Ever found yourself rushing to the hotel after a long journey, only to be met with a queue at the front desk? Or perhaps you've arrived late at night, exhausted, and just want to collapse into bed without any fuss? If so, you're not alone! Many travelers seek a smoother, more efficient way to begin their hotel stay. This is where the Marriott Mobile Check-In comes to the rescue!
Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International's award-winning loyalty program, offers a fantastic mobile check-in feature through its dedicated app. This isn't just about saving time; it's about enhancing your entire travel experience by putting control right into the palm of your hand. From selecting your arrival time to receiving your mobile room key, it's designed to make your stay as seamless and stress-free as possible.
So, are you ready to ditch the traditional check-in line and embrace the future of hospitality? Let's dive into a step-by-step guide on how Marriott Mobile Check-In works!
Step 1: Get App-Savvy and Book Directly!
Are you ready to unlock a world of convenience? The very first and most crucial step to utilizing Marriott's mobile check-in is to have the Marriott Bonvoy app installed on your smartphone. It's your digital concierge for your entire stay.
Download the Marriott Bonvoy App
For iOS users: Head to the Apple App Store.
For Android users: Open the Google Play Store.
Search for "Marriott Bonvoy" and hit download. It's a free app and your gateway to a more efficient hotel experience.
Join Marriott Bonvoy (If You Haven't Already!)
While some basic functionalities might be available to non-members, to truly unlock the full potential of mobile check-in, especially the coveted Mobile Key feature, you'll need to be a Marriott Bonvoy member. Enrollment is free and comes with a plethora of other benefits, like earning points for free nights and exclusive member rates. You can easily sign up directly within the app or on the Marriott website.
Book Your Stay Directly with Marriott
For mobile check-in to function optimally and for you to receive relevant notifications, it's essential that your reservation is booked directly through a Marriott channel. This includes:
The Marriott Bonvoy Mobile App itself
The Marriott website (Marriott.com)
By calling one of Marriott's Reservation Centers
Third-party bookings (e.g., through online travel agencies like Expedia or Booking.com) generally won't support the full mobile check-in experience, including Mobile Key.
Step 2: The Pre-Arrival Countdown: Two Days Before!
The magic of Marriott mobile check-in often begins before you even leave your home.
Receive Your Mobile Check-In Notification
Approximately 48 hours prior to your scheduled arrival, Marriott Bonvoy members who have booked directly will typically receive a push notification on their mobile device or an email informing them that mobile check-in is available for their upcoming stay. Make sure your push notifications are enabled for the Marriott Bonvoy app so you don't miss this crucial alert!
Initiate Mobile Check-In
Open the Marriott Bonvoy App: You'll likely see your upcoming reservation prominently displayed.
Tap the "Check In" Button: This button will appear on your reservation details within the app when mobile check-in becomes available.
Confirm Your Details: You'll be prompted to confirm your arrival date, confirmation number, and the name on your reservation. You may also be asked to provide a phone number to receive a "Room Ready" text message.
Select Your Anticipated Arrival Time: This is a key feature! By providing an estimated arrival time, the hotel can prioritize the preparation of your room, aiming to have it ready for you when you get there. If your plans change, you can often adjust this time through the app as well.
Step 3: Tailoring Your Stay: Preferences and Mobile Key Opt-In
During the mobile check-in process, you'll have the opportunity to customize aspects of your stay and opt-in for features like the Mobile Key.
Requesting Late Checkout (if applicable)
If you're a Marriott Bonvoy Elite member (Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium, or Ambassador), you may have benefits like late checkout. While you can request late checkout through the app during mobile check-in, please note that this often still needs to be confirmed with the Front Desk upon arrival, as it's based on availability.
Opting for Mobile Key
This is arguably one of the most exciting features of mobile check-in!
Toggle "Mobile Key" On: During the mobile check-in flow, you'll usually see an option to toggle on "Mobile Key." Make sure to activate this if you want to use your phone as your room key.
Two-Step Verification: For security purposes, you might be prompted to enable two-step verification for your Marriott Bonvoy account if you haven't already. This is a quick and important step to protect your account and ensure secure access to your room.
Participating Properties: It's important to remember that Mobile Key is available at select participating properties. While Marriott is constantly expanding this feature, not all hotels in their vast portfolio offer it. You can often check if a hotel offers Mobile Key on its Marriott.com page or within the app's hotel details section under "Key Amenities."
Housekeeping Preferences
Depending on the length of your stay, you may also be given the option to select your housekeeping preferences through the app. This could include things like opting out of daily housekeeping for environmental reasons or to earn bonus points (if offered by the specific hotel through programs like "Make a Green Choice").
Step 4: Confirmation and Room Ready!
Once you've completed the mobile check-in steps, the anticipation builds!
Receive Confirmation
After submitting your mobile check-in, you'll receive a confirmation within the app. Please allow the hotel a reasonable window (often up to two hours) after your request for them to process your check-in and prepare your room.
Room Ready Notification
This is the moment you've been waiting for! When your room is ready, you'll receive a push notification on your phone. This notification will confirm your room number and, if you opted for Mobile Key and the hotel supports it, will inform you that your Mobile Key has been issued.
No more waiting in line! If you have the Mobile Key and your room is ready, you can often bypass the front desk entirely and head straight to your room!
Step 5: Your Digital Key and Seamless Entry
With your Mobile Key issued, your phone transforms into your room key.
Accessing Your Mobile Key
Open the Marriott Bonvoy App: Your current stay should open automatically.
