Do you dream of providing your clients with unforgettable luxury experiences, seamless travel, and the confidence that comes with booking with a globally recognized brand? As a travel agent, mastering the art of booking Marriott properties is a cornerstone of a successful and diverse portfolio. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your journey in the travel industry, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you're equipped to leverage Marriott's vast offerings for your clients.
Let's dive in and unlock the world of Marriott for your business!
Step 1: Are You Ready to Unlock Marriott's Potential? The Foundation of Success
Before you even think about searching for hotels, let's ensure you have the necessary credentials and understanding. This is the crucial first step that sets the stage for seamless Marriott bookings and commission earnings.
Sub-heading: Essential Accreditations and Registrations
To officially book Marriott properties and earn commission, you'll need to be an accredited travel agency. This typically means having one or more of the following:
ARC (Airlines Reporting Corporation): Primarily for airline ticketing, but often a foundational accreditation for full-service agencies.
IATA (International Air Transport Association): A global standard for travel agencies, especially those dealing with international air travel.
IATAN (International Airlines Travel Agent Network): The U.S. equivalent of IATA, often required for agents within the United States.
TIDS (Travel Industry Designator Service): A numeric code that identifies travel agencies to suppliers globally, useful for smaller agencies or those focused on non-air bookings.
CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association): Essential if you primarily focus on cruise sales, but also recognized by many hotel chains.
Action Item: Confirm your agency holds at least one of these active accreditations. If you don't, research the requirements and start the application process. This is non-negotiable for official Marriott bookings.
Sub-heading: Marriott's Travel Agent Website & MI Partner Privileges
Marriott offers a dedicated portal for travel agents – the Marriott Travel Agents website. This is your central hub for resources, training, and booking tools.
Registration for MI Partner Privileges: To access most features, including the commission portal and specialized rates, you'll need to register for "MI Partner Privileges." This is Marriott's secure single sign-on process for its intermediary partner programs.
Navigate to the Marriott Travel Agents website (https://www.google.com/search?q=travelagents.marriott.com).
Look for a "Sign In or Register Now" option.
Follow the prompts to create your MI Partner Privileges profile, linking it to your agency's accreditation number (IATA/ARC/CLIA/TIDS).
Important Note: Ensure your profile information, especially your accreditation number, is accurate and up-to-date. Inaccurate information can lead to commission delays or issues.
Step 2: Elevate Your Expertise: Marriott's Hotel Excellence! Program
Marriott truly values knowledgeable travel advisors. They offer a fantastic, free online training program called Hotel Excellence! (HE!) that is highly recommended for all travel agents looking to specialize in Marriott properties.
Sub-heading: Why Hotel Excellence! Matters
Deeper Brand Knowledge: Gain a comprehensive understanding of Marriott's diverse portfolio of over 30 brands, from luxury (Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis) to extended stay (Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites) and lifestyle (W Hotels, Autograph Collection). This helps you perfectly match clients to properties.
Access to Preferred Programs: Completion of Hotel Excellence! Core training is a prerequisite for your agency to qualify for Marriott's Preferred Travel Agency (PTA) program (which offers a higher commission rate!) and for you to access Fam-Tastic rates (discounted rates for your personal familiarization stays).
Stay Updated: Marriott regularly offers Continuing Education modules within HE! to keep you informed about new brands, initiatives, and booking processes.
Sub-heading: How to Complete Hotel Excellence!
Access the Training: Once you have your MI Partner Privileges, log in to the Marriott Travel Agents website and look for the Hotel Excellence! section.
Complete Core Training: Dedicate time to go through the core modules. They are designed to be self-paced and accessible from most web-enabled devices.
Complete Continuing Education: Annually, make sure you complete the required Continuing Education modules to maintain your eligibility for preferred programs.
Pro Tip: Take notes during the training! The information about each brand's unique selling points will be invaluable when consulting with clients.
Step 3: Booking Marriott Properties: Your Options
With your foundation set, you're ready to start booking! Marriott offers several avenues for travel agents, each with its own advantages.
Sub-heading: Booking via the Global Distribution System (GDS)
For many traditional travel agents, the GDS remains the primary tool for hotel bookings. Marriott properties are fully integrated.
Access Your GDS: Log in to your preferred GDS (Sabre, Amadeus, Travelport, Worldspan, etc.).
Search for Properties: Use standard GDS commands to search for Marriott hotels by destination, dates, and specific brand codes.
