Planning a getaway, a delightful meal, or a relaxing spa treatment at a Marriott property? If you've been lucky enough to receive a Marriott Gift Card, you're holding the key to an incredible experience! But how exactly do you unlock that value and make the most of it? Don't worry, this comprehensive, step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable redemption.
Your Marriott Gift Card Adventure Begins Now!
Ready to turn that little piece of plastic (or digital code!) into a memorable Marriott experience? Let's dive in!
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| How To Redeem Marriott Gift Card |
Step 1: Confirm Your Gift Card's Vital Details – Don't Skip This!
Before you even think about booking, it's absolutely crucial to have all your gift card information at your fingertips and to understand its terms.
Sub-heading: Physical Card vs. eGift Card
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Physical Gift Card: You'll typically find a 16-digit card number and a PIN on the back of the card, often under a scratch-off panel. Carefully scratch this off to reveal the PIN.
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eGift Card: This will usually be delivered to your email address. The email will contain the 16-digit card number and the PIN. Save this email or print it out for easy access.
Sub-heading: Check Your Balance and Validity
Tip: Read once for gist, twice for details.
This is critical! You don't want any surprises when it's time to pay.
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Online Balance Check: The easiest way to check your balance is usually through the official Marriott Gift Card website.
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Visit
gifts.marriott.com/check-balance -
Enter your 16-digit card number and the PIN.
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Click "Get Balance" to view your available funds.
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SMS (for India-issued cards): If your gift card was issued in India, you might be able to check your balance via SMS.
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Send an SMS: BAL to 9741352666.
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Customer Service: If you encounter any issues, you can always call Marriott Gift Card Customer Service. For general Marriott Gift Cards, the number is often 1-800-442-6132 (US). For India-specific cards, check the terms or contact their support.
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Validity: While many Marriott Gift Cards do not expire (especially those issued in USD in North America), some regional or promotional cards might have an expiry date. Always double-check the terms and conditions associated with your specific card, or use the balance check tool, which often displays the expiry date.
Sub-heading: Understanding Where You Can Use It
Not all Marriott brands accept gift cards, and certain types of purchases might be excluded.
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Participating Brands: Marriott Gift Cards are generally accepted at a wide range of Marriott brands, including JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels, Sheraton, Westin, Courtyard, and many more. However, some brands like Bvlgari, Design Hotels, and Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy® typically do not accept them. Always review the list of participating brands on the Marriott Gift Card FAQ page or directly contact the hotel you plan to visit.
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Eligible Purchases: Marriott Gift Cards can typically be used for:
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Stays (room charges)
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Dining (at hotel-operated restaurants)
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Spa services
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Golf
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Other retail outlets within the hotel
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Meetings and events expenses (confirm with the hotel first)
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Exclusions: Gift cards cannot generally be used for:
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Guaranteed room reservations: You'll need a credit card for this.
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Advance purchase rates (pre-paid bookings): Gift cards are typically used at check-in or check-out for these.
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Deposits
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Negotiated rates (group, corporate, etc.)
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Third-party establishments within the hotel (e.g., a Starbucks within a Marriott that is not directly managed by the hotel).
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Step 2: Planning Your Marriott Experience – The Fun Part!
Now that you're armed with information, it's time to dream up your perfect Marriott experience.
Sub-heading: Choosing Your Destination and Property
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Browse Marriott's Website: Head over to Marriott.com to explore their vast portfolio of hotels and resorts worldwide. Filter by destination, brand, and amenities to find the perfect fit for your needs.
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Consider Your Gift Card Value: Keep the balance of your gift card in mind when selecting a property and duration of your stay. Remember, if your bill exceeds the gift card amount, you'll need another payment method for the difference.
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Tip: If you're planning a stay where your bill might exceed your gift card balance, consider a property that aligns with or is slightly above your gift card value. This allows you to maximize the gift card's impact while only paying a small remainder.
QuickTip: Focus more on the ‘how’ than the ‘what’.
Sub-heading: Making Your Reservation
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Online Booking (with a Credit Card for Guarantee): You cannot directly book a reservation using a gift card as the initial payment method or to guarantee the reservation online. You will need a valid credit card to secure your booking.
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Proceed with your reservation on Marriott.com as usual, entering your credit card details to guarantee the room.