Tap "Unlock Door" or "Mobile Key": You'll typically find a prominent button or icon that says "Unlock Door" or "Mobile Key" on your active reservation screen.
Hold Your Phone to the Lock: Once you tap the Mobile Key icon, simply hold your phone to the room lock (usually near the top or bottom of the door handle, where a key card reader would be). The screen on your phone will likely change color (e.g., turn green) when the lock is successfully opened.
Beyond the Room Door
At participating hotels, your Mobile Key might not just unlock your room door. It could also grant you access to other hotel facilities that typically require a key card, such as:
Fitness Centers
Swimming Pools
Executive Lounges (for eligible elite members)
Parking Garages
Sharing Your Mobile Key (with companions)
If you're traveling with companions (aged 18 or older and also Marriott Bonvoy members with the app installed), many hotels now allow you to share your Mobile Key with them directly through the app. This means they can also use their phone to access the room, eliminating the need for multiple physical key cards.
Step 6: During Your Stay: Mobile Requests & More!
The Marriott Bonvoy app isn't just for check-in; it's a valuable tool throughout your entire stay.
Mobile Requests and Chat
Need extra towels? Forgot your toothbrush? Have a question about local attractions? The app allows you to:
Make Mobile Requests: Select from a list of common requests (e.g., extra pillows, toiletries, valet service).
Chat with the Hotel Staff: Some hotels offer a direct chat feature within the app, allowing you to communicate in real-time with the front desk or other hotel departments. This can be incredibly convenient for quick questions or specific needs.
Mobile Dining (at select properties)
At some hotels, you can even browse the menu and order room service directly through the app for a truly seamless dining experience.
Step 7: Checking Out with Ease
Just as check-in is streamlined, so too is check-out!
Mobile Check-Out
On your departure day, usually starting early in the morning (e.g., 4:00 AM), you'll receive a notification that mobile check-out is available.
Open the Marriott Bonvoy App: Your current stay will likely appear.
Tap the "Check Out" Icon: Confirm your email address to receive your folio (digital receipt), and then tap the "Check Out" button.
Confirmation: You'll receive a confirmation that you've successfully checked out.
This means you can bypass the front desk on your way out, saving valuable time, especially if you have an early flight or appointment.
The Marriott mobile check-in process, coupled with the Mobile Key and other in-app features, truly revolutionizes the hotel experience. It's about empowerment, efficiency, and giving you more time to enjoy your travels. While there might be occasional instances where a quick stop at the front desk is still necessary (e.g., for ID verification with certain rates, or if a property doesn't fully support Mobile Key), the overall aim is to provide a remarkably smooth and convenient journey from arrival to departure.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to use the Marriott Bonvoy app for booking a hotel?
To book a hotel, open the Marriott Bonvoy app, tap "Find & Reserve," enter your destination, dates, and number of guests, then browse available hotels and follow the prompts to select your room and complete the reservation.
How to add a Marriott Bonvoy member number to an existing reservation?
You can add your Marriott Bonvoy member number to an existing reservation by logging into your Marriott Bonvoy account on the Marriott website or app, navigating to "My Trips," finding your reservation, and looking for an option to "View/Modify" or "Add Member Number." Alternatively, you can call Marriott Reservations.
How to request an early check-in using the Marriott Bonvoy app?
While you can select an anticipated early arrival time during the mobile check-in process (within 48 hours of arrival), the Marriott Bonvoy app doesn't currently allow you to request an early check-in in advance directly. It's often best to note your anticipated early arrival during mobile check-in and then follow up with the front desk if needed. To guarantee an early check-in, you would typically need to book the night prior.
How to get a mobile key for my Marriott hotel room?
To get a mobile key, you must first opt-in for it during the mobile check-in process on the Marriott Bonvoy app (available usually 48 hours before arrival), and ensure your Marriott Bonvoy account number is on the reservation. Once your room is ready, you'll receive a push notification, and your mobile key will be accessible within the app.
How to share a mobile key with a travel companion in the Marriott Bonvoy app?
To share a mobile key, open the Marriott Bonvoy app, go to your current stay, tap "Unlock Door" or "Mobile Key," then look for a "Share Your Key" option. You can then enter the companion's name and send an invitation via a messaging app. Your companion must be a Marriott Bonvoy member with the app to accept.
How to change my arrival time after completing mobile check-in?
If your travel plans change, you can often adjust your anticipated arrival time after completing mobile check-in by going back into your reservation details within the Marriott Bonvoy app and selecting the "Edit" button next to your arrival time.
How to contact the hotel directly using the Marriott Bonvoy app?
Many Marriott properties offer a "Mobile Chat" feature within the Marriott Bonvoy app, allowing you to directly message the hotel staff with questions or requests during your stay. Look for a chat icon or "Chat with Hotel" option on your active reservation screen.
How to check out using the Marriott Bonvoy app?
On your departure day, open the Marriott Bonvoy app, and your current stay will typically display a "Check Out" button. Tap this, confirm your email address for your folio, and tap "Check Out" again to complete the process.
How to ensure my Marriott mobile check-in is successful?
To ensure a successful mobile check-in, make sure you have the latest Marriott Bonvoy app, your reservation is booked directly with Marriott and linked to your Bonvoy account, and your phone's push notifications for the app are enabled. Opting for Mobile Key and confirming your details thoroughly also helps.
How to find out if a specific Marriott hotel offers mobile key?
You can check if a specific Marriott property offers Mobile Key by looking at its amenities listed on Marriott.com (under "Featured Amenities on Site" or "Property Details") or within the Marriott Bonvoy app's "Key Amenities" section for that hotel.