Traveling with others is often more fun, and sometimes, a necessity! If you've already booked a Marriott reservation and realize you need to add another person, don't fret. While it might seem complicated, Marriott offers several ways to modify your booking. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, step by step, ensuring a smooth experience.
The Importance of Adding a Guest to Your Marriott Reservation
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's understand why adding a person to your Marriott reservation is important. It's not just about courtesy; it's about compliance, safety, and sometimes, even benefits!
Hotel Policy and Occupancy Limits: Hotels, including Marriott properties, have strict occupancy limits per room for safety and comfort. Exceeding these limits can lead to issues at check-in or even being turned away.
Access and Key Cards: If your guest arrives before you, or if you need separate key cards, having their name on the reservation is crucial for them to gain access to the room.
Emergencies: In case of an emergency, the hotel staff needs to know who is occupying the room.
Marriott Bonvoy Benefits: While generally the primary guest earns points, in some cases, adding a companion might impact benefits like complimentary breakfast (for eligible elite tiers) or lounge access, which are often extended to the registered guest plus one.
Incidental Charges: If your guest plans to charge items to the room, their name on the reservation can streamline this process.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Add a Person to Your Marriott Reservation
Ready to get started? Let's go through the various methods you can use to add a guest to your Marriott booking.
Step 1: Identify Your Reservation Type and Access Point
This is the crucial first step that will dictate your path! Are you a Marriott Bonvoy member, or did you book as a guest? Did you use the website or the mobile app? The method for modifying your reservation can differ slightly.
Sub-heading 1.1: Are you a Marriott Bonvoy Member?
If you are a Marriott Bonvoy member, you'll have an easier time managing your reservations online or via the app. Your reservation will be linked to your account.
Sub-heading 1.2: Did you Book as a Guest?
If you booked as a guest (without logging into a Marriott Bonvoy account), you'll need your confirmation number and the last name used for the reservation to look it up.
Sub-heading 1.3: Which Platform Did You Use?
Marriott.com (Website): This is often the most comprehensive way to manage your booking.
Marriott Bonvoy Mobile App: Convenient for on-the-go modifications.
Phone Call to Marriott Customer Service: For more complex situations or if online methods aren't working.
Directly Contacting the Hotel: Sometimes the most direct route, especially for last-minute changes or specific hotel policies.
Step 2: Access Your Reservation Online (Website or App)
This is where the actual modification process begins.
Sub-heading 2.1: For Marriott Bonvoy Members
Log In: Go to
www.marriott.com Navigate to "My Trips": Once logged in, look for a section like "My Trips" or "Upcoming Stays" at the top or on your account dashboard.
Select the Reservation: Find the specific reservation you wish to modify and click on it to view the details.
Look for "Modify" or "Edit Stay Details": You should see an option to "View/Modify Room," "Modify Reservation," or "Edit Stay Details." Click on this.
Sub-heading 2.2: For Non-Members (Guest Bookings)
Go to "My Trips" or "Look Up a Reservation": On the Marriott.com homepage, look for "My Trips" or "Look Up a Reservation" (often found near the "Sign In" button).
Enter Details: You will typically need to enter your confirmation number and the last name under which the reservation was made.
Find Reservation: Click "Find Reservation" to retrieve your booking details.
Look for "Modify" or "Edit Stay Details": Similar to members, you'll then look for an option to modify or edit the reservation.
Step 3: Modify the Number of Guests
This is the core of adding a person.
Locate "Rooms & Guests" or "Guest Information": Within the modification section, look for a field or dropdown related to "Rooms & Guests" or "Guest Information."
Adjust the Number of Guests: You should be able to increase the number of adults or total guests for your room.
Important Note: While you can often adjust the number of guests online, Marriott's system does not always allow you to add an additional guest's name directly online after the initial booking. For adding a specific name other than your own, especially if they are arriving first, you may need to call.
Review and Update: The system will typically show you the current room and rate. If the change in the number of guests affects the rate (e.g., if there's an "extra person" charge), it will usually be reflected here. Always review the updated rate before proceeding.
Confirm Changes: Click "Update Stay Details," "Submit Changes," or a similar button to confirm your modification.
Sub-heading 3.1: Understanding Potential Rate Changes
Be aware that adding an extra person might result in a higher nightly rate. This is especially true for properties that charge per person beyond a certain occupancy, or if your original room type has a lower occupancy limit and needs to be upgraded. This is normal and depends on the specific hotel's policy.
Step 4: Adding a Specific Guest's Name (If Necessary)
As mentioned, adding a specific name to the reservation, particularly if that person will be checking in before you, often requires a phone call.
Sub-heading 4.1: Contact Marriott Customer Service
Find the Number: The best way to get the correct number is to visit the Marriott.com website and navigate to their "Contact Us" section. Look for the general Marriott Bonvoy customer service number or a specific number for reservations.
Be Prepared: Have your reservation confirmation number, your name, and the full name of the person you wish to add ready before you call.
Explain Your Request: Clearly state that you need to add an additional guest to your existing reservation. If this guest will be checking in before you, make sure to explicitly mention that you want them listed as an authorized guest for check-in.
