Oh, planning a Marriott getaway, are we? That's fantastic! Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of adding extra guests, let's make sure we're on the same page and get you ready for a smooth process.
The Grand Plan: Adding Guests to Your Marriott Reservation
Whether you're bringing along a friend, a family member, or even an unexpected tag-along, adding an additional guest to your Marriott reservation often requires a little more than a simple click. While Marriott does allow for some online modifications, adding additional guest names (beyond the initial number of guests stated in your booking) typically involves direct communication with the hotel or Marriott's central reservations. This is primarily for security, guest comfort, and to ensure the hotel can properly accommodate everyone.
Let's break down the process step-by-step to ensure your trip is as seamless as possible!
Step 1: Ascertain the Need and Gather Information
Ready to get started? Before you do anything, take a moment to confirm why you need to add an additional guest and gather all necessary details. This initial thought process will save you time and potential headaches later.
1.1 Why are you adding a guest?
Is it just for identification/security? Perhaps your travel companion is arriving before you, and you want their name on the reservation so they can check in. This is a common and valid reason.
Are you increasing the total number of occupants in the room? For example, you booked for two people and now want to add a third. This is where room occupancy limits and potential extra person fees come into play.
Is it a child or infant? Often, children under a certain age may not count towards the maximum occupancy or incur additional fees, but it's always best to confirm.
1.2 Gather Key Reservation and Guest Details
Your Marriott Reservation Confirmation Number: This is crucial! You'll find it in your confirmation email or by logging into your Marriott Bonvoy account.
Your Full Name and Marriott Bonvoy Member Number (if applicable): Have this readily available for verification.
Full Name of the Additional Guest(s): Make sure you have the exact spelling as it appears on their identification.
Dates of your stay: Double-check your check-in and check-out dates.
Hotel Name and Location: Be precise.
Room Type Booked: Knowing this helps determine maximum occupancy.
Step 2: Check Your Room's Maximum Occupancy and Potential Fees
This is a critical step. Every hotel room has a maximum occupancy limit, dictated by safety regulations and room configuration. Exceeding this limit is generally not allowed and can lead to issues at check-in.
2.1 Review Your Original Booking Details
Go back to your confirmation email or log into your Marriott Bonvoy account and view your reservation.
Look for details on your specific room type. It usually specifies how many guests the room accommodates. For instance, a "King Bed" room might be for two, while a "Two Queen Beds" room might accommodate up to four.
If you can't find this information easily, don't panic. You'll confirm it in the next steps.
2.2 Understand Potential Additional Guest Fees
While many hotels allow a certain number of guests per room without extra charge (e.g., two adults), adding more than the standard can incur additional person fees.
These fees vary greatly by hotel, brand (e.g., Courtyard vs. St. Regis), and location.
Marriott Bonvoy elite members sometimes have certain benefits, but an extra person fee is generally not waived unless it's for a child under the hotel's specific age limit.
Step 3: The Preferred Method - Contacting Marriott Directly (Recommended)
For adding additional names to an existing reservation or significantly changing the number of guests, directly contacting Marriott's customer service or the hotel itself is the most reliable and recommended approach.
3.1 Contacting Marriott Bonvoy Customer Service
This is often the best first step, especially if you have a Marriott Bonvoy account and want to ensure the change is properly documented within the system.
By Phone:
Locate the Marriott Bonvoy customer service number for your region. For India, a common number is 1800 258 2555. You can find country-specific numbers on the Marriott website under "Contact Us" or "Help."
Prepare your reservation confirmation number and personal details.
Clearly state your request: "I would like to add an additional guest name to my reservation" or "I need to increase the number of guests on my reservation from X to Y."
The representative will guide you through the process, confirm room occupancy, and inform you of any potential additional charges. They can usually make the change immediately.
Through the Marriott Bonvoy Mobile App (Limited Functionality for Names):
While the app allows you to modify the number of guests for some reservations (which might lead to a rate change if occupancy affects pricing), it does not typically allow you to add specific guest names beyond the primary guest.
If you're only adjusting the number of guests within the room's maximum occupancy and your current rate allows for it, you can try this:
Open the Marriott Bonvoy App.
Go to "Trips" at the bottom.
Select your upcoming reservation.
Look for an option like "Modify Reservation" or "Edit Stay Details."
You might find a "Rooms & Guests" or "Number of Guests" dropdown. Adjust as needed.
Be aware: Changing the number of guests might prompt a re-pricing of your reservation, especially if it pushes you into a different occupancy tier or if the original rate was based on fewer guests. Review any new rates carefully before confirming.
If you can only change the number and not add a name, proceed to contact the hotel directly as outlined below.
3.2 Contacting the Hotel Directly
If you prefer to deal directly with the property or if the Marriott Bonvoy customer service advises it, contact the specific hotel.
Find the Hotel's Direct Number: This is usually available on your reservation confirmation, the Marriott website (search for the hotel and look for its contact information), or a quick Google search.
Call the Front Desk or Reservations Department: Explain your situation clearly.
"Hello, I have an upcoming reservation under [Your Name] for [Dates]. My confirmation number is [Confirmation Number]. I would like to add [Guest's Full Name] to the reservation as an additional registered guest."
If you are also increasing the number of occupants, state that: "We originally booked for 2 people, and now there will be 3. Can this room type accommodate us, and are there any additional fees?"
