Thinking about a fantastic getaway at a Marriott property, and you suddenly realize you need to add another person to your reservation? Perhaps a friend decided to join last minute, or you simply forgot to include your travel companion when you initially booked. Don't worry, it's a common situation, and Marriott offers several ways to accommodate your needs. While it might not always be as simple as clicking a button online, with a few key steps, you can ensure everyone is properly accounted for and has a smooth check-in experience.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about adding another person to your Marriott reservation, from understanding the best methods to anticipating potential costs and requirements. Let's make sure your trip is seamless for everyone involved!
Step 1: Engage with Your Existing Reservation – Where Do We Start?
So, you've got a Marriott reservation, and now you need to bring another person into the fold. The very first thing to do is to locate your existing reservation. This is your starting point for any modifications.
There are a few ways to do this, depending on how you originally booked:
-
For Marriott Bonvoy Members:
-
Online: Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account on the Marriott website (
marriott.com -
Marriott Bonvoy Mobile App: Open the Marriott Bonvoy app on your smartphone or tablet. Tap on the "Trips" section at the bottom of the screen. Your upcoming reservations will be displayed there.
-
-
For Guests Without a Marriott Bonvoy Account:
-
Online: Go to the Marriott website (
marriott.com -
Email Confirmation: Dig out the original confirmation email you received when you booked. This email will contain your reservation details, including the confirmation number, and often a direct link to manage your booking.
-
Why is this important? Having your reservation details readily available (confirmation number, dates, hotel name) will expedite the process, regardless of the method you choose to add your guest.
 |
| How Do I Add Another Person To My Marriott Reservation |
Step 2: Understanding Marriott's Policy – Can I Just Add Them Online?
This is where it gets a little nuanced. While you can often adjust the number of guests on a reservation online, directly adding a specific name for another person to an existing Marriott reservation online or through the mobile app is generally NOT possible.
Marriott's system is designed so that the primary guest (the one who booked) is listed, and you can specify the total number of occupants. However, if you need another person's name to appear on the reservation (especially if they might arrive before you or need to check-in independently), you'll likely need to use different methods.
Key Takeaway: Don't be surprised if you can't type in your friend's name on the website after the initial booking. This is normal and doesn't mean you can't add them.
Step 3: The Most Effective Methods – Making the Addition Happen
Since directly adding a name online isn't typically an option, here are the most effective ways to add another person to your Marriott reservation:
QuickTip: A short pause boosts comprehension.
Sub-heading 3.1: Calling Marriott Reservations (Recommended for Adding a Named Guest)
This is often the most reliable and recommended method for adding another person's name to your reservation, especially if they need to check in without you.
-
Gather Your Information: Before you call, have the following ready:
-
Your Marriott Bonvoy account number (if applicable).
-
The full name (as it appears on their ID) of the person you want to add.
-
Their contact information (optional, but helpful for the hotel).
-
The dates of your stay and the hotel name.
-
-
Find the Right Number:
-
General Marriott Reservations: The most common number for Marriott reservations in the US/Canada is +1 (888) 236-2427. You can find worldwide reservation numbers on the Marriott website under their "Contact Us" or "Global Reservation Numbers" section.
-
Direct Hotel Line: You can also call the specific Marriott hotel directly. Sometimes, this can be more efficient as they have direct access to their property's booking system.
-
-
Explain Your Request: Clearly state that you have an existing reservation and wish to add another person's name to it.
-
Be specific: "Hi, I have a reservation under [Your Name] for [Dates] at [Hotel Name]. My confirmation number is [Confirmation Number]. I'd like to add [Other Person's Full Name] to the reservation as an additional guest, as they might be arriving before me."
-
Clarify roles: If the added person needs to be able to check in, explicitly state that you want them authorized to check in.
-
-
Confirm the Update: Once the agent has made the changes, always ask for confirmation. This could be a new confirmation number or an updated email confirmation. Double-check that the added person's name is clearly listed.
Sub-heading 3.2: Modifying the Number of Guests Online (If a Named Guest Isn't Critical)
If simply increasing the guest count is sufficient (e.g., your travel companion will arrive with you and doesn't need to be independently listed for check-in), you might be able to modify the number of guests online.
-
Access Your Reservation: Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account or look up your reservation as described in Step 1.
-
Look for "Modify Room" or "Edit Stay Details":
-
On the website, after locating your reservation, you'll often see options like "View/Modify Room" or "Edit Stay Details." Click on this.
-
In the mobile app, you might find a "Modify Reservation" option within your trip details.
-
-
Adjust the "Rooms & Guests" Field: Look for a drop-down or field related to "Rooms & Guests" or "Number of Guests." Change the number to reflect the total number of people staying (e.g., from 1 to 2).
-
Review and Confirm: The system might re-evaluate the room rate based on the new number of guests. Review any changes and then click "Update Stay Details" or "Submit Changes."
Important Note: While this method updates the guest count, it usually does not add a specific name to the reservation. The primary guest will still be the only named individual.
Sub-heading 3.3: Informing the Hotel at Check-in (Less Ideal, but Possible)
In some cases, especially if it's a last-minute addition and the added person will be arriving with you, you can simply inform the front desk during check-in.
-
Arrive Together: Ensure both you and the additional guest are present at the front desk.
-
Inform the Staff: When checking in, state, "I have a reservation under [Your Name], and [Other Person's Full Name] will be staying with me."
