Planning a trip and need to add another person to your Marriott reservation? Perhaps a friend is joining last minute, or you want your travel companion to be able to check in without you. While Marriott's policies can sometimes seem a little nuanced, especially when it comes to adding names to existing bookings, it's definitely achievable! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various methods, highlighting important considerations to ensure a smooth check-in for everyone.
Ready to make sure everyone's name is on the list? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Understand Marriott's General Policy on Adding Guests
Before we jump into the "how-to," it's crucial to understand a few key things about Marriott's approach to additional guests. This will help manage your expectations and guide you toward the most effective method.
Primary Guest vs. Additional Guest
The person who made the reservation is always considered the primary guest. This person is typically the one whose name appears first on the booking, whose credit card is on file (if applicable), and whose Marriott Bonvoy account is linked to the stay.
Adding an "additional guest name" generally means putting another person's name on the reservation so they can check in or receive a room key. It doesn't necessarily grant them all the benefits of your Marriott Bonvoy status if they aren't the primary guest, especially if you won't be present.
Why Add a Guest Name?
There are several common reasons why you might want to add a guest name:
Early Check-in for your companion: If you're arriving later than your travel companion, adding their name allows them to check in and access the room before you arrive.
Room Key Access: Ensures everyone staying in the room can easily get a key from the front desk.
Security: For the hotel's records and your peace of mind, having all occupants listed is generally a good practice.
Special Requests/Notes: Sometimes adding a guest name allows you to include specific notes related to their needs for the stay.
Step 2: Checking Your Reservation Details Online (Initial Assessment)
Your first port of call should always be the Marriott website or the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app. While direct online editing to add an additional guest name might be limited, it's where you'll get the current status of your reservation and sometimes find options to modify the number of guests.
Sub-heading: Accessing Your Reservation
Via Marriott.com:
Go to Marriott.com.
Click on "My Trips" at the top of the page.
If you are signed into your Marriott Bonvoy account, your upcoming reservations will likely appear.
If you are not signed in, you'll need to enter your Confirmation Number and Last Name to "Look Up a Reservation."
Via the Marriott Bonvoy Mobile App:
Open the Marriott Bonvoy app on your smartphone.
Tap on "Trips" at the bottom of the screen.
Select the specific reservation you wish to modify.
Sub-heading: Looking for "Guest Information" or "Modify Room" Options
Once you've located your reservation, scroll down and carefully review the details. Look for sections like "Guest Information," "Room & Guests," or a button that says "Modify Room" or "Edit Stay Details."
Important Note: While you might be able to change the number of guests in your room through these online options, Marriott generally states that you cannot add or edit an additional name (i.e., a name other than the primary guest) directly online or in the mobile app after the initial booking. This is a common point of confusion. If you booked for one guest and now want to change it to two, you might be able to update the number of guests online, which could change the rate. However, to add a specific second name that isn't yours, you'll likely need to proceed to Step 3.
Step 3: The Most Reliable Method - Contacting Marriott Directly
Given Marriott's policies, the most consistent and reliable way to add an additional guest name to an existing reservation is by contacting them directly. This ensures the name is properly noted on the reservation by hotel staff.
Sub-heading: Calling Marriott Customer Service
Gather Your Information: Before you call, have the following ready:
Your Marriott Bonvoy Account Number (if applicable).
Your Reservation Confirmation Number.
The Hotel Name and Location.
The Full Name of the additional guest you wish to add.
Optionally, their phone number or email address if the representative asks for it (though often just the name is sufficient for check-in purposes).
Find the Right Number:
For general Marriott reservations in the US/Canada, call +1 (888) 236-2427.
For international numbers, visit the Marriott website's "Worldwide Telephone Reservations" page (you can find this by searching "Marriott global phone numbers"). For India, the toll-free number is 1800 258 2555.
Explain Your Request Clearly:
When you connect with a representative, clearly state that you wish to add an additional guest name to your existing reservation.
Provide them with your confirmation number and the full name of the person you want to add.
Specify if this guest will be arriving before you so the hotel can make a note.
Confirm the Addition:
Once the representative confirms they've added the name, ask them to repeat the names listed on the reservation to ensure accuracy.
Inquire if you will receive an updated confirmation email. While not always standard for a simple name addition, it's good to ask.
Sub-heading: Contacting the Hotel Directly
In some cases, especially if you're close to your arrival date or have a very specific request, calling the hotel directly can be even more effective.
Why this works well: The hotel's front desk staff are the ones who will ultimately be checking in your guest. By speaking with them directly, you can ensure they are aware of the situation and have the correct name on file.
How to do it:
Look up the direct phone number for your specific Marriott hotel (usually found on your confirmation email or the hotel's page on Marriott.com).
Explain your request to add a guest name.
Confirm with them that the added guest will be able to check in.
Step 4: Considerations for Award Stays (Points/Free Night Certificates)
If your reservation was booked using Marriott Bonvoy points or a Free Night Award, there are specific considerations when adding a guest, particularly if that guest will be staying without you.
