A Comprehensive Guide: How to Book a Marriott Room for Someone Else
Planning a surprise getaway for a loved one, arranging accommodation for a business colleague, or simply extending a kind gesture? Booking a Marriott room for someone else might seem a bit tricky at first, but with the right steps, it's a straightforward process. This lengthy guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from initial considerations to ensuring a smooth check-in for your guest.
Ready to make someone's day? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Understanding the Basics – Cash vs. Points & Key Considerations
Before you even open the Marriott website, it's crucial to understand the two main ways you can book a room and some important considerations that will impact your process.
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| How To Book A Marriott Room For Someone Else |
Sub-heading 1.1: Cash Reservations
Booking with cash (or a credit card) is generally the most flexible option. You're essentially paying for the room directly, and the primary concern is ensuring the guest can check in without you present.
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Payment Responsibility: When you book with cash, you are responsible for the room charges. The guest will typically need to provide their own credit card for incidental charges (mini-bar, room service, etc.) upon check-in.
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Adding the Guest's Name: This is paramount. The person staying in the room must have their name on the reservation. Marriott generally allows you to add a second guest's name during the booking process online.
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Credit Card Authorization Form: If you won't be present at check-in and want to cover all charges (room and incidentals), you'll likely need to complete a Credit Card Authorization Form. This form grants the hotel permission to charge your card in your absence. Not all properties handle these exactly the same, so direct communication with the hotel is often recommended.
Sub-heading 1.2: Award (Points) Reservations
Booking with Marriott Bonvoy points for someone else, often called a "Gifted Award Redemption Stay," has slightly different rules.
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Primary Name Remains Yours: Even if you're gifting the stay, your name (as the Marriott Bonvoy member) will usually remain the primary name on the reservation when booked with points.
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Calling Member Support is Key: Unlike cash bookings, you cannot typically complete a gifted award reservation entirely online or through the mobile app. You must call Marriott Bonvoy Member Support to arrange this. They will add the recipient's name to the reservation and apply a special code (sometimes referred to as an "M8 code") to indicate it's a gifted stay.
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No Elite Benefits or Point Earning for Guest: It's important to note that when you gift an award stay, neither you (the giver) nor the recipient will earn Marriott Bonvoy points or Elite Night Credits for that stay. The recipient also will not receive your Elite Tier Benefits (like complimentary breakfast or lounge access) associated with your account or their own, if they have one.
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Recipient's ID and Incidental Payment: The recipient will still need to show valid identification and provide their own credit card or a cash deposit for incidental charges at check-in.
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Limitations: Marriott typically allows members to make up to five Gifted Award Reservations in a calendar year (January-December). You also cannot use a Free Night Award Certificate to book a room for another guest.
Step 2: The Booking Process – Step-by-Step for Each Method
Tip: Read mindfully — avoid distractions.
Now that you understand the nuances, let's walk through the actual booking steps.
Sub-heading 2.1: Booking with Cash/Credit Card (Online Recommended)
This is generally the easiest method if you're not using points.
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Step 2.1.1: Visit the Marriott Website or App: Go to Marriott.com or open the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app.
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Step 2.1.2: Search for the Hotel and Dates: Enter the destination, check-in, and check-out dates.
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Step 2.1.3: Specify Guests: Crucially, in the "Rooms & Guests" section, make sure to adjust the number of guests to reflect the person(s) who will be staying. Even if it's just one person, ensure this is correctly set.
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Step 2.1.4: Select Your Hotel and Room Type: Browse the available hotels and select the one that suits your needs. Then, choose your desired room type and rate. Pay attention to the cancellation policy – fully flexible rates are often preferable when booking for someone else, just in case plans change.
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Step 2.1.5: Enter Guest Information: On the "Complete Your Booking" page, you will see fields for "Guest Information."
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Primary Guest Name: Your name might auto-populate if you're logged into your Marriott Bonvoy account. This is where it gets important. If the primary guest will be the person you're booking for, enter their name here. If you want your name as the primary but your guest to be able to check-in, you'll need to enter their name as an "Additional Guest."
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Additional Guest Name: Look for an option to "Add a Guest Name" or "Additional Guests." This is where you'll enter the full legal name of the person who will be checking in. Make absolutely sure their name matches their government-issued ID.
