Traveling can be expensive, but what if you could unlock significant discounts at some of the world's most luxurious hotels? If you're a Marriott employee, or have a friend or family member who is, the Marriott Explore Rate program is your golden ticket! This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to leverage this incredible benefit and make your travel dreams a reality.
Are You Ready to Unlock Amazing Savings? Let's Dive In!
Imagine waking up in a stunning resort with breathtaking views, knowing you snagged an incredible deal. Or perhaps a city escape in a chic boutique hotel, all while keeping your budget intact. The Marriott Explore Rate makes these scenarios possible. But before you pack your bags, let's understand the ins and outs of this exclusive program.
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| How To Use Marriott Explore Rate |
Step 1: Understanding Your Eligibility – Who Gets to Explore?
The Marriott Explore Rate is a privilege for Marriott International associates (employees) and their immediate family members. It's crucial to understand who qualifies to avoid any issues during your booking or check-in process.
Sub-heading: Explore Rate (MMP) – For Associates and Immediate Family
This is the most generous discount and is primarily for:
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Current Marriott Associates: This includes full-time, part-time, seasonal, temporary, and even furloughed or temporary layoff associates, provided they have a valid discount form.
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Immediate Family Members: This is a specific definition and typically includes:
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Spouse or Domestic Partner
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Children
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Parents or Parents-in-law
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Siblings
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Important Note: Brothers- and sisters-in-law are typically not eligible for the Explore Rate. It's the associate's responsibility to ensure that guests meet these criteria. You can usually find a detailed definition of immediate family members on Marriott's internal employee platforms (like MGS).
Room Limits: An associate can book up to two rooms per night at the Explore Rate. If booking two rooms, the associate must stay in one of them. Eligible immediate family members are limited to one room per night at the Explore Rate.
Sub-heading: Explore Friends Rate (MMF) – For Extended Family and Friends
While the Explore Rate offers the deepest discounts, the Explore Friends Rate is a fantastic option for a broader network of people.
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Extended Family and Friends: This rate is available to almost anyone as long as they are an authorized friend of a Marriott employee. The discount is generally less significant than the MMP rate but can still offer substantial savings compared to public rates.
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No Limit on Nights: Unlike the MMP rate, there's generally no limit on the number of nights you can book using the MMF rate.
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Authorization Form Required: For the MMF rate, you'll need an Explore Rate Authorization Form completed by the Marriott employee. This form is crucial for check-in.
Step 2: Obtaining Your Authorization Form – Your Golden Ticket
This is a critical step, as you will need a valid authorization form at check-in. Without it, the hotel may not honor your Explore Rate booking.
QuickTip: Pause after each section to reflect.
Sub-heading: For Marriott Associates (MMP Rate)
If you are a Marriott associate, you'll typically generate this form yourself.
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Access Marriott Global Source (MGS) or MyPDR: Your company's internal intranet (often called MGS or MyPDR) is where you'll find and print the Explore Rate Authorization Form. You'll need your Enterprise ID (EID) and password to log in.
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Fill Out the Form Accurately: Ensure your name (as the associate) and the guest's name (if applicable, for immediate family) match the form precisely. Also, verify the expiration date.
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Consider a Discount Card: In some situations, a Marriott Discount Card might be used instead of a form. Check with your HR department for details on this.
Sub-heading: For Friends and Family (MMF Rate)
If you're using the MMF rate, the Marriott employee who is authorizing your stay needs to provide you with the form.
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Request the Form from the Marriott Employee: The employee will access MGS or MyPDR to generate and complete the Explore Rate Authorization Form.
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Ensure All Information is Correct: The employee must fill out your name as the guest, their name as the authorizing associate, and the valid dates of your stay.
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Receive the Printed Form: Make sure you receive a printed copy of this form. You will need to present the original at check-in.
Step 3: Making Your Reservation – The Online Booking Process
Now that you understand eligibility and have your form (or know how to get it), it's time to book your stay! The process is straightforward, primarily done through Marriott's official website.
Sub-heading: Navigate to Marriott.com
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Open your web browser and go to
www.marriott.com -
You can also use the Marriott Bonvoy Mobile App for booking.
Sub-heading: Initiate Your Search
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Enter your desired destination in the "Where can we take you?" field.
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Select your travel dates. While the Explore Rate is subject to availability, it's often a good idea to search for dates in advance for better chances.
Sub-heading: Apply the Special Rate Code
This is the most crucial part of the booking process.
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Look for a "Special Rates" or "Corporate/Promotional Code" dropdown or field. On the website, it's usually below the destination and dates. On the app, you'll find it within the "Special Rates" section.
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For Explore Rate (Associate & Immediate Family): Enter the code MMP
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For Explore Friends Rate (Extended Family & Friends): Enter the code MMF
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Click "Apply" or "Find Hotels."
Sub-heading: Review and Select Your Hotel and Room
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The search results will now display hotels offering the Explore Rate (MMP) or Explore Friends Rate (MMF) for your selected dates.
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Availability is Key: Remember, these rates are "space available." If the rate doesn't show up for certain dates or hotels, it means it's not available. This can happen due to high occupancy or special events. Don't be discouraged; try different dates or properties.