Sub-heading: Gifting an Award Redemption Reservation
Marriott Bonvoy's policy generally states that you cannot add or edit an additional name online or in the mobile app for Award Redemption Reservations.
If you are not going to be staying at the hotel and are booking an award stay for someone else (gifting it), you must contact Marriott customer service by phone to arrange this. There's a specific process for "gifting" an award stay, and failing to follow it could lead to issues at check-in.
The hotel may require the primary guest (you) to be present at check-in if the reservation is under your name and you haven't explicitly "gifted" it through the proper channels.
Sub-heading: Adding a Secondary Guest When You Will Be Present
If you are booking an award stay and will be present, but simply want to add a second name (e.g., your spouse) so they can also get a key or check in if they arrive slightly before you, the process is similar to a paid reservation: contact Marriott customer service by phone. They can add a second name to the reservation.
Step 5: Verifying the Addition and Preparing for Check-in
Once you've contacted Marriott or the hotel and added the guest name, it's always a good idea to take a few steps to ensure everything is in order.
Sub-heading: Reconfirming the Reservation
If possible, check your Marriott.com account or the app a few hours or a day later to see if the additional name appears. While not always guaranteed to show up online, sometimes it will be reflected in the notes or guest details.
Consider calling the hotel one more time a day or two before arrival to reconfirm that the additional guest's name is on the reservation, especially if they are arriving first.
Sub-heading: What the Additional Guest Should Have at Check-in
To ensure a smooth check-in for the added guest, advise them to have:
Their government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport, driver's license).
The reservation confirmation number.
The primary guest's full name (your name) as it appears on the reservation.
A credit card for incidentals, as most hotels require this even if the room itself is paid for.
Step 6: Troubleshooting Common Scenarios
Despite following the steps, sometimes unique situations or unexpected issues can arise. Here's how to handle a few common ones.
Sub-heading: "I can't see the added name online!"
As mentioned, Marriott's online system often doesn't display secondary guest names after they've been added by phone. Don't panic! As long as the customer service representative or hotel confirmed it, it's likely on their internal system. The phone confirmation is often the most important.
Sub-heading: "My guest is having trouble checking in."
If your guest arrives and the front desk doesn't see their name, remain calm.
Have your guest provide their ID, the confirmation number, and your name (the primary guest).
If issues persist, have your guest ask the front desk to call Marriott's central reservations or for a manager.
If you are reachable, be prepared to call the hotel directly to verify your authorization for the guest to check in.
Sub-heading: "I booked for 1 guest, but now 2 are coming."
You might be able to modify the "number of guests" on your reservation online via Marriott.com or the app. Be aware that this could potentially change the room rate, as rates can vary based on occupancy. After updating the number, follow Step 3 to add the specific name by phone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to add a guest name to a Marriott reservation if I booked online?
You generally cannot add a specific additional guest name online after booking. The most reliable method is to call Marriott Customer Service or the hotel directly.
How to add a guest to a Marriott reservation using the mobile app?
The Marriott Bonvoy mobile app allows you to modify the number of guests, but typically not to add a specific name other than the primary guest. You'll still need to call customer service or the hotel for this.
How to add a guest to a Marriott reservation for an award stay (points or free night)?
For award stays, you must call Marriott Customer Service to add an additional guest name, especially if the guest will be checking in without you. This often involves a specific "gifting" process.
How to add a guest name to a Marriott reservation if they are checking in before me?
Call Marriott Customer Service or the hotel directly and explicitly state that the added guest will be arriving first. This will ensure the front desk has the necessary authorization.
How to find the Marriott customer service number to add a guest?
For US/Canada, the general Marriott reservations number is +1 (888) 236-2427. For other regions, search "Marriott global phone numbers" on their website.
How to confirm that a guest name has been successfully added to my Marriott reservation?
After calling, ask the representative to confirm the names on the reservation. You can also try calling the hotel directly a day or two before arrival to reconfirm.
How to ensure my additional guest receives my Marriott Bonvoy benefits?
Generally, only the primary guest (the Bonvoy member) listed on the reservation receives the full benefits. If you are not present, your guest may not automatically receive your Elite benefits unless the reservation was explicitly "gifted" or the hotel makes an exception.
How to add a guest's name if I've already mobile checked in?
Even after mobile check-in, you should still be able to call the hotel directly to add a name. The front desk can usually modify this on their end.
How to change the primary guest name on a Marriott reservation?
Changing the primary guest name is often more complex and may require cancelling and rebooking, especially if it's an award stay. It's best to call Marriott Customer Service to discuss options, as this can be seen as a "gifting" or transfer of the reservation.
How to add special requests for my additional guest to a Marriott reservation?
When you call Marriott or the hotel to add the guest name, you can also mention any special requests (e.g., extra pillows, specific room preference) at that time.
