Missing out on those hard-earned Marriott Bonvoy points and elite night credits? Don't you just hate it when you complete a fantastic stay at a Marriott property, only to find it hasn't automatically appeared in your Bonvoy account? It's a common frustration, but thankfully, there's a clear process to ensure your stays are properly credited. Let's dive in and get those points where they belong!
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of adding a missing stay to your Marriott Bonvoy account, ensuring you maximize your loyalty benefits.
Understanding the Basics: Why Stays Go Missing and When to Act
Before we get into the "how-to," it's important to understand why a stay might not appear automatically and the crucial timelines involved.
Common Reasons for Missing Stays:
Booking Channel: If you booked through a third-party website (like Expedia, Priceline, etc.), your stay is generally not eligible for Marriott Bonvoy points or elite night credits. This is a crucial distinction. Always book directly with Marriott.com, the Marriott Bonvoy app, or a Marriott Bonvoy customer service representative to ensure eligibility.
Loyalty Number Not Applied: Perhaps your Bonvoy number wasn't correctly added to your reservation at the time of booking or check-in.
System Glitches: Sometimes, technology just doesn't cooperate, and a stay simply falls through the cracks.
Recent Enrollment: If you joined Marriott Bonvoy very recently, your previous stays might not automatically appear. There are specific rules for crediting stays prior to enrollment (more on this in the FAQ!).
Special Rates/Bookings: Certain group rates, tour operator rates, or stays redeemed with vouchers/third-party awards may not be eligible.
The 10-Business-Day Rule: It's important to know that it can take up to 10 business days after check-out for a stay to automatically post to your account. Don't panic if you don't see it immediately! Patience is key here.
The 1-Year Window: You have a generous one (1) year from the date of your check-out to submit a missing stay request. Don't wait too long, or you might forfeit your eligibility.
 |
| How To Add A Stay To My Marriott Bonvoy Account |
Step 1: Give It Time & Check Your Account Activity
So, you've just checked out of a Marriott property and are eagerly awaiting those points. Our first step is to manage expectations and perform a quick check.
Patience is a Virtue (and a Policy!): As mentioned, give it a full 10 business days from your check-out date. Weekends and holidays typically don't count towards this timeframe. Circle that date on your calendar if you need a reminder!
Access Your Account Activity:
On the Marriott Bonvoy Website:
Go to Marriott.com and Sign In to your Marriott Bonvoy account.
Once logged in, click on your name in the top right corner of the screen.
From the dropdown menu that appears, select "Activity."
On the Activity page, you can use the filters to refine your view. Look for "Hotel Stays" and adjust the time frame (e.g., "Last 3 Months," "Last 6 Months") to ensure you're looking at the correct period.
On the Marriott Bonvoy Mobile App:
Open the Marriott Bonvoy app on your smartphone or tablet.
Log in to your account.
Tap on "Trips" at the bottom of the screen.
Select "Past" at the top to view your completed stays.
Alternatively, from the "Account" section, tap "Account Activity" to see a detailed list. You can use filters here as well.
Did you see your stay? Great! If not, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Gather Your Essential Information
If your stay hasn't appeared after the waiting period, it's time to prepare for a missing stay request. Having all the necessary details handy will make the process much smoother. Think of this as collecting your evidence!
The Golden Ticket: Your Hotel Folio/Receipt. This is absolutely critical. Your hotel folio (the detailed bill you receive at check-out or can request from the hotel) is your primary proof of stay. It contains vital information needed for the request.
What to look for on your folio:
Hotel Name and Location: The exact name of the Marriott property and its city/country.
Check-in and Check-out Dates: The precise dates of your arrival and departure.
Confirmation Number: The reservation confirmation number for your stay.
Folio Number (or Bill Number): This is a unique identifier for your specific bill.
Total Amount Paid: The grand total of your bill, including taxes and incidentals.
Your Name: Ensure your name on the folio matches your Marriott Bonvoy account name.
Your Marriott Bonvoy Account Details:
Your Marriott Bonvoy Member Number.
The email address associated with your account.
Your phone number.
Any Other Relevant Details:
Was it a special rate?
Did you have a corporate account?
Any specific notes about the booking that might be helpful.
Tip: Make mental notes as you go.
Step 3: Submitting Your Missing Stay Request Online
Marriott Bonvoy provides a convenient online form for missing stay requests, which is generally the quickest and most efficient method.
Accessing the Online Form:
Via the Marriott Website:
Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account on Marriott.com.
Navigate to the "Help" section (often found in the footer or a "Contact Us" link).
Search for "Missing Stay Request" or "How Do I Request Credit for a Completed Missing Stay?" You'll typically find a direct link to the online form.
Alternatively, from your "Account Activity" page (as described in Step 1), scroll to the bottom. There's often a direct link labeled "Missing Stay Request Form."
Via the Marriott Bonvoy Mobile App:
Log in to the Marriott Bonvoy app.
Tap "Account" at the bottom of the screen.
Tap "Account Activity."
Scroll to the very bottom and you should find a link for the "Missing Stay Request Form." Note: This will usually redirect you to your mobile browser, where you might need to sign in again.
Filling Out the Form – Accuracy is Key!
The form will prompt you for all the information you gathered in Step 2. Fill out every required field accurately.
Marriott Bonvoy Number: Double-check this!
Hotel Information: Enter the exact hotel name, city, and country.
Dates of Stay: Be precise with check-in and check-out dates.
Confirmation Number: Crucial for linking your request to the reservation.
Folio/Bill Number: Enter this if prompted.
Attach Your Folio: The online form usually provides an option to upload a digital copy (PDF or image) of your hotel folio. This is highly recommended as it significantly speeds up the process. Do not skip this step if the option is available!
Comments Section: Use this space to add any additional relevant information, such as:
"My Marriott Bonvoy number was added at check-in but the stay didn't post."
"This was a direct booking through Marriott.com."
"I have attached my full hotel folio for your review."
Review and Submit: Before hitting "Submit," take a moment to review all the information you've entered. Ensure there are no typos or missing details. Once you're confident, click "Submit."
Confirmation: You should receive a confirmation message on screen and often an email confirming that your request has been submitted. Keep this confirmation for your records.
Step 4: What Happens Next? (The Waiting Game)
After submitting your request, the ball is in Marriott's court.
Processing Time: Marriott typically states that it can take up to 10 business days for a missing stay request to be processed and credited to your account.
Checking Status: You won't usually get real-time updates on the status of your specific request. The best way to check is to periodically log into your Marriott Bonvoy account and review your "Activity" section to see if the stay has appeared.
Email Communication: If Marriott requires further information, or if there's an issue with your request, they will generally contact you via the email address associated with your Bonvoy account. Keep an eye on your spam folder just in case!
Step 5: Following Up (If Necessary)
If more than 10 business days have passed since you submitted your request and the stay still hasn't posted, it's time to follow up.
Contact Marriott Bonvoy Member Services:
Phone Call is Often Best: For direct and immediate assistance, calling Marriott Bonvoy Member Services is usually the most effective method. Be prepared with your Bonvoy number, the details of your missing stay, and the confirmation number from your missing stay request (if you received one).
For India-specific contact: The Marriott Bonvoy Hotels Contact No. for India is generally 1800 258 2555 (for reservations, but they can often direct you to the right department).
General Marriott Bonvoy Customer Service: +1 (800) 627-7468 (US/Canada). For other global numbers, check the "Worldwide Reservations Telephone Numbers" section on Marriott's website.
Be Polite and Prepared: Clearly explain the situation: you submitted a missing stay request on [date], for a stay at [hotel name] from [check-in date] to [check-out date], and it hasn't posted. Have your folio readily available in case they need you to verify details.
Online "Contact Us" Form: While less immediate, you can also use Marriott's general "Contact Us" form on their website. Select a topic like "Compliments/Concerns about a Stay" and then "Missing Points" or "Account Activity." Explain your situation thoroughly and reference your previous missing stay request. Attach your folio again if possible.
Persistence (Politely!): Sometimes, it takes more than one attempt or a different representative to resolve the issue. Be persistent but always remain polite and patient.
Congratulations!
Once your missing stay is successfully added, you'll see the points and elite night credits reflected in your account activity. This can be a huge boost towards achieving or maintaining your elite status, unlocking valuable benefits like complimentary upgrades, late check-out, and bonus points on future stays!
QuickTip: Slow scrolling helps comprehension.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions related to adding missing stays to your Marriott Bonvoy account, along with quick answers:
How to check if my Marriott Bonvoy stay has posted?
You can check by logging into your Marriott Bonvoy account on the website or mobile app, then navigating to the "Activity" or "Past Trips" section. Stays typically appear within 10 business days after check-out.
How to request credit for a Marriott Bonvoy stay if I just joined the program?
You can request credit for eligible stays completed up to 30 days prior to your enrollment in the Marriott Bonvoy program. You'll need to submit a missing stay request with your hotel folio within 60 days of the stay.
How to find my Marriott Bonvoy confirmation number for a past stay?
Tip: Summarize the post in one sentence.
Your confirmation number is usually found in your original booking confirmation email from Marriott, or on your hotel folio/receipt. You might also be able to find it in your "Past Trips" section if the reservation initially appeared there.
How to get a copy of my hotel bill (folio) for a Marriott stay?
You can often access your bill online by logging into your Marriott Bonvoy account and viewing your past stays. If it's not available online (e.g., for international stays or if your Bonvoy number wasn't on the reservation), you may need to contact the hotel directly or use Marriott's "Contact Us" form to request a copy.
How to ensure my future Marriott Bonvoy stays are credited automatically?
Always book directly through Marriott.com, the Marriott Bonvoy app, or by calling Marriott reservations. Ensure your Marriott Bonvoy member number is added to your reservation at the time of booking and confirmed at check-in.
How to know if my Marriott Bonvoy stay is eligible for points and elite nights?
Stays booked directly with Marriott (not through third-party sites), and those that are not part of certain ineligible rates (like deeply discounted group rates where the member doesn't pay the hotel directly, or stays redeemed with certain vouchers), are generally eligible. Always review the Marriott Bonvoy Terms & Conditions for full details.
QuickTip: Skim the intro, then dive deeper.
How to contact Marriott Bonvoy customer service for missing stays?
You can contact Marriott Bonvoy Member Services by phone. For general inquiries, the US/Canada number is +1 (800) 627-7468. For India, the general Marriott Bonvoy Hotels Contact No. is 1800 258 2555. You can also use the online "Contact Us" form on Marriott.com.
How to upload my hotel folio when submitting a missing stay request?
The online missing stay request form on Marriott.com or through the app (which redirects to the web) will typically have an option to upload documents. You can usually attach a PDF or image file of your hotel folio.
How long does it take for a missing Marriott Bonvoy stay to be credited after I submit a request?
Once you've submitted a missing stay request, it can take up to 10 business days for Marriott to process it and for the points and elite nights to appear in your account.
How to get elite night credit for a stay completed before I joined Marriott Bonvoy?
Similar to points, you can receive elite night credit for qualifying stays completed within 30 days prior to your enrollment, provided you submit the request with your paid receipt within 60 days of the stay.
 |
