Traveling can be exciting, but the logistics, especially check-in, can sometimes be a bit of a scramble. Imagine arriving at your Marriott destination, tired from your journey, only to find a long line at the front desk. Frustrating, right? That's where the Marriott Bonvoy app swoops in like a travel superhero! It offers a convenient mobile check-in feature designed to streamline your arrival process and get you into your room faster. But the burning question often is: how early can you actually check in on the Marriott app? Let's dive deep into that, along with a step-by-step guide and all the essential details you need to know.
Understanding Marriott Bonvoy App Check-in Times and Policies
The Marriott Bonvoy app is a fantastic tool for members, offering a range of features from booking to managing your stay. When it comes to early check-in, there are a few nuances to grasp.
The Golden Rule: While the app allows you to initiate the check-in process up to 24 hours prior to your arrival date, receiving a room notification and gaining actual access to your room earlier than the standard check-in time (which is typically 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM at most properties) is generally based on availability.
However, for Marriott Bonvoy members who book directly through the app, the Marriott website, or via their reservation centers, you can receive a check-in notification as early as 8:00 AM on the day before your arrival date. This notification signifies that mobile check-in is available for your reservation.
It's important to differentiate between initiating check-in and guaranteed early access. Initiating check-in simply tells the hotel you're coming and your anticipated arrival time, allowing them to prioritize your room. Guaranteed early access is a different beast entirely.
For Guaranteed Early Check-in: The only way to truly guarantee an early check-in (e.g., at 10:00 AM) is by booking your room for the night prior to your intended arrival date. This ensures the room is held for you and ready when you arrive. Marriott also offers a "Guaranteed Early Check-In" option through some of their Tours & Activities, which typically guarantees access from 10:00 AM for an additional fee.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Early Check-in with the Marriott Bonvoy App
Ready to make your next Marriott stay smoother? Follow these steps to maximize your chances of an early check-in using the Marriott Bonvoy app.
Step 1: Get the App and Be a Bonvoy Member!
Hey there, fellow traveler! Before we even talk about checking in, do you have the Marriott Bonvoy app downloaded on your smartphone? If not, that's your first mission! Head to your app store (Google Play for Android or Apple App Store for iOS) and search for "Marriott Bonvoy." Download it – it's free!
Are you a Marriott Bonvoy member? This is crucial for unlocking the best app features, including early check-in notifications and potentially Mobile Key access. If you're not, sign up! It's also free and comes with a host of benefits, like free Wi-Fi and member-exclusive rates.
Step 2: Book Directly and Link Your Reservation
Direct Booking is Key: To get the most out of mobile check-in, ensure your reservation is booked directly through Marriott. This means using the Marriott Bonvoy app, Marriott.com, or calling their reservation centers. Third-party bookings may have limitations on mobile check-in.
Verify Your Reservation: Once you've booked, log into your Marriott Bonvoy app. Navigate to the "My Trips" section. Make sure your upcoming reservation is clearly listed here. If not, you might need to manually add it using your confirmation number.
Step 3: Enable Notifications for a Head Start
Don't Miss Out! The app will send you a check-in notification. To ensure you receive this timely alert, go into your phone's settings and enable push notifications for the Marriott Bonvoy app.
The Early Bird Gets the Room: As mentioned, if you're a Bonvoy member, you'll typically receive a check-in notification as early as 8:00 AM the day before your arrival. This is your cue to start the mobile check-in process.
Step 4: Initiating Mobile Check-in (Up to 24 Hours Prior)
Find Your Trip: Open the Marriott Bonvoy app and go to your "My Trips" section.
Tap "Check In": You should see a "Check In" button associated with your upcoming reservation. Tap it!
Specify Your Arrival Time: This is where you indicate your desired arrival time. If you're hoping for an early check-in, select your anticipated early arrival time. Be realistic, but don't be shy about putting in a time earlier than the standard check-in.
Request Mobile Key (If Available): At participating properties, you'll have the option to request a Mobile Key. Toggle this feature on if you want to use your phone as your room key, potentially bypassing the front desk entirely. Note that you may need to enable two-step verification for this.
Review and Confirm: Double-check all the details you've entered, then confirm your mobile check-in.
Step 5: Room Ready Notification and Arrival
The Anticipation! After you've submitted your mobile check-in, the hotel team will be aware of your anticipated arrival time. They will work to get your room ready as soon as possible.
"Your Room is Ready!" When your room is prepared, you'll receive another push notification on your phone informing you that your room is ready. This notification is based on the arrival time you submitted. If you opted for Mobile Key, this is when it should become active in your app.