Request a Confirmation: Ask for an updated confirmation email or a note added to your reservation file that includes the additional guest's name. This is vital for proof.
Step 4: Confirm and Document the Change
After making the request, it's essential to confirm that the change has been properly processed and to have documentation for your peace of mind.
4.1 Verify Online (if possible)
Log back into your Marriott Bonvoy account or use the "Look Up a Reservation" feature on marriott.com.
See if the number of guests or, ideally, the additional guest's name is reflected in your reservation details. Please note: As mentioned, adding specific names beyond the primary guest might not always appear online, even if successfully added by phone. This is why requesting a new confirmation is important.
4.2 Request an Updated Confirmation Email
Always ask the representative (either Marriott Bonvoy or the hotel) to send you an updated confirmation email that reflects the change. This is your official record.
If they can't send a new one with the specific name, ask them to make a note on your reservation and verbally confirm that the additional guest is authorized to check in.
Step 5: What to Expect at Check-in
Even with the best preparation, it's good to know what might happen when you arrive.
5.1 Smooth Sailing
If the additional guest's name is on the reservation, they should be able to check in (with valid ID) even if you are not present.
If you are checking in together, the front desk will simply verify both your IDs.
Any pre-communicated additional guest fees will be applied to your folio.
5.2 Potential Scenarios and Solutions
Name not visible on their system: Occasionally, there might be a hiccup. This is why having your confirmation email or notes from your call is crucial. Politely explain that you called and spoke to [Marriott Reservations/Hotel staff] on [Date] to add the guest. Show them your updated confirmation if you have one.
Maximum Occupancy Issue: If you tried to add too many guests for the room type, the hotel might offer you the option to upgrade to a larger room or suite (at an additional cost) or suggest booking a second room. This is less likely if you checked occupancy limits in Step 2.
Unexpected Fees: If you are surprised by an additional guest fee, politely inquire about it. Refer to any previous conversations or confirmation emails that may have clarified the fee.
Important Considerations for Adding Guests
Marriott Bonvoy Benefits: Generally, elite benefits (like complimentary breakfast or lounge access) apply to the elite member and one additional guest staying in the same room. If you add more than one additional guest, consult the specific hotel's policy or your Marriott Bonvoy terms for benefits for further occupants.
Safety and Fire Regulations: Hotels adhere to strict occupancy limits for guest safety. Do not attempt to "sneak in" extra guests beyond the stated maximum. This can lead to serious consequences, including being asked to leave the property.
Billing and Incidentals: Ensure clarity on who is responsible for incidental charges if the additional guest will be using their own credit card for charges.
"Guest" vs. "Occupant": In hotel terms, a "guest" is typically someone whose name is registered on the reservation and is authorized to stay. An "occupant" simply refers to anyone staying in the room, regardless of whether they are formally registered. For security and service purposes, it's always best to have all adult occupants registered as guests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to adding guests to a Marriott reservation, with quick answers:
How to add a guest name to my Marriott reservation online?
Currently, Marriott's online system and mobile app generally do not allow you to add specific additional guest names beyond the primary guest. You can often adjust the number of guests, but for adding a name, you'll need to call Marriott customer service or the hotel directly.
How to add a guest to my Marriott reservation if they are arriving before me?
You must call Marriott customer service or the hotel directly to add their name to the reservation. This ensures they can check in with their valid ID upon arrival.
How to find the maximum occupancy for my Marriott room?
Check your original reservation confirmation email or details on marriott.com. If not listed clearly, you'll confirm it when you call Marriott customer service or the hotel directly.
How to know if there's an extra person fee for adding a guest to Marriott?
Additional person fees vary by hotel and brand. The best way to know is to inquire when you contact Marriott customer service or the hotel to add the guest. They will inform you of any applicable charges.
How to add a child to my Marriott reservation?
Policies for children vary by hotel and age. Often, young children (e.g., under 12 or 18) may not incur an extra person charge and might not count towards official occupancy limits. Always call the hotel or Marriott customer service to confirm their specific policy and ensure they are aware of the child's presence.
How to contact Marriott customer service to add a guest?
Find the appropriate phone number for your region on the official Marriott website under their "Contact Us" or "Help" section. For India, a common number is 1800 258 2555.
How to confirm that an additional guest's name has been added to my Marriott reservation?
After calling, request an updated confirmation email from the representative. If that's not possible, ask them to make a note on your reservation and verbally confirm that the guest can check in.
How to add a guest at check-in at a Marriott hotel?
While possible, it's not recommended as the primary method. It's always better to add the guest beforehand by calling. If you arrive together, you can inform the front desk, and they can add the guest to the reservation. If the guest is arriving alone and their name isn't on the booking, they may be denied check-in for security reasons.
How to modify the number of guests on a Marriott reservation via the mobile app?
Open the Marriott Bonvoy app, go to "Trips," select your reservation, and look for "Modify Reservation" or "Edit Stay Details." You might find an option to adjust the "Rooms & Guests" or "Number of Guests" dropdown. Be aware that this could trigger a rate change.
How to ensure an additional guest receives Marriott Bonvoy elite benefits?
Generally, elite benefits (like complimentary breakfast) apply to the elite member and one additional guest staying in the same room. For more than one additional guest, verify with the specific hotel, as policies can vary. Ensure the additional guest is formally added to the reservation.
Enjoy your Marriott stay with all your guests!
