Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your next adventure, the Marriott Bonvoy app is designed to make your hotel experience as seamless and stress-free as possible. One of its most convenient features is mobile check-in, allowing you to bypass the front desk and head straight to your room (in many cases!).
But how exactly do you navigate this handy feature? Don't worry, we're here to walk you through every step of the process, ensuring a smooth arrival at your Marriott Bonvoy destination.
The Ultimate Guide to Mobile Check-In with the Marriott Bonvoy App
Before we dive into the steps, let's briefly touch upon why mobile check-in is such a game-changer:
Time-Saving: Skip the lines at the front desk, especially during peak hours.
Convenience: Check in from anywhere – your couch, the airport, or even while en route to the hotel.
Mobile Key: For eligible properties, your phone becomes your room key, offering a truly contactless experience.
Personalization: Select your arrival time, request amenities, and communicate with the hotel staff directly through the app.
Notifications: Get alerted when your room is ready, so you're not left wondering.
Ready to experience this convenience for yourself? Let's get started!
Step 1: Getting Ready - Download and Log In
First things first, let's make sure you have the right tools!
Download the Marriott Bonvoy App: If you haven't already, head to your device's app store (App Store for iOS or Google Play Store for Android) and search for "Marriott Bonvoy." Download and install the app. It's completely free!
Log In to Your Account:
Open the app.
Tap on "Sign In" or "Join" if you're a new user.
Enter your Marriott Bonvoy Email or Member Number and your Password. If you've forgotten your password, there's usually a "Forgot Password" link to help you reset it.
Pro Tip: Ensure your Marriott Bonvoy membership is active and linked to your reservations for the best mobile check-in experience, including potential access to Mobile Key.
Step 2: Locating Your Reservation for Check-In
Once you're logged in, finding your upcoming stay is simple.
Navigate to "My Trips": On the app's home screen, or typically accessible via a bottom navigation bar, you'll find a section called "My Trips" or "Upcoming Stays." Tap on it.
Select Your Reservation: Here, you should see a list of your confirmed upcoming reservations. Tap on the specific reservation for which you wish to check in.
Look for the "Check In" Button: Once you've selected your reservation, you'll see details about your stay. Look for a prominent button that says "Check In." This button usually becomes active 48 hours (or sometimes 24 hours, depending on the hotel/region) prior to your scheduled arrival time.
Step 3: Initiating the Mobile Check-In Process
Now, the actual check-in begins!
Tap "Check In": Once you tap this button, the app will guide you through a series of prompts.
Confirm Your Arrival Time: You'll typically be asked to confirm or adjust your anticipated arrival time. This helps the hotel staff prioritize room readiness. Be as accurate as possible here!
Verify Payment Information: The app will usually display your payment method on file. You might be asked to confirm it or add a new one for incidentals.
Important Note: While mobile check-in pre-authorizes your card, some properties may still require you to present the physical card at the front desk upon arrival for verification, especially for first-time guests or specific rate types (e.g., third-party bookings, using points with separate incidentals).
Request Mobile Key (if available): If the hotel participates in Mobile Key, you'll see an option to activate this feature.
To use Mobile Key, you often need to have two-step verification enabled on your Marriott Bonvoy account. The app will usually prompt you to set this up if you haven't already.
Activating Mobile Key allows your smartphone to unlock your room and potentially other hotel facilities like the fitness center or pool.
Step 4: Customizing Your Stay (Optional but Recommended)
The Marriott Bonvoy app goes beyond just check-in; it offers ways to enhance your stay.
Mobile Requests: After initiating check-in, or even separately within your reservation details, you might find a "Mobile Requests" or "Chat with Hotel" option.
This is where you can make special requests: like extra towels, pillows, or ask for local recommendations.
It's a fantastic way to communicate directly with the hotel staff without having to call or wait in line.
Housekeeping Preferences: Depending on the length of your stay and the hotel brand, you might be able to select your housekeeping preferences through the app.
Step 5: Confirmation and Room Ready Notification
Once you've completed the steps, you're almost there!
Confirmation: The app will provide a confirmation that your mobile check-in request has been submitted.
Room Ready Notification: This is the best part! The Marriott Bonvoy app will send you a push notification directly to your phone when your room is ready. This means you can bypass the front desk entirely if you have Mobile Key activated.
Head Straight to Your Room (with Mobile Key): If you received a Mobile Key and your room is ready, you can go straight to your assigned room. Simply open the Marriott Bonvoy app, navigate to your reservation, and tap the "Mobile Key" icon to unlock your door.
If No Mobile Key or First-Time Guest: Even if you used mobile check-in, if Mobile Key isn't available or if it's your first time at that specific property, you might still need to briefly stop by the front desk to pick up physical keys or verify your ID/payment. The app or a notification will usually clarify this.
Step 6: Enjoying Your Stay and Mobile Checkout
The app's utility doesn't end with check-in.
During Your Stay: Continue using the app for Mobile Requests, exploring hotel amenities, and even ordering room service at participating properties via "Mobile Dining."
Mobile Checkout: When it's time to leave, you can often use the app for mobile checkout, skipping the front desk once more. Your folio will usually be emailed to you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about using the Marriott Bonvoy app for check-in:
How to get the Marriott Bonvoy app?
You can download the Marriott Bonvoy app for free from the Apple App Store (for iOS devices) or the Google Play Store (for Android devices). Just search "Marriott Bonvoy."
How to know if my hotel offers Mobile Key?
When you initiate mobile check-in for your reservation in the Marriott Bonvoy app, you will see an option to enable Mobile Key if the property supports it. It's available at most participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
How to activate Mobile Key after checking in?
If Mobile Key is available for your stay, the option will appear during the mobile check-in process. You usually need to have two-step verification set up for your Marriott Bonvoy account to enable it. Once activated, the "Mobile Key" icon will appear on your reservation details in the app when your room is ready.
How to change my arrival time after mobile check-in?
You can typically go back into your reservation details in the Marriott Bonvoy app and edit your anticipated arrival time, even after you've initially checked in via mobile.
How to request an early check-in or late check-out through the app?
While you can often note an anticipated early arrival time during mobile check-in, guaranteed early check-in is usually not available through the app and depends on hotel availability. For late check-out, it's often best to request this with the front desk upon arrival, though elite members have varying guaranteed late check-out benefits based on their status.
How to use Mobile Chat to communicate with the hotel?
After you've checked in or once your reservation is active, look for a "Chat with Hotel" or "Mobile Requests" option within your reservation details in the app. This allows you to type messages directly to the front desk.
How to view my hotel bill in the app?
After checkout, or sometimes during your stay, you can often view your folio (hotel bill) within the "My Trips" section of the app under your past stays or current stay details.
How to ensure a smooth mobile check-in experience?
Ensure your Marriott Bonvoy app is updated to the latest version, your membership number is linked to your reservation, and your payment information on file is current. Also, enable push notifications from the app to receive your "room ready" alert.
How to troubleshoot if Mobile Key isn't working?
If your Mobile Key isn't working, first ensure your phone's Bluetooth is on and you're close enough to the door. If issues persist, or if your phone battery dies, simply visit the front desk to get a physical key card.
How to get an upgrade with mobile check-in?
Mobile check-in doesn't directly guarantee an upgrade. Upgrades for elite members are based on availability upon arrival. While you can use the Mobile Chat feature to politely inquire about an upgrade, many recommend a brief interaction at the front desk for a more personal request, as sometimes specific rooms or benefits are best arranged in person.
