So, you're thinking of gifting someone the ultimate travel experience – a stay at a luxurious Marriott hotel! That's a fantastic idea. Whether it's for a special occasion, a thank-you, or just to spread some joy, a Marriott stay offers comfort, relaxation, and memories in the making. But how exactly do you go about it? It's not as simple as wrapping up a hotel room, is it? Don't worry, I'm here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your gift is both thoughtful and perfectly executed.
Step 1: Let's Brainstorm the Perfect Getaway!
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's think about who you're gifting this to and what kind of experience they'd truly appreciate. This initial contemplation will help you choose the best gifting method.
Who is the lucky recipient? Are they a frequent traveler, a couple looking for a romantic escape, a family needing a fun vacation, or someone who simply deserves a luxurious break?
What's their travel style? Do they prefer bustling city breaks, serene beach resorts, adventurous mountain retreats, or perhaps a cozy staycation close to home?
Do they have a specific destination in mind? Knowing their preferred location can significantly narrow down your options.
Are they Marriott Bonvoy members? This is a crucial piece of information that can unlock more possibilities. If they're not, consider encouraging them to join – it's free and comes with perks!
What's your budget? Marriott offers a wide range of properties, from budget-friendly Courtyards to ultra-luxury Ritz-Carltons.
Once you have a clearer picture, we can move on to the practical steps of making this dream gift a reality!
Step 2: Choosing Your Gifting Method – Gift Card, Direct Booking, or Points?
There are a few primary ways to gift a Marriott stay, each with its own advantages and considerations. Let's break them down.
Sub-heading 2.1: The Flexible Friend: Marriott Gift Cards
This is often the easiest and most flexible option, allowing the recipient to choose their own dates, destination, and even use the card for dining, spa treatments, or other hotel amenities.
How to get it done:
Visit the Official Marriott Gift Card Website: Head over to gifts.marriott.com. This is the official and most reliable place to purchase Marriott gift cards.
Choose Your Card Type: You'll typically have options for physical gift cards to be mailed or e-gift cards sent via email.
Physical Gift Card: Perfect for a tangible gift presentation. You can have it shipped directly to you or to the recipient. Allow for shipping time.
E-Gift Card: Ideal for last-minute gifts or for recipients who prefer digital convenience. It's delivered almost instantly to their email address.
Select Your Denomination: Marriott GiftCards are available in USD (United States Dollars) in denominations ranging from $25 to $2,000. You can purchase multiple cards up to $10,000 per person/per credit card/per day.
Personalize Your Message (Optional): Many platforms allow you to add a personal message to the e-gift card, making it even more special.
Complete the Purchase: Follow the prompts to enter your payment information and finalize the transaction. You'll receive a confirmation email.
Inform the Recipient (If using e-gift card): Make sure they know to check their email for the gift card!
Important Considerations for Gift Cards:
Cannot Guarantee a Reservation: While gift cards can be used as payment at the hotel, you cannot use them to guarantee a reservation online. A valid credit card is always required for booking. The recipient will use the gift card upon arrival for payment.
Accepted at Most, but Not All Brands: Marriott GiftCards are accepted at the vast majority of Marriott brands. However, some excluded brands include Bulgari, Design Hotels, Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy, and The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club/Residences/Yacht. Always double-check if the recipient has a specific brand in mind.
No Cash Back: Gift cards are generally not redeemable for cash unless required by law.
Validity: In some regions, like India, specific gift cards may have a one-year validity from activation. Always check the terms and conditions for the region where you purchase and where the recipient intends to use it.
Sub-heading 2.2: The Tailored Treat: Booking a Stay Directly for Someone Else
This option is perfect if you know exactly where and when your recipient wants to travel, or if you want to use your Marriott Bonvoy points.
How to get it done:
Access Your Marriott Bonvoy Account (if applicable): If you're a Marriott Bonvoy member and plan to use your points, log in to your account on Marriott.com. Even if you're paying with cash, booking through your account can ensure you earn points on the stay (if eligible).
