Traveling with friends or family and need to ensure everyone can check in smoothly? Adding someone to your Marriott reservation is a common and important step to ensure a hassle-free arrival, especially if you're not planning to be the first one at the hotel. While it might seem straightforward, there are a few nuances to Marriott's policies, particularly if you're a Marriott Bonvoy member or using points. Let's break down the process step-by-step!
How Do I Add Someone to My Marriott Reservation? Your Comprehensive Guide
Have you ever arrived at a hotel only to find your travel companion struggling to check-in because their name wasn't on the reservation? It can be a real headache! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about adding guests to your Marriott reservation, making your next trip as smooth as possible.
Step 1: Understand Marriott's General Policy on Additional Guests
First things first, it's crucial to understand Marriott's approach to additional guests. Generally, you can designate up to two guests when making a reservation online. However, adding or editing an additional name after the initial booking, especially for a non-primary guest, often requires direct contact with Marriott.
Important Note: If the additional guest will be arriving before you, or if they need their own room key, it's absolutely essential to add their name to the reservation beforehand. This allows them to check in without issues and ensures they can obtain a key.
Marriott Bonvoy Members: If you're a Marriott Bonvoy member and your guest checks in before you, you'll need to visit the Front Desk upon your arrival to ensure your membership benefits are properly applied to the stay. Marriott's loyalty program is primarily designed as an individual account system. While many members have traditionally treated their accounts as "family" or "shared," Marriott has been increasing enforcement of their terms and conditions. This means if you're not present for the stay and someone else checks in under your name, you risk losing points, elite night credits, and potentially facing an account audit. The safest way to ensure your benefits are applied and to avoid any issues is to be the primary guest checking in or to properly add the other guest as outlined below.
Step 2: The Easiest Method: Add Guests During Initial Booking
The most straightforward way to add someone to your Marriott reservation is to do it when you're first making the booking.
Sub-heading: Online Booking via Marriott.com
Navigate to Marriott.com: Open your web browser and go to the official Marriott website.
Start Your Search: Enter your desired destination, check-in and check-out dates.
Specify Number of Guests: This is the crucial step. Before searching for rooms, you'll typically see a "Rooms & Guests" or similar field. Click on it.
Adjust Guest Count: Use the dropdown menu or arrows to select the total number of guests staying in the room. This will ensure that the displayed room options are suitable for the number of people you've indicated.
Select Your Room and Rate: Proceed to choose your preferred room type and rate.
Enter Guest Details (If Prompted): During the booking process, particularly on the guest information page, you may have the option to add additional guest names. If so, fill in the name(s) of the person(s) joining you.
Complete Reservation: Finalize your booking. The additional guest's name should now be linked to the reservation.
Sub-heading: Mobile App Booking (Marriott Bonvoy App)
Open the Marriott Bonvoy App: Launch the app on your smartphone or tablet.
Initiate a New Search: Tap on "Find & Reserve" or the search icon.
Enter Dates and Destination: Input your travel dates and location.
Adjust Number of Guests: On the search criteria screen, before viewing results, look for and tap on the "Room / Guests" field.
Select Total Guests: Adjust the number of guests to include everyone who will be staying.
Choose Room: Select the room and rate that accommodates your party.
Add Guest Names (If Available): Similar to the website, the app may offer a field to add additional guest names during the final steps of the booking. Be sure to complete this.
Step 3: Adding a Guest to an Existing Reservation (Post-Booking)
This is where it gets a little trickier, as Marriott's online system has limitations for adding additional guest names after the initial booking, especially for non-primary guests.
Sub-heading: Online Modification (Limited Functionality for Adding Names)
While you can modify other aspects of your reservation online (like dates or room type, which might affect the number of guests if the room capacity changes), you generally cannot directly add a non-primary guest's name to an existing reservation online or through the mobile app. Marriott's support articles explicitly state this.
Access Your Reservation:
Marriott Bonvoy Members: Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account on marriott.com, then click on "My Trips" or "Upcoming Reservations." Select the reservation you wish to modify.
Non-Members: Go to the "Look Up a Reservation" section on marriott.com and enter your confirmation number, check-in date, and the first/last name on the reservation.
Look for "Modify Room" or "Edit Stay Details": You might see options to "Modify Room" or "Edit Stay Details." While these allow you to change the number of guests (which could alter the room rate or type if capacity is exceeded), they typically do not provide a field to add a specific additional guest's name for check-in purposes. If you only see options to change the number of guests, but not to add their specific name, proceed to the next method.
Sub-heading: Calling Marriott Customer Service (The Most Reliable Method)
For adding a specific, non-primary guest name to an existing reservation, contacting Marriott's customer service or the hotel directly is often the most reliable way.
Gather Your Information: Have your Marriott Bonvoy account number (if applicable), reservation confirmation number, and the full name of the guest you wish to add readily available.
Call Marriott Reservations:
You can find the worldwide reservation numbers on the Marriott website under "Contact Us" or "Worldwide Hotel Telephone Reservations."
For India, the toll-free number is 1800 258 2555.
Explain clearly that you need to add an additional guest's name