-
Provide ID (if requested): The hotel may ask for the ID of the additional guest for their records, especially for security purposes or if they need to issue a second key card.
Considerations: This method is generally less ideal if the added person needs to check in before you or independently. Some hotels might be stricter about who is listed on the reservation for security and policy reasons.
 |
Step 4: Anticipating Potential Charges and Room Capacity
Adding another person to your Marriott reservation can sometimes have implications for the cost and the type of room you've booked.
QuickTip: Read actively, not passively.
Sub-heading 4.1: Extra Person Fees
-
Potential for Charges: While many standard rooms include accommodation for two people, some Marriott properties, especially in certain regions or for specific room types, may charge an "extra person fee" if you exceed a certain number of guests (e.g., more than two adults). This is more common in international locations or hotels with limited capacity.
-
Varying Policies: These fees can vary significantly by hotel and location. It's always a good idea to ask about any potential extra person fees when you call to add a guest, or to review the hotel's specific policies on their website or during the booking process.
-
Hidden Fees: Be aware that some extra person charges can sometimes be less transparent online and only become clear upon check-in. This is a common complaint within the industry.
Sub-heading 4.2: Room Capacity
-
Bedding Configuration: Ensure the room type you've booked has sufficient bedding for all guests. If you initially booked a King bed for one person and now have two, it's fine. But if you have two people and now need to add a third adult to a room with only one King bed, you might need to upgrade to a room with two Queen beds or a larger suite.
-
Hotel Availability: If adding a person requires a change in room type, the availability of such a room is crucial. If the hotel is fully booked, a change might not be possible, and you may need to consider alternative arrangements or a different hotel.
Step 5: Confirming Everything Before Your Stay
To avoid any last-minute surprises or delays at check-in, always take this final, crucial step:
-
Receive Written Confirmation: After making any changes (especially via phone), request an updated email confirmation from Marriott. This document serves as proof of your modification.
-
Review the Confirmation: Carefully review the updated confirmation email. Ensure the correct number of guests is listed and, if you added a named guest, that their name appears accurately.
-
Consider a Follow-Up Call: A day or two before your arrival, especially if you added a named guest who needs to check in independently, consider making a quick call directly to the hotel's front desk. Reconfirm the reservation details and the names of all authorized guests. This can proactively resolve any potential discrepancies.
Final Thoughts: Seamless Stays for Everyone
Adding another person to your Marriott reservation doesn't have to be a stressful ordeal. By understanding the best methods, being prepared with the necessary information, and proactively confirming the changes, you can ensure that everyone in your party is properly accounted for and enjoys a smooth, welcoming experience at their Marriott destination. Happy travels!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to add a second guest to a Marriott reservation online?
QuickTip: Focus more on the ‘how’ than the ‘what’.
You can usually increase the number of guests on a Marriott reservation online via "Modify Room" or "Edit Stay Details" in "My Trips." However, directly adding a specific name for another guest online is generally not supported; you'll likely need to call Marriott Reservations or the hotel directly for this.
How to change the name on a Marriott reservation?
To change the primary name on a Marriott reservation, especially if it's a significant change (not just a misspelling), you will almost always need to call Marriott Reservations directly. They will guide you through the necessary steps, which might involve canceling and rebooking, or simply modifying the existing booking.
How to add a family member to my Marriott Bonvoy account reservation?
You cannot "add" a family member to your Marriott Bonvoy account itself, as memberships are individual. However, you can add a family member's name to a specific reservation by calling Marriott Reservations or the hotel directly, ensuring they are authorized to check in.
How to add a companion to my Marriott Bonvoy points reservation?
For reservations made with Marriott Bonvoy points, adding an additional guest's name is typically not possible online. You must contact Marriott customer service by phone. They may need to cancel and rebook your reservation, and rates may change.
How to find Marriott's general reservation phone number?
You can find Marriott's general reservation phone number on their official website, typically under the "Contact Us" section or by searching for "Worldwide Hotel Telephone Reservations" on
Tip: Read at your natural pace.
How to know if there's an extra person fee for my Marriott reservation?
Extra person fees are typically disclosed during the booking process or in the hotel's specific policies. The best way to confirm is to call Marriott Reservations or the hotel directly and inquire about any additional charges for exceeding the standard occupancy (often two adults) for your booked room type.
How to ensure my added guest can check in without me at Marriott?
To ensure your added guest can check in without you, you must call Marriott Reservations or the hotel directly and explicitly ask for their name to be added to the reservation as an authorized guest for check-in. They will usually need to present their valid ID upon arrival.
How to modify the number of guests on a Marriott mobile app?
On the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app, navigate to your "Trips," select the reservation you wish to modify, and look for an option like "Modify Reservation" or "Rooms, Guests & Pet(s)." From there, you should be able to adjust the number of guests and then apply the changes.
How to confirm an added guest's name on my Marriott reservation?
After speaking with Marriott or the hotel, request an updated email confirmation. Carefully review this email to ensure the added guest's name is clearly listed. You can also call the hotel a day or two before check-in to reconfirm verbally.
How to handle a situation where a Marriott hotel refuses to add a guest?
If a Marriott hotel refuses to add a guest after you've tried the recommended methods (especially calling Marriott Reservations), ask for the reason. It could be due to room capacity, hotel policy, or a fully booked status. If you believe there's an error, politely ask to speak with a manager or contact Marriott Bonvoy customer service for further assistance.
 |