Search for the Desired Hotel and Dates: Input the destination, check-in, and check-out dates.
Select the Room: Choose the room type that best suits your recipient's needs.
Enter Guest Information: This is where it gets crucial!
If you are paying with cash: Enter your recipient's name as the primary guest. You can often add your name as the booking contact or additional guest if needed. Crucially, call the hotel directly after booking to inform them that you are gifting the stay and the primary guest will be checking in. This prevents any issues during check-in, especially if your name is on the credit card used for the guarantee.
If you are using Marriott Bonvoy points (Gifted Reservation): This is where it's a bit more nuanced. Marriott allows members to book a room for someone else using their points, often referred to as a "gifted reservation."
Book the reservation in your name first.
Immediately after booking, contact Marriott Bonvoy customer service (or the hotel directly). Inform them that you wish to add your recipient's name to the reservation as an "authorized guest" or "additional guest," clarifying that you will not be present at check-in. Marriott has a specific "M8 gifting code" that the hotel can add to the reservation to indicate it's a gifted stay. This is important to avoid issues with potential fraud detection at the property.
Ensure the recipient has a valid ID that matches the name on the reservation for check-in.
Note: While you won't earn points for a stay booked with points, the recipient will not earn elite night credits or points for their stay either if you booked it for them with your points.
Provide Payment Information: Use your credit card to guarantee the reservation.
Confirm the Booking: Review all details carefully before confirming.
Share the Confirmation: Send the booking confirmation to your recipient, including all necessary details like the reservation number, hotel address, and check-in/check-out times.
Sub-heading 2.3: The Points Power-Up: Gifting Marriott Bonvoy Points
If your recipient is a Marriott Bonvoy member, gifting them points can be a fantastic option, giving them the ultimate freedom to use those points for a stay, experiences, or even convert them to airline miles.
How to get it done:
Visit the Marriott Bonvoy "Gift Points" Page: Go to the official Marriott Bonvoy website and navigate to the "Buy/Gift Points" section. You'll likely be redirected to points.com, Marriott's partner for point transactions.
Log In to Your Account: You'll need to be logged into your Marriott Bonvoy account to gift points.
Enter Recipient's Details: You'll need the recipient's Marriott Bonvoy membership number and last name.
Select the Amount of Points: You can typically gift points in increments of 1,000. There's a maximum of 150,000 points that can be purchased (for yourself or as a gift) per calendar year through the storefronts.
Review and Purchase: Confirm the details and complete the purchase. The points will be deposited into the recipient's account.
Important Considerations for Gifting Points:
Recipient Must Be a Member: This option is only viable if the recipient is already a Marriott Bonvoy member. If not, they'll need to join first.
Enrollment Period for New Members: New Marriott Bonvoy members can be gifted points 30 days after enrollment with qualifying activity, or 90 days without qualifying activity.
Cost: Purchasing points can sometimes be more expensive than simply buying a gift card, especially if there isn't a promotion running. Compare the cost of points to the monetary value of a gift card or a direct booking.
Flexibility: Gifting points offers immense flexibility, allowing the recipient to combine them with their existing points, use them for a stay, or for other Bonvoy Moments experiences.
Non-Refundable: Purchased and gifted points are generally non-refundable.
Step 3: Adding the Finishing Touches and Presentation
The gift itself is wonderful, but how you present it can make it truly unforgettable!
Sub-heading 3.1: Crafting the Perfect Announcement
For Gift Cards: If you opted for an e-gift card, consider creating a custom card or a small box with a printed confirmation to present physically. For physical cards, wrap it beautifully!
For Direct Bookings: Create a personalized "Itinerary for Your Amazing Getaway!" document. Include the hotel name, dates, confirmation number, and any special notes about the amenities they can enjoy. You could even include a small printout of a picture of the hotel.
For Gifted Points: A custom card announcing that you've "powered up" their Marriott Bonvoy account with points for their next adventure, explaining how they can use them.
