their online chat function. Have your missing stay request confirmation number ready.
How to Track My Marriott Bonvoy Elite Night Progress?
Your elite night progress is displayed within your Marriott Bonvoy account online and on the mobile app. It shows how many nights you've accumulated in the current calendar year and how many more you need to reach the next elite status tier.
How to Get Elite Night Credits Faster?
While you can't speed up the processing of existing stays, certain Marriott Bonvoy credit cards offer annual elite night credits or allow you to earn additional credits through spending, which can help you reach elite status faster.
How to Deal with a Missing Stay that Was Part of a Group Booking?
If your missing stay was part of a group booking, ensure your individual reservation within the group had your Marriott Bonvoy number attached and that the rate was eligible. If it still doesn't post, follow the missing stay request process with your individual folio.
How to Prevent Future Missing Marriott Bonvoy Nights?
Always book directly with Marriott, ensure your Bonvoy number is on the reservation, and collect a copy of your hotel bill at checkout. Regularly check your account activity after each stay and initiate a missing stay request promptly if credits don't appear after 10 business days.
