Getting access to the Marriott Explore Rate, often referred to as the Marriott "Friends and Family" rate, is a fantastic perk for eligible individuals, primarily Marriott associates and their immediate family. This program allows you to experience Marriott's diverse portfolio of hotels at significantly discounted rates. It's not just about a form; it's about understanding the entire process, from eligibility to booking.
Ready to Unlock Incredible Travel Savings? Let's Dive In!
Have you ever dreamt of staying at a luxurious Marriott resort or a trendy Moxy hotel without breaking the bank? The Marriott Explore Program can make that dream a reality! But how exactly do you tap into these amazing discounts? It all starts with understanding the "Explore Form" – not just a piece of paper, but your gateway to incredible travel experiences. Let's embark on this journey together, step-by-step, to unravel the mysteries of the Marriott Explore Form!
The Marriott Explore Program: Your Gateway to Discounted Stays
The Marriott Explore Program is a special benefit offered to Marriott associates, providing them and their eligible family members with discounted rates on hotel stays worldwide. There are typically two main tiers:
Marriott Explore Rate (MMP): This is for Marriott associates and their immediate family members. It offers the deepest discounts, often up to 80% off the standard rate.
Marriott Explore Friends Rate (MMF): This rate is for extended family and friends nominated by a Marriott associate, offering discounts typically up to 50%.
The "Explore Form" (or Authorization Form) is a crucial document that validates your eligibility for these rates at check-in. Without it, even with a booking, you might not be able to avail the discount.
Step 1: Confirming Your Eligibility – Are You In?
Before you even think about forms, the most important first step is to confirm if you or the person providing the benefit is actually eligible for the Marriott Explore Program. This program is exclusively for Marriott employees and their designated beneficiaries.
Who is Eligible for the Explore Rate (MMP)?
Marriott Associates: This includes full-time, part-time, seasonal, temporary, and furloughed/temporary layoff associates.
Immediate Family Members of Associates: This typically covers:
Spouse or Domestic Partner
Children
Parents or Parents-in-law
Siblings
Note: Brothers- and Sisters-in-law are typically not eligible for the MMP rate.
Who is Eligible for the Explore Friends Rate (MMF)?
Anyone nominated by a Marriott associate. This is a broader category allowing associates to extend benefits to their wider circle of friends and family.
Important Consideration: Associates of Design Hotels may not be eligible for the program. Always check with the associate's HR department for specific eligibility details.
Step 2: Accessing the Marriott Global Source (MGS) – Your Digital Hub
If you are a Marriott associate, or if an associate is generating the form for you, the primary way to get the Marriott Explore Form is through the Marriott Global Source (MGS). This is Marriott's internal employee intranet.
Sub-heading 2.1: Logging into MGS
Open your web browser and navigate to mHUB.marriott.com (which is the portal for MGS).
You will need your Enterprise ID (EID) and your corresponding EID password to log in. These are your unique Marriott employee credentials.
If you're having trouble logging in, there's usually a "Forgot Password" or "EID Registration & Help" link on the login page. Your HR department can also assist with EID issues.
Sub-heading 2.2: Navigating to the Explore Tab
Once successfully logged into MGS, look for the "Explore" tab or a similar section dedicated to employee benefits and travel. The layout might vary slightly based on updates to the MGS platform, but it's usually clearly labeled.
Click on this tab to access the Explore Program resources.
Step 3: Generating the Authorization Form – Your Golden Ticket
Within the "Explore" section of MGS, you will find options related to generating your Explore Rate Authorization Form.
Sub-heading 3.1: Finding the Form Generation Option
Look for links such as "Room Rate Discount Authorization Form," "Manage Friends and Family," or similar wording.
If you're generating a form for yourself (MMP), select the appropriate option.
If you're generating a form for a friend or family member (MMF), you'll typically click on "Manage Friends and Family" first.
Sub-heading 3.2: Adding Guest Details (for MMF)
If generating an MMF form, you will likely need to:
Click the "Add Friend or Family" link.
Enter the full name of the guest.
Specify their relationship to you (e.g., friend, cousin, aunt, etc.).
Click "Save".
You can then select the guest's name from a dropdown list to generate their specific form.
Pro Tip: It's recommended to add names of friends and family members only when you have a reservation planned and need to issue a form, to avoid reaching system limits or generating unnecessary forms.
Sub-heading 3.3: Printing or Saving Your Form
Once you've selected the correct individual (yourself or a nominated guest) and the system generates the form, it will typically open as a PDF document.
Important: Ensure you have Adobe Reader or a later version installed on your computer to open and print the PDF. If the form doesn't open, check your browser's pop-up blockers and disable them for MGS.
Print a physical copy of the Authorization Form. This is crucial as it needs to be presented at check-in.
You can also save a digital copy for your records, but a physical printout is generally required by hotels.