Head Straight to Your Room (with Mobile Key): If you received a Mobile Key and your room is ready, you can bypass the front desk and go straight to your assigned room.
A Quick Stop at the Front Desk (No Mobile Key or Issues): If you didn't opt for Mobile Key, or if there were any issues with your mobile check-in, you'll still need to make a quick stop at the front desk. They'll confirm your payment and reservation information and provide you with a physical key.
Step 6: Communicating with the Hotel (Optional but Recommended)
Mobile Chat is Your Friend: The Marriott Bonvoy app offers a "Mobile Chat" feature at many hotels. This is an invaluable tool for early check-in requests. Once you've initiated mobile check-in, you can use this chat to politely inquire about the possibility of an early check-in. A simple message like, "Hi, I've checked in via the app and indicated an arrival around [Your Desired Time]. Will it be possible to access the room at that time, or is there an estimated wait?" can go a long way.
A Courtesy Call: If the Mobile Chat isn't available or you prefer speaking to someone, a quick call to the front desk on the morning of your arrival can also be very effective. They can give you the most up-to-date information on room availability.
Important Considerations for Early Check-in:
Availability is Key: Early check-in is never guaranteed unless you specifically book the night before or pay for a guaranteed early check-in option. It is always subject to hotel occupancy and room availability.
Elite Status Benefits: While not a guarantee, Marriott Bonvoy Elite members (especially Gold, Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador) may have a higher likelihood of being accommodated for early check-in due to their benefits like priority check-in and potential room upgrades. Ambassador Elite members even have a "Your24" benefit allowing flexible check-in/out within a 24-hour window.
Room Type: If you're requesting a specific room type, it might take longer for that particular room to become available. Being flexible can sometimes help with earlier access.
Luggage Storage: If your room isn't ready upon early arrival, most Marriott hotels will gladly store your luggage for you free of charge. This allows you to start exploring or relax in the hotel's common areas while you wait.
Payment Confirmation: Even with mobile check-in, some hotels may still require you to stop by the front desk to confirm payment information, especially if a new credit card is being used or if the payment details aren't fully processed through the app.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to request an early check-in when booking online?
When making a reservation on the Marriott website, look for the "Room Requests and Accessibility" section during the "Complete Your Booking" phase. You can check a box for "Early check-in" and select your anticipated arrival time from a dropdown menu.
How to modify an existing reservation to request early check-in?
Log into your Marriott Bonvoy account online, go to "My Trips," and select "View/Modify Room" for your reservation. Expand the "Room Requests and Accessibility" section, check the "Early check-in" box, and select your estimated arrival time.
How to use Mobile Key with the Marriott Bonvoy app?
After initiating mobile check-in, if the hotel participates, you'll see an option to toggle on "Mobile Key." Once your room is ready, the Mobile Key will activate in the app, allowing you to unlock your room and sometimes other hotel amenities with your smartphone.
How to know if my room is ready after mobile check-in?
You will receive a push notification on your mobile device from the Marriott Bonvoy app informing you that your room is ready. This notification is contingent on having push notifications enabled for the app.
How to use Mobile Chat to communicate with the hotel?
After you've checked in via the app, navigate to your active reservation. There should be an option for "Mobile Chat" or "Chat with Hotel," allowing you to send messages directly to the front desk.
How to handle issues with mobile check-in?
If you encounter any problems with the mobile check-in process, or if you don't receive a room-ready notification, simply proceed to the front desk upon arrival. They will assist you with the traditional check-in process.
How to get a guaranteed early check-in?
The only way to guarantee an early check-in is to book your room for the night prior to your actual arrival date. Some Marriott activities or packages might also offer a "Guaranteed Early Check-In" for a fee.
How to check if a specific Marriott hotel offers mobile check-in or Mobile Key?
Most Marriott properties in the United States and Canada offer mobile check-in. While not all hotels offer Mobile Key, you'll typically see the option within the app when you initiate mobile check-in if it's available for your reservation.
How to benefit from Marriott Bonvoy Elite status for early check-in?
While early check-in is always based on availability, Marriott Bonvoy Elite members (Gold, Platinum, Titanium, Ambassador) receive priority check-in and are often accommodated for early arrivals when possible, due to their loyalty benefits.
How to store luggage if early check-in isn't possible?
If your room isn't ready upon your early arrival, simply ask the front desk if they can store your luggage. Most Marriott hotels offer complimentary luggage storage services for guests.