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Compare Rates: Even if the Explore Rate is available, it's always wise to quickly compare it to the standard public rate to ensure you're getting the best deal. Sometimes, other promotions might coincidentally offer a similar or even better rate, though this is rare for the Explore Rate.
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Select your preferred hotel and room type.
Tip: Reread tricky sentences for clarity.
Sub-heading: Complete Your Booking
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Follow the prompts to enter your personal details, payment information, and any other required details.
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Double-check all information before confirming your reservation.
Step 4: The Check-in Process – Presenting Your Credentials
This is where your preparation with the authorization form pays off.
Sub-heading: Have Your Documents Ready
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Printed Authorization Form: This is mandatory. Ensure you have the original, completed Explore Rate Authorization Form (MMP or MMF, as applicable).
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Photo Identification: A valid government-issued photo ID (like a passport or driver's license) is required to verify your identity and that it matches the name on the authorization form.
Sub-heading: Presenting at the Front Desk
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When you arrive at the hotel, inform the front desk staff that you have a Marriott Explore Rate reservation.
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Hand over your printed authorization form and your photo ID. The staff will verify the details.
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They may keep the authorization form, so ensure you have a copy for your records if you need it (though typically not required).
Sub-heading: Establish Credit
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As with any hotel stay, you'll need to establish credit for incidental charges (mini-bar, room service, etc.) at check-in. This usually involves providing a credit card.
Step 5: Enjoy Your Stay! – Adhering to Program Policies
Congratulations, you've successfully booked and checked in with your Marriott Explore Rate! Now, enjoy your discounted stay, but remember to adhere to the program's terms and conditions.
Sub-heading: Personal Travel Only
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The Explore Rate is strictly for personal travel only. Using it for business travel can put the authorizing associate and the hotel at risk of losing Explore Program privileges.
Sub-heading: Appropriate Conduct
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Using the Explore Program is a privilege. Appropriate conduct and professionalism are expected from you and everyone in your party during your stay. Any falsification of the form or inappropriate behavior can result in the loss of room rate privileges and even disciplinary action for the associate.
QuickTip: Keep a notepad handy.
Sub-heading: Voluntary Donation (Optional)
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Some Explore and Explore Friends Rate bookings may include a voluntary daily donation to the TakeCare Relief Fund, Inc. (TCRF). This fund supports grants to associates facing financial hardship. If you wish to opt-out, you can do so at the front desk during your stay or at check-out.
Sub-heading: Blackout Dates and Availability
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While the Explore Rate is amazing, it's subject to availability and blackout dates. This means there might be times (e.g., peak season, major events) when the rate is not offered at certain properties. Searching well in advance helps increase your chances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about using the Marriott Explore Rate, along with quick answers:
How to check if a hotel offers the Marriott Explore Rate?
You can check availability by entering the MMP (for Explore Rate) or MMF (for Explore Friends Rate) code in the "Special Rates" section on Marriott.com or the Marriott Bonvoy App when searching for a hotel and dates. If the rate appears, it's available.
How to get the Marriott Explore Rate Authorization Form?
Marriott associates can download and print the form from their internal intranet (like Marriott Global Source - MGS or MyPDR) using their Enterprise ID (EID). Friends and family members need to request the form from an eligible Marriott associate.
How to differentiate between the MMP and MMF codes?
MMP is the code for the "Explore Rate," primarily for Marriott associates and their immediate family members (spouse, children, parents, siblings). MMF is the code for the "Explore Friends Rate," for extended family and friends authorized by a Marriott associate. MMP generally offers a deeper discount.
How to book more than two rooms with the Explore Rate?
An associate can book up to two rooms at the MMP rate, with the associate occupying one. For additional rooms, or if the guests are not immediate family, the MMF (Explore Friends) rate might be an option, as it generally has no limit on the number of rooms (subject to availability).
Tip: Read slowly to catch the finer details.
How to ensure my Explore Rate reservation is valid at check-in?
Always present your valid government-issued photo ID and the original, completed Explore Rate Authorization Form (MMP or MMF) at the front desk when checking in. The names on the ID and form must match.
How to handle a situation if the Explore Rate is not showing online?
If the Explore Rate doesn't appear for your chosen dates and destination, it means it's not available for those specific circumstances. This could be due to high occupancy, blackout dates, or a specific hotel's policy. Try adjusting your dates or searching for different properties.
How to cancel or modify a Marriott Explore Rate booking?
You can cancel or modify your booking directly through Marriott.com or the Marriott Bonvoy App, similar to any other reservation. Be aware of the cancellation policy associated with your specific Explore Rate booking, as some discounted rates may have stricter rules.
How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points on Explore Rate stays?
Yes, eligible stays booked through the Marriott Explore Rate (both MMP and MMF) generally earn Marriott Bonvoy points. This is a great perk that allows you to accumulate points for future free nights or other rewards.
How to find out the exact discount percentage for the Explore Rate?
The exact discount percentage varies by property, dates, and availability. It's not a fixed percentage. When you search on Marriott.com with the MMP or MMF code, the discounted rate will be displayed, allowing you to see the actual savings.
How to address issues with a hotel regarding the Explore Rate?
If you encounter any issues at the hotel regarding your Explore Rate booking, politely explain your situation and present your valid authorization form. If the issue persists, you may need to contact Marriott's customer service or the Marriott associate who provided the authorization form for assistance.
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