Sub-heading 4.2: Contact the Hotel Directly
Find the Hotel's Direct Number: You can usually find the hotel's direct phone number on your reservation confirmation email or by searching for the hotel on Marriott.com.
Call the Front Desk: Politely explain that you have an upcoming reservation and would like to add a guest's name to it. If the guest is checking in first, reiterate this. They can typically make this amendment to the reservation notes.
Sub-heading 4.3: What to Expect When Adding a Name
When adding a name, especially if they are checking in first, the hotel will usually add a "note" to your reservation. This note authorizes the named person to check in and receive a key. They will still need to present a valid photo ID and a credit card for incidentals upon arrival.
Step 5: Confirm Your Changes
Regardless of the method you used, always confirm your changes.
Check Your Email: Marriott typically sends an updated confirmation email whenever a change is made to your reservation. Review this email carefully to ensure the number of guests is correct.
Verify Online/App: Log back into your Marriott Bonvoy account or look up your reservation online to confirm the updated details are reflected.
Optional: Call to Verify (If Concerned): If you're still unsure, a quick call to Marriott customer service or the hotel directly can provide peace of mind.
Important Considerations When Adding a Person
Occupancy Limits: Remember that each room type has a maximum occupancy. If adding a person exceeds this limit, you might be prompted to upgrade to a larger room or book an additional room, which will likely incur extra charges. Marriott's terms and conditions state that they can limit occupancy based on fire code or their own policies.
Extra Person Charges: Many hotels, especially outside of North America, charge an additional fee per person beyond a standard occupancy (usually two adults). Be prepared for this potential cost.
Marriott Bonvoy Benefits: While adding a second registered guest can allow them to use a mobile key or check-in, elite benefits like complimentary breakfast or lounge access are typically tied to the primary Marriott Bonvoy member's elite status and often extended to one accompanying guest in the same room. Confirm with the hotel if your added guest will receive specific benefits if you are not present.
Age Requirements: Ensure that any added guest meets the hotel's minimum age requirement for occupying a room independently (usually 18 or 21).
Payment for Incidentals: The person checking in will usually need to provide a credit card for incidental charges, even if the room itself is prepaid.
Award Stays (Points/Free Night Certificates): If you booked with points or a Free Night Award, there's a specific process for gifting a stay to another person, which cannot be done entirely online or via the app. You generally need to contact Marriott Member Support to add the recipient's name for a gifted award stay. You cannot use a Free Night Award Certificate to book a room for another guest and simply add their name.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related FAQs to help you further:
How to add a person to a Marriott reservation if I'm not a Marriott Bonvoy member?
You can look up your reservation on Marriott.com using your confirmation number and last name. Then, attempt to modify the number of guests online. If you need to add a specific name for check-in, you'll likely need to call Marriott customer service or the hotel directly.
How to add a child to a Marriott reservation?
Usually, when you modify the number of guests online, there will be an option to specify the number of adults and children. Simply increase the number of children as needed. Be aware that some hotels may have policies or charges for children above a certain age or number.
How to add an adult to a Marriott reservation after booking?
Follow Step 3 of this guide to modify the "number of guests" online. If you need to add their name for check-in purposes (especially if they're arriving before you), follow Step 4 by calling Marriott customer service or the hotel directly.
How to add a name to a Marriott reservation for someone checking in first?
This must be done by contacting Marriott customer service or the hotel directly (Step 4). The hotel will add a note to your reservation authorizing the named person to check in. They will need their ID and a credit card for incidentals.
How to know if there's an extra person charge for adding a guest to Marriott?
When you modify the number of guests online (Step 3), the system will usually reflect any change in the room rate due to extra person charges. If you're unsure, you can always call the hotel directly and inquire about their specific extra person policies.
How to modify a Marriott reservation through the mobile app?
Open the Marriott Bonvoy app, go to "Trips," select your upcoming reservation, and look for a "Modify Reservation" or "Edit Stay Details" option. From there, you should be able to adjust the number of guests. For adding a specific name, a phone call is usually still required.
How to add a person to a Marriott reservation booked with points or a free night award?
For award stays, you generally need to contact Marriott Member Support. You cannot simply add a name online if the reservation is meant to be gifted to someone else. There's a specific process to ensure the recipient can check in.
How to add a guest's name for a Marriott Bonvoy Mobile Key?
To share a Mobile Key, the travel companion typically needs to be aged 18 or older, a Marriott Bonvoy member, and have the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app installed. The primary guest can then share the key through the app's "Unlock Door" section for their current stay. The companion may still need to show ID at the front desk.
How to ensure a smooth check-in for an added guest at Marriott?
Always confirm that the guest's name has been added to the reservation as an authorized guest. Advise your guest to bring a valid photo ID and a credit card for incidental charges, even if the room is prepaid.
How to handle a Marriott reservation if I accidentally put the wrong number of guests?
Simply follow Step 3 of this guide to modify the number of guests online. If you need to decrease the number, the process is the same as increasing it. Ensure you review any potential rate changes.
