Unlocking the World of Travel: A Comprehensive Guide to the Marriott Employee Discount (Explore Program)
Have you ever dreamt of staying in luxurious hotels around the globe without breaking the bank? What if I told you that for Marriott employees, and even their friends and family, this dream is not just a fantasy, but a tangible reality? The Marriott employee discount program, often referred to as the "Explore Program," is an incredible perk that opens doors to amazing travel experiences at significantly reduced rates. But how much is that discount, exactly? And how do you navigate the ins and outs of this fantastic benefit?
This lengthy guide will delve deep into the Marriott employee discount, providing a step-by-step walkthrough so you can make the most of this invaluable benefit. Let's embark on this journey together!
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| How Much Is Marriott Employee Discount |
Step 1: Are You Eligible to Explore? (And Who Else Can Come Along?)
The very first question to answer is: Are you, or someone you know, eligible for this incredible program? Marriott's Explore Program isn't just for direct employees; it extends to a wider circle, making it a truly generous benefit.
Eligibility for the "Explore Rate" (MMP)
The Explore Rate, designated by the code MMP, is the deepest discount available and is primarily for Marriott employees and their immediate family.
Tip: Read aloud to improve understanding.
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Who is eligible?
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Full-time, part-time, seasonal, temporary, and even furloughed employees of Marriott International.
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Employees of franchisees and owners primarily engaged in the business of owning and/or operating Marriott International hotels are also eligible.
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Immediate family members including:
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Your spouse or domestic partner
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Your children
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Your parents or parents-in-law
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Your domestic partner's parents
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Your siblings
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What's the discount? While it varies by property, time of year, and occupancy, the Explore Rate can offer a significant discount, often ranging from 60% to 80% off the standard rates. Imagine staying at a high-end Marriott property for a fraction of the cost!
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Booking Limitations:
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An employee can book up to two rooms per night at the Explore Rate. The employee must stay in one of these rooms.
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Immediate family members can book one room per night at the Explore Rate.
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This rate is strictly for personal travel only and cannot be used for business trips.
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Eligibility for the "Explore Friends Rate" (MMF)
The Explore Friends Rate, using the code MMF, allows employees to extend discounted rates to a broader network.
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Who is eligible?
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Your friends
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Your extended family members (who don't fall under the "immediate family" definition for the Explore Rate)
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You and your immediate family can also book this rate if the Explore Rate (MMP) is unavailable.
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What's the discount? The Explore Friends Rate typically offers a discount of up to 50%, or sometimes around 20-25% off the normal rates. While not as deep as the MMP rate, it's still a fantastic saving!
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Booking Limitations:
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There is no limit to the number of rooms that may be booked using the Explore Friends Rate, other than hotel availability.
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This rate is also for personal travel only.
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The "Quarter Century Club" (QCC) Benefit
For the most loyal Marriott associates, there's an even more incredible perk: the Quarter Century Club (QCC).
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Who is eligible? Employees (and former employees) who have worked for Marriott corporate or a hotel property for 25 or more years.
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What's the discount? QCC members are rewarded with one complimentary stay (100% discount) per participating property per year, for up to three nights at the same property. They also retain access to the regular employee discounts for paid stays.
Step 2: Getting Your Authorization Form and Codes
Now that you know who's eligible, the next crucial step is securing the necessary documentation to access these rates. This isn't a simple public discount code you can find online; it requires official authorization.
Tip: Absorb, don’t just glance.
Sub-heading: Obtaining Your Explore Program Authorization Form
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For Employees: Your primary resource will be mHUB.marriott.com. This is Marriott's internal employee portal.
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Log in to mHUB with your Enterprise ID (EID) and EID Password.
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Navigate to the "Explore" tab or find the link for "Print Room Discount Form" or "Manage Friends and Family."
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Follow the prompts to generate and print your Explore Program Authorization Form. This form is vital and will be required at check-in. Ensure it's up-to-date and valid for your travel dates.
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For Friends and Family (MMF Rate): The employee must generate the authorization form for you.
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The Marriott employee logs into mHUB.marriott.com.
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They select "Manage Friends and Family."
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They will add your name and your relationship to them.
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They then select your name from the list and choose to "Print Authorization Form."
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This form can be emailed directly to you. You will need this form and a valid photo ID at check-in.
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Sub-heading: Understanding the Discount Codes
While the authorization form is key for check-in, you'll need the specific codes when booking online.
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MMP: This code is for the Explore Rate (employee and immediate family).
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MMF: This code is for the Explore Friends Rate (friends and extended family).
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There's also an MM4 code, which sometimes displays employee rates only, distinct from MMP which shows both employee and immediate family options. For general booking, MMP is usually the go-to for the deepest discount.
Step 3: Mastering the Booking Process
With your authorization in hand and codes understood, it's time to book your discounted stay!
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QuickTip: Stop scrolling, read carefully here.
Sub-heading: Booking Online (The Preferred Method)
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Visit Marriott.com or use the Marriott Bonvoy App. This is the primary and most efficient way to book your discounted rate.
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Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account. While not strictly required for MMF, it's highly recommended as it allows you to earn Bonvoy points and track your reservations.
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Enter your destination and travel dates.
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Crucially, click on "Special Rates" or "Corporate/Promo/SET#" (the exact wording might vary slightly).
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Enter the relevant discount code in the "Corporate/Promo/SET#" box:
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Use MMP for the Explore Rate (employee and immediate family).
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Use MMF for the Explore Friends Rate (friends and extended family).
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Click "Apply" or "Find Hotels." The search results should now display properties with the applicable discounted rates.