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Self-Correction: If your name automatically populates as the primary guest and you intend for someone else to be the sole guest checking in, you might need to adjust this. Sometimes, you can simply change the primary guest name, but it's often safer to add them as an additional guest and then proceed to the next step.
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Step 2.1.6: Provide Payment Information: Enter your credit card details to cover the room charges.
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Step 2.1.7: Add a Note for the Hotel (Optional but Recommended): In the "Special Requests or Needs" section (usually a text box), you can add a clear note for the hotel staff. Something like: "This reservation is for [Guest's Full Name]. I will not be present at check-in. Please allow them to check in under their name." This helps avoid any confusion.
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Step 2.1.8: Review and Confirm: Double-check all details: guest names, dates, room type, and total cost. Then, click "Book Now" or "Complete Booking."
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Step 2.1.9: Obtain the Confirmation Number: You will receive a confirmation email with the reservation number. Forward this to your guest!
Sub-heading 2.2: Booking with Marriott Bonvoy Points (Phone Call Essential)
Remember, this process requires a phone call to Marriott Bonvoy Member Support.
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Step 2.2.1: Find the Desired Hotel and Dates Online (Optional but Helpful): Before calling, you can browse Marriott.com or the app to identify the specific hotel, room type, and dates you want to book. This will streamline your call.
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Step 2.2.2: Gather Your Information: Have your Marriott Bonvoy membership number, the full legal name of the person you're booking for (as it appears on their ID), and their contact information (phone number, email) ready.
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Step 2.2.3: Call Marriott Bonvoy Member Support: Dial the Marriott Bonvoy customer service number for your region. You can usually find this on the Marriott website under "Contact Us" or "Help."
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Step 2.2.4: State Your Intention Clearly: When you connect with a representative, clearly state that you wish to book a "Gifted Award Redemption Stay" for someone else.
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Step 2.2.5: Provide Details: The agent will ask for your membership number, the guest's name, the hotel name, and the dates of the stay.
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Step 2.2.6: Confirm the "Gifted Reservation" Notation: Crucially, ask the agent to confirm that they have added the necessary notation (e.g., M8 code) to the reservation, indicating it's a gifted stay and allowing your guest to check in without you.
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Step 2.2.7: Clarify Incidental Charges: Discuss how incidental charges will be handled. The agent will confirm that your guest will need to provide their own credit card for these at check-in.
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Step 2.2.8: Receive Confirmation: The agent will process the booking and provide you with a confirmation number. Request that the confirmation email be sent to both your email address and your guest's email address.
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Step 2.2.9: Follow Up (Optional but Recommended): A day or two before check-in, you can call the hotel directly to reconfirm the gifted reservation and ensure they have all the correct information. This can prevent last-minute hiccups.
Step 3: Handling Payment and Authorization When Not Present
This is often the most confusing part for many users. How do you pay if you're not there?
Sub-heading 3.1: Credit Card Authorization Form (For Cash Bookings)
If you're paying for a cash reservation and want to cover all charges (room and incidentals), a Credit Card Authorization Form is typically required.
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Step 3.1.1: Request the Form: After making your reservation, contact the specific hotel directly. You can usually find their phone number on the Marriott website or your confirmation email. Explain that you've booked a room for someone else and wish to pre-authorize your credit card for all charges.
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Step 3.1.2: Complete the Form: The hotel will typically email you a Credit Card Authorization Form. This form will ask for your credit card details, billing address, the guest's name, the reservation details, and specifically what charges you authorize (room rate only, or room rate + incidentals, up to a certain amount).
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Step 3.1.3: Return the Form: Follow the instructions on the form carefully. You'll usually need to sign it and return it via fax or email (often with a copy of your ID and the front and back of your credit card).
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Step 3.1.4: Confirm Receipt: Call the hotel again to confirm they received the completed form and that it has been processed correctly.
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Important Note: Some hotels may have cut-off times for submitting these forms (e.g., 72 hours before check-in). Always inquire about their specific policy when you request the form.
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Tip: Don’t skip — flow matters.
Sub-heading 3.2: Guest Pays for Incidentals
For both cash and points bookings, it's common for the guest to provide their own credit card for incidental charges upon check-in.
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Inform Your Guest: Make sure your guest is aware that they will need a valid credit card (or a cash deposit, if the hotel allows) for incidentals. Explain what this entails.