Remember: The Authorization Form usually has an expiration date, often 60 days from the date of issue. Ensure your travel dates fall within this validity period.
Step 4: Making Your Reservation – Booking with Your Discount
Having the form is only half the battle! Now you need to make your reservation using the correct discount code.
Sub-heading 4.1: Booking on Marriott.com
Go to the official Marriott website:
www.marriott.com Enter your desired destination, dates, and number of guests.
Look for the "Special Rates" dropdown or section (usually below the destination and dates).
Select "Corporate/Promotional Code."
Enter the appropriate code:
For the Explore Rate (Associate/Immediate Family), use code: MMP
For the Explore Friends Rate (Friends & Extended Family), use code: MMF
Click "Find Hotels" to search for properties and rates available under your discount.
Sub-heading 4.2: Important Booking Considerations
Availability: The Explore and Explore Friends rates are subject to space availability. This means they might not be available during peak seasons, at highly sought-after properties, or when hotel occupancy is very high. If occupancy is 85% or more, MMP rates might default to MMF.
Room Limits:
MMP: An associate can typically book up to two rooms per night at the Explore Rate. If booking two rooms, the associate must stay in one of them.
MMF: There is generally no limit on the number of rooms per night (other than availability) for the Explore Friends Rate, but the booking must be for personal travel.
Personal Travel Only: Both rates are strictly for personal travel, not business. Misuse can lead to loss of the program benefits for the associate and potentially their entire department/franchise.
Non-Transferable: The Authorization Form is for the named individual(s) and cannot be used by anyone else.
Step 5: Check-in Process – Presenting Your Documents
This is the final and crucial step where your preparation pays off!
Sub-heading 5.1: Documents to Present at Check-in
When you arrive at the Marriott property, be prepared to present the following:
Valid Photo Identification: This can be your driver's license, passport, or any other government-issued ID. The name on the ID must match the name on the Authorization Form.
The Original Authorization Form: This is the printed PDF you obtained from MGS. The front desk may make a photocopy for their records, but they should not collect the original form from you.
Confirmation of Employment (for associates): While the form is key, some properties might ask for additional proof of employment, especially if you're the associate. Your Marriott ID card can serve this purpose.
Sub-heading 5.2: Establishing Credit
As with any hotel stay, you will need to establish credit at check-in for incidentals, typically by providing a credit card.
Crucial Reminder: If you do not have the valid Authorization Form at check-in, the hotel has the right to deny the discounted rate, and you may be charged the standard rack rate.
Congratulations! You're Ready to Explore!
By following these steps carefully, you'll be well on your way to enjoying the fantastic benefits of the Marriott Explore Program. It's a privilege that allows you to experience Marriott's renowned hospitality around the globe at a fraction of the cost. Enjoy your travels!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about the Marriott Explore Program and their quick answers:
How to obtain the Marriott Explore Form if I'm not a Marriott employee?
You cannot directly obtain the Marriott Explore Form if you are not a Marriott employee. An eligible Marriott associate must generate the form for you through their internal MGS portal.
How to confirm my eligibility for the Marriott Explore Rate?
If you are a Marriott associate, check the "Explore" section on Marriott Global Source (MGS) or consult your HR department. If you are a family member or friend, the Marriott associate sponsoring your stay will confirm your eligibility.
How to know if a specific Marriott hotel offers the Explore Rate?
When you search on Marriott.com using the MMP or MMF code, only hotels that offer these rates for your selected dates will appear in the search results. Not all hotels participate, and availability varies.
How to book more than two rooms under the Marriott Explore Program?
The MMP rate is generally limited to two rooms per associate. For additional rooms, you would typically need to book them under the MMF (Explore Friends Rate) if available, or at standard public rates.
How to ensure my Authorization Form is valid at check-in?
Make sure the form is printed, legible, and that the travel dates fall within its stated expiration period (usually 60 days from issue). Your photo ID must match the name on the form.
How to handle issues with the Explore Form at check-in?
If there's an issue, politely explain the situation and have the sponsoring Marriott associate's contact information readily available. The hotel front desk can verify the form's authenticity if needed.
How to differentiate between the MMP and MMF codes?
MMP is for Marriott associates and Marriott Personal (immediate family), offering higher discounts. MMF is for Marriott Friends and broader family, offering a slightly lesser discount.
How to access MGS if I'm a new Marriott employee?
Your HR department will provide you with your Enterprise ID (EID) and initial password. If you have trouble, use the "EID Registration & Help" link on the mHUB.marriott.com login page.
How to get a physical copy of the Explore Form if my printer is not working?
You can save the PDF to a USB drive or email it to yourself and print it at a local print shop or an office supply store.
How to ensure the best availability for the Explore Rate?
Book your reservations as far in advance as possible, especially for popular destinations or peak travel times, as these rates are subject to space availability and can sell out quickly.