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Browse and select your desired hotel and room type. Keep in mind that these rates are subject to availability, and popular hotels or peak seasons may have limited or no availability at the discounted rates. Be flexible with your dates and locations for the best chances of finding a great deal.
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Complete your reservation with a valid credit card. Any changes or cancellations must also be done online.
Sub-heading: Important Considerations During Booking
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Availability is Key: These discounted rates are based on availability. If a hotel is at high occupancy, the discounted rates may not appear. This is especially true for the MMP rate. If MMP isn't available, try the MMF rate.
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Personal Travel Only: Reiterate that these rates are strictly for personal travel. Using them for business travel is a violation of the program rules and can lead to loss of privileges.
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No Resale: Selling or attempting to sell authorization forms is strictly prohibited and can result in severe consequences, including termination of employment.
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Check-in Requirements: Always remember to bring your valid photo ID and the Explore Program Authorization Form (physical copy or easily accessible digital copy) to the hotel at check-in. The front desk staff will verify your eligibility. They may or may not collect the form, but they will likely make a photocopy.
Step 4: Maximizing Your Marriott Employee Perks (Beyond Just Rooms!)
The Marriott employee discount goes beyond just room rates. There are other fantastic benefits to leverage during your stay.
Sub-heading: Food & Beverage Discounts
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20% Discount: Enjoy a 20% discount on food and beverages at participating Marriott hotels worldwide. This often includes in-room dining and alcoholic beverages.
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How to use it: Simply present your Marriott employee ID and/or your Property (Non-Room) Discount Card (also printable from mHUB) at the restaurant or when ordering room service. Note that this F&B discount generally applies to the employee and their immediate party, but not necessarily to friends or extended family booking under the MMF rate unless the employee is present and paying.
QuickTip: Skim the first line of each paragraph.
Sub-heading: Spa and Retail Discounts
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20% Spa Treatment Discount: Indulge in some relaxation with a 20% discount on spa treatments at participating hotel spas.
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30% Retail Discount: Looking for a souvenir or something from the hotel gift shop? You can often get a 30% discount on retail purchases at Marriott stores.
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30% Golf Discount: For golf enthusiasts, there can be a 30% discount on golf apparel, equipment, and tee times at participating golf facilities.
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How to use them: Similar to the F&B discount, present your employee ID or Property (Non-Room) Discount Card.
Step 5: Being a Responsible Ambassador of the Program
The Marriott employee discount program is a privilege, and it's essential to use it responsibly and professionally. Your conduct, and that of your friends and family using your discount, reflects on Marriott International.
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Respect Hotel Policies: Always adhere to the hotel's rules and regulations, just like any other guest.
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Professional Conduct: Maintain a professional demeanor. Any inappropriate behavior can lead to the loss of your discount privileges.
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No Abuse: The program is designed for personal leisure travel. Do not attempt to use it for illicit purposes or to benefit others who are not authorized. Marriott actively monitors for fraud and abuse.
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Understand Brand Specifics: While the general rules apply across the Marriott portfolio, some individual properties or brands might have minor variations or specific blackout dates for the employee rate. It's always a good idea to confirm directly with the hotel if you have any doubts.
By following these steps and understanding the nuances of the Marriott employee discount, you're well on your way to enjoying incredible travel experiences at a fraction of the cost. Happy exploring!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - How To's for the Marriott Employee Discount
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to the Marriott employee discount, along with quick answers:
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How to book a room with the Marriott employee discount?
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Go to Marriott.com or the Bonvoy app, enter your destination and dates, click "Special Rates," and input the code MMP (for employee/immediate family) or MMF (for friends/extended family) in the "Corporate/Promo/SET#" field.
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How to get the Marriott Explore Program Authorization Form?
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Employees can log into mHUB.marriott.com with their EID and password, then navigate to the "Explore" section to print or generate the form. For friends/family, the employee must generate it for them via the "Manage Friends and Family" option on mHUB.
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How to know if a hotel has the employee discount available?
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After entering the discount code during your online search on Marriott.com or the app, the available rates will be displayed. If no discounted rates appear, it means the rate is not available for your selected dates and property.
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How to use the Marriott food and beverage discount?
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Present your Marriott employee ID and/or your Property (Non-Room) Discount Card (printable from mHUB) when paying for food and beverages at participating hotel restaurants or for in-room dining.
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How to apply the employee discount for immediate family members?
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Immediate family members (spouse, children, parents, siblings) can use the MMP code when booking online, but the employee must provide them with a valid Explore Program Authorization Form to present at check-in. They are limited to one room per night.
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How to get the Marriott discount for friends?
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Friends can use the MMF code when booking online, but the Marriott employee must generate an Explore Program Authorization Form for them via mHUB.marriott.com, which the friend must present at check-in along with a photo ID.
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How to find participating hotels for the Quarter Century Club (QCC) complimentary stays?
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Details and a list of participating properties for QCC complimentary stays are typically available on Marriott's internal employee resources (mHUB). You may need to search for "Quarter Century Club" or "QCC benefits."
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How to troubleshoot issues with booking the employee discount online?
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Ensure you're logged into your Marriott Bonvoy account, the codes are correctly entered, and your pop-up blockers are disabled (if downloading forms). If issues persist, contact Marriott's employee discount portal customer support or your HR department.
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How to ensure a smooth check-in with the employee discount?
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Always have your valid photo ID and the printed (or easily accessible digital) Explore Program Authorization Form ready. Confirm the form's validity dates match your stay.
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How to determine the exact percentage of the employee discount for a specific stay?
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The exact percentage discount varies based on the standard public rate, hotel, and dates. You'll see the discounted rate when you search with the MMP or MMF code; compare this to the standard flexible rate to see your savings. There isn't a fixed percentage across all bookings.
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