Enter Agency Details: Crucially, ensure your agency's IATA/ARC/TIDS/CLIA number is entered correctly in the booking. This is how Marriott tracks your booking for commission purposes.
Input Client Details: Accurately enter your client's name, contact information, and any special requests.
Apply Rates (if applicable): If you have access to negotiated corporate rates or special program rates (like Marriott STARS/Luminous), ensure the correct rate code is applied.
Confirm and Save: Verify all details before confirming the reservation. Save your confirmation number and share it with your client.
Sub-heading: Booking via Marriott's Travel Agent Website (Online)
Marriott's dedicated travel agent website (https://www.google.com/search?q=travelagents.marriott.com) also offers a direct booking engine. This can be particularly useful for agents who prefer a visual interface or are new to GDS systems.
Log In: Sign in to your MI Partner Privileges account on the Marriott Travel Agents website.
Use the "Find & Reserve" Tool: The homepage typically has a prominent search bar. Enter the destination, dates, and number of guests.
Select Property and Room: Browse the search results, filter by brand, amenities, or price, and select the desired hotel and room type.
Enter Client and Agency Information: The system should pre-populate your agency details if you're logged in. Enter your client's information.
Review and Confirm: Double-check all details before confirming the booking.
Sub-heading: Booking via Marriott's Voice Channels (Telephone)
Sometimes, a direct phone call to Marriott's reservations team is the best approach, especially for complex bookings, specific requests, or troubleshooting.
Locate the Correct Number: Find the dedicated travel agent support line or the general Marriott reservations number (available on the Marriott Travel Agents website or Marriott.com under "Contact Us").
Identify Yourself: Clearly state that you are a travel agent and provide your agency's accreditation number at the beginning of the call.
Provide Booking Details: Be ready with all client information, desired dates, destination, and any specific hotel preferences.
Confirm Commission Eligibility: Always confirm with the agent that the rate being booked is commissionable and that your agency number is correctly associated with the reservation.
Step 4: Mastering Special Programs: Marriott STARS & Luminous
For your most discerning clients, Marriott offers exclusive, invitation-only preferred partner programs: Marriott STARS and Marriott Luminous. These programs provide VIP benefits that elevate your client's stay and differentiate your service.
Sub-heading: Understanding STARS and Luminous
Marriott STARS: This program is for Marriott's true luxury brands, including The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Bvlgari, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and Edition.
Marriott Luminous: This program covers Marriott's lifestyle and boutique brands, such as W Hotels, JW Marriott, Autograph Collection, and a curated selection of properties from Marriott Hotels, Westin, Le Méridien, Renaissance, Tribute Portfolio, Sheraton, Delta Hotels, and Gaylord Hotels.
Sub-heading: Benefits for Your Clients (and You!)
Booking through a STARS or Luminous agency typically grants clients:
Complimentary daily breakfast for two.
Complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability).
A $100 USD hotel credit per stay (for STARS, and often for Luminous at many properties).
Early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability).
A welcome amenity.
Full Marriott Bonvoy points earning and elite night credit.
Note: These benefits often stack with a client's Marriott Bonvoy elite status, providing an even more enhanced experience.
Sub-heading: How to Access and Book STARS/Luminous Rates
Access to these programs is typically through a host agency or consortia that has been invited by Marriott to participate.
Join a Program-Affiliated Host Agency/Consortia: If you are an independent agent, you'll likely need to be affiliated with a host agency or travel consortia (like Virtuoso, Signature Travel Network, Fora, etc.) that has access to Marriott STARS and Luminous.
Utilize Their Booking Platform: Your host agency or consortia will have a specific platform or process for booking these rates. This often involves direct communication with the hotel's dedicated sales team.
Emphasize the Value: When presenting these options to clients, highlight the significant added value they receive at no extra cost, making your service indispensable.
Step 5: Understanding and Managing Commissions
One of the primary benefits of booking as a travel agent is earning commission. Marriott has a robust system for tracking and paying commissions.
Sub-heading: Marriott's Commission Policy
Transient Bookings: For individual hotel stays (transient), Marriott generally pays 8% commission on consumed, commissionable rates for Standard Travel Agencies. If your agency qualifies as a Preferred Travel Agency (PTA) through Hotel Excellence!, you can earn a 10% commission on these bookings.
Group Bookings: Group commissions are handled differently and must be disclosed in the Group Sales Agreement. The policy can vary.
Commissionable Rates: Most published rates and packages available to the general public are commissionable. Non-commissionable rates often include travel agent personal rates (Fam-Tastic), negotiated corporate rates, or certain wholesale rates.