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Contact the Hotel Directly: If you prefer, or if you have any specific questions about gift card acceptance for certain services (like a specific spa package), it's always a good idea to call the hotel directly before booking. They can confirm their specific gift card acceptance guidelines.
Step 3: Redeeming Your Marriott Gift Card – The Moment of Truth!
This is where your preparation pays off.
Sub-heading: At Check-in or Check-out (for Stays)
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Present Your Gift Card: When you arrive at the hotel, or more commonly at check-out, inform the front desk staff that you wish to use your Marriott Gift Card for payment.
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Physical Card: Hand over your physical gift card.
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eGift Card: Present the email containing your eGift card number and PIN. This can be a printout or displayed on your electronic device. Make sure the 16-digit card number and the 6-digit PIN are clearly visible.
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Important Note: While you may present it at check-in, the actual debiting of the gift card value often occurs at check-out once your final bill is tallied.
Sub-heading: For Other Services (Dining, Spa, etc.)
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Inform the Staff: When paying for dining, spa treatments, or other services within the participating hotel, simply inform the staff at the time of payment that you intend to use your Marriott Gift Card.
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Provide Details: They will ask for your 16-digit gift card number and PIN.
Sub-heading: Using Multiple Gift Cards
QuickTip: Skim slowly, read deeply.
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Yes, you can absolutely use multiple Marriott Gift Cards for a single transaction! This is great if you've accumulated several smaller gift cards. Just present all of them to the staff, and they will apply the combined value towards your bill.
Sub-heading: When the Bill Exceeds Your Gift Card Value
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If your total bill is more than the value on your gift card(s), you will be responsible for paying the remaining balance using another accepted form of payment (e.g., credit card, debit card, cash). The hotel staff will guide you through this process.
Step 4: After Redemption – Enjoying the Perks!
Once your gift card is redeemed, you've successfully leveraged its value.
Sub-heading: Keep Records
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It's always a good idea to keep your gift card (physical or the e-mail) and any receipts until you've confirmed the transaction has gone through smoothly and the balance is zero (or as expected).
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to Check My Marriott Gift Card Balance? You can check your balance online at
Tip: Review key points when done.
How to Use a Marriott Gift Card for Online Bookings? You cannot directly use a Marriott Gift Card as the initial payment or guarantee for an online reservation. You'll need a credit card to secure the booking, and then present your gift card at the hotel during check-in or check-out to pay for your stay.
How to Redeem a Marriott eGift Card at a Hotel? To redeem an eGift card at a hotel, simply present the email containing the 16-digit eGift card number and the 6-digit PIN to the front desk or outlet staff. This can be a printout or displayed on your electronic device.
How to Know Which Marriott Brands Accept Gift Cards? While most Marriott brands accept gift cards, it's best to consult the official Marriott Gift Card FAQ or terms and conditions page on gifts.marriott.com for an up-to-date list of participating brands, as some exclusions apply (e.g., Bvlgari, Design Hotels).
How to Use Multiple Marriott Gift Cards for One Stay? Yes, you can use multiple Marriott Gift Cards for a single transaction. Simply present all your gift cards to the hotel staff during payment, and they will combine the values to cover your bill.
How to Use a Marriott Gift Card for Dining or Spa Services? Inform the restaurant, spa, or other hotel outlet staff that you wish to pay with a Marriott Gift Card at the time of settling your bill. Provide them with your 16-digit card number and PIN.
How to Handle a Marriott Gift Card if the Bill Exceeds Its Value? If your total bill is higher than the value on your Marriott Gift Card, you will pay the remaining balance using another accepted payment method (e.g., credit card, debit card, cash) directly to the hotel.
How to Register a Marriott Gift Card (for India-issued cards)? For Marriott Gift Cards issued in India, registration is mandatory. Send an SMS: ACT
How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Marriott Gift Card? If your Marriott Gift Card was registered online, you may be able to get a replacement for the remaining balance. Immediately contact Marriott GiftCards Customer Service (often 1-800-442-6132 for US cards) or report it on the Marriott GiftCards website.
How to Know if My Marriott Gift Card Has an Expiry Date? Many standard Marriott Gift Cards do not expire, especially those purchased in USD in North America. However, some promotional or regionally issued cards may have expiry dates. Always check the terms and conditions provided with your specific gift card or use the online balance check tool, which often displays the expiry date.
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