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Hotel Policy: While generally standard, it's always good practice to advise your guest to inquire about the incidental hold amount at check-in, so they are prepared.
Step 4: Preparing Your Guest for a Smooth Check-in
Even with everything set up on your end, a little preparation for your guest goes a long way.
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Step 4.1: Send All Confirmation Details: Forward the entire reservation confirmation email to your guest. This includes the confirmation number, hotel address, dates, and any special notes.
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Step 4.2: Remind Them of What to Bring:
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Valid Government-Issued Photo ID: This is non-negotiable. The name on their ID must match the name(s) on the reservation.
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Credit Card for Incidentals: Remind them they'll need this, even if you've paid for the room.
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Step 4.3: Explain the Process: Briefly explain to them what to expect at check-in. Let them know you've arranged everything and their name is on the reservation (as a primary or additional guest, or as a gifted stay recipient).
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Step 4.4: Provide Your Contact Information: Tell them to contact you immediately if they encounter any issues at check-in.
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Step 4.5: Keep Your Phone Handy: Be available to answer any calls from the hotel or your guest, just in case.
Step 5: Post-Booking & Follow-up
Once the booking is done and your guest is checked in, you might still have a few things to consider.
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No Points/Elite Nights for Gifter on Award Stays: As mentioned, if you booked with points, you will not earn points or elite night credits. Don't expect them to appear in your account.
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Checking Statements: If you pre-authorized a credit card, keep an eye on your statement to ensure the charges are accurate.
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Feedback: If your guest had a particularly smooth or rocky check-in, consider providing feedback to Marriott or the specific hotel.
Booking a Marriott room for someone else can be a truly thoughtful gesture. By following these detailed steps, you can ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for your guest, leaving them to focus on their trip, not check-in hassles.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to add an additional guest name to an existing Marriott reservation?
You cannot typically add or edit an additional name online or in the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app for an existing reservation. You'll need to call Marriott Bonvoy Member Support or the specific hotel directly to add an additional guest's name to a paid reservation. For award reservations, you must call Member Support.
QuickTip: Don’t skim too fast — depth matters.
How to use Marriott points to book a room for a family member or friend?
You must call Marriott Bonvoy Member Support to book a room for someone else using your points. This is called a "Gifted Award Redemption Stay," and the agent will add a special notation to the reservation to allow your guest to check in.
How to ensure my guest can check in if I won't be there to pay for their Marriott stay?
If you've paid for the room with a credit card and won't be present, you'll need to complete a Credit Card Authorization Form provided by the specific Marriott hotel. Contact the hotel directly to request this form. Your guest will still need their own card for incidentals.
How to transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to another member?
You can transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to another member, but there are limits. You can typically transfer up to 100,000 points per calendar year to another member. This can be done online through your Marriott Bonvoy account or by calling Member Support.
How to know if a Marriott hotel accepts Credit Card Authorization Forms?
The best way to know is to call the specific Marriott hotel directly and ask them about their policy on Credit Card Authorization Forms. Some properties might have different procedures or requirements.
How to get a confirmation number for a Marriott booking made for someone else?
Tip: Reading in chunks improves focus.
After completing the booking (either online for cash or via phone for points), you will receive a confirmation email with the reservation number. Ensure you forward this confirmation to your guest.
How to find the Marriott Bonvoy Member Support phone number?
You can typically find the Marriott Bonvoy Member Support phone number on the official Marriott website under the "Contact Us" or "Help" sections. It varies by region, so ensure you select your correct location.
How to check the cancellation policy for a Marriott reservation?
When booking online, the cancellation policy is clearly stated during the booking process, usually near the rate selection. For existing reservations, you can find it by logging into your Marriott Bonvoy account, navigating to "My Trips," and selecting the reservation details.
How to ensure my guest receives my Marriott Bonvoy Elite benefits when I book for them?
Unfortunately, if you are not personally staying in the room, your Marriott Bonvoy Elite benefits (such as complimentary breakfast, lounge access, or upgrades) are generally not transferable to your guest, even if you booked the room for them. For gifted award stays, neither you nor the guest earns points/elite night credit or receives elite benefits.
How to modify a Marriott reservation booked for someone else?
For cash bookings, you might be able to modify some details online or by calling the hotel. For gifted award stays (booked with points), you must contact Marriott Bonvoy Member Support to make any changes, such as date modifications, as these cannot be done online.
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