Payment Processing: Marriott acts as a central processor for commissions, typically providing one weekly payment and statement in your chosen currency (over 30 currencies supported). Payments are processed for consumed reservations (after the guest has checked out).
Sub-heading: Using the Marriott Commission Portal
Marriott provides an online Commission Portal (accessible via the Travel Agents website and your MI Partner Privileges) where you can:
View Statements: Access your agency's commission statements.
Research Commissions: Look up individual bookings to check their commission status.
Submit Inquiries: If you have a missing or incorrect commission, you can submit an inquiry directly through the portal. Note: Marriott typically accepts inquiries between 45 days and 12 months after guest departure.
Generate Reports: Create custom reports on your commission earnings.
Best Practice: Regularly check your commission statements and reconcile them with your bookings to ensure you're paid accurately and promptly.
Step 6: Leveraging Travel Agent Rates for Personal Familiarization (Fam-Tastic)
Marriott offers special Fam-Tastic rates to qualified travel advisors. These are discounted rates designed to allow you to experience Marriott properties firsthand, enhancing your ability to sell them to clients.
Sub-heading: Eligibility for Fam-Tastic Rates
To be eligible for Fam-Tastic rates, you generally need to:
Be a Marriott Bonvoy member.
Have an active MI Partner Privileges profile.
Successfully complete the Hotel Excellence! Core training and the latest Continuing Education training.
Have a valid IATA/IATAN/CLIA ID number linked to your profile (for US advisors).
Sub-heading: How to Book Fam-Tastic Rates
Check Eligibility: Your Hotel Excellence! Dashboard will show your Fam-Tastic eligibility status.
Access Booking Page: Eligible advisors can access the Fam-Tastic rate booking page through the Marriott Travel Agents website.
Search and Book: Search for properties and dates, and the Fam-Tastic rate will be available if the property has availability for that rate.
ID Requirements: Be prepared to present your IATA/IATAN VER# photo ID Card or CLIA EMBARC Photo ID Card (for US agencies) or a valid photo ID and business card/employment verification letter (for non-US agencies) at check-in.
Remember: Fam-Tastic rates are for your personal use only (one room per stay, maximum of 4 nights). They are designed for familiarization, not for booking clients or friends/family.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Booking Marriott as a Travel Agent
Here are 10 common questions travel agents have about booking Marriott, with quick answers:
How to register as a travel agent with Marriott?
You register through the Marriott Travel Agents website (https://www.google.com/search?q=travelagents.marriott.com) by creating an MI Partner Privileges profile and linking your agency's valid accreditation number (IATA, ARC, TIDS, or CLIA).
How to access Marriott's Hotel Excellence! training?
Once you have your MI Partner Privileges, log in to the Marriott Travel Agents website, and you will find a direct link to the Hotel Excellence! program.
How to ensure I earn commission on Marriott bookings?
Always include your agency's valid IATA/ARC/TIDS/CLIA number in the booking, whether through the GDS, Marriott's agent website, or via phone. Ensure the rate booked is a commissionable rate (most public rates are).
How to check my Marriott commission statements?
You can view and manage your commission statements by logging into the Marriott Commission Portal, accessible through the Marriott Travel Agents website.
How to book Marriott STARS and Luminous rates?
Access to STARS and Luminous programs is typically through an invitation-only host agency or travel consortia partnered with Marriott. Bookings are made through their specific platforms.
How to get a higher commission rate from Marriott?
By becoming a Marriott Preferred Travel Agency (PTA), which requires your agency owner/manager to agree to terms and have at least one Hotel Excellence! qualified advisor, you can earn 10% commission.
How to book discounted personal travel (Fam-Tastic rates) with Marriott?
Complete the Hotel Excellence! Core and Continuing Education training and have a valid agency ID. Then, access the Fam-Tastic booking page through the Marriott Travel Agents website.
How to contact Marriott's travel agent support?
The Marriott Travel Agents website provides contact information, including dedicated phone numbers for travel agent support. You can also find general Marriott reservation numbers for assistance.
How to handle a missing Marriott commission?
Submit an inquiry through the Marriott Commission Portal. Inquiries are typically accepted between 45 days and 12 months after the guest's departure date.
How to stay updated on Marriott news and programs for travel agents?
Regularly check the Marriott Travel Agents website, complete the annual Hotel Excellence! Continuing Education modules, and subscribe to any Marriott travel agent newsletters.