Sub-heading 3.2: Consider Enhancements (If Applicable)
Welcome Amenity: If you booked directly, you can sometimes arrange a welcome amenity (e.g., a bottle of wine, chocolates) to be in their room upon arrival. Contact the hotel directly to inquire about this.
Room Upgrade: If you have elite status with Marriott, you might be able to request an upgrade for their room, though this is entirely at the hotel's discretion and not guaranteed for gifted stays.
Personalized Note: Always include a heartfelt, handwritten note expressing why you chose this gift for them.
Step 4: Communicating with the Recipient
Once the gift is ready, the final step is to clearly communicate what you've given them and how they can use it.
Explain the Gifting Method: Briefly explain whether it's a gift card, a direct booking, or points.
Provide All Necessary Details:
For Gift Cards: The gift card number and PIN (if applicable), and clear instructions on how to use it (e.g., present at check-in or checkout). Remind them they'll need a credit card for the initial guarantee.
For Direct Bookings: The confirmation number, hotel name, dates, and any special instructions you've already provided to the hotel. Reassure them that everything is taken care of.
For Gifted Points: Let them know the points have been deposited into their Bonvoy account and how they can log in to see them and use them for future bookings.
Offer Assistance: Let them know you're happy to help if they have any questions or need assistance with their booking or redemption.
By following these steps, you'll ensure your Marriott stay gift is not only generous but also seamless and truly appreciated!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to choose the right Marriott brand for a gift?
Quick Answer: Consider the recipient's travel preferences (e.g., luxury, business, extended stay, resort) and your budget. Marriott's website lists all its brands, each with a distinct style and price point.
How to check the balance of a Marriott Gift Card?
Quick Answer: You can typically check the balance of a Marriott Gift Card online at gifts.marriott.com by entering the card number and PIN.
How to use a Marriott Gift Card for a reservation?
Quick Answer: Marriott Gift Cards cannot be used to guarantee a reservation online. You must use a valid credit card for booking. The gift card is then presented at the hotel upon arrival or checkout for payment.
How to transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to another member?
Quick Answer: Marriott Bonvoy members can transfer 1,000 or more points, up to a maximum of 100,000 points per calendar year, to another Marriott Bonvoy member through the "Share Your Points" tool on the Marriott Bonvoy website or by contacting member support.
How to book a Marriott stay for someone who is not a Bonvoy member?
Quick Answer: You can book a stay for a non-member using your credit card by entering their name as the primary guest. It's highly recommended to call the hotel afterwards to add their name to the reservation and clarify that they will be checking in without you.
How to ensure the gifted stay is personalized for the recipient?
Quick Answer: If booking directly, contact the hotel after confirming the reservation to inform them it's a gift and inquire about adding special touches like a welcome amenity or a note.
How to deal with foreign currency if gifting a stay in another country?
Quick Answer: Marriott Gift Cards are primarily sold in USD. If used internationally, the exchange rate will apply at the time of redemption. Alternatively, you can directly book a stay in the local currency using your credit card.
How to know if a specific Marriott hotel accepts gift cards?
Quick Answer: While most do, it's always best to contact the specific hotel directly beforehand to confirm their gift card acceptance guidelines, especially for independent or boutique properties under the Marriott umbrella.
How to combine Marriott Bonvoy accounts to pool points for a gift?
Quick Answer: Marriott allows members to combine accounts if they have multiple Bonvoy accounts under their own name. This is done through the "Combine Your Accounts" feature on the Marriott Bonvoy website. You cannot combine accounts with another person, but you can transfer points to another member as mentioned above.
How to handle cancellations or changes to a gifted Marriott stay?
Quick Answer: If you booked the stay directly, you will be responsible for managing any cancellations or changes according to the hotel's policy. If you gifted a gift card, the recipient manages their own booking and can make changes as per the hotel's terms. For gifted points, the recipient is in control of their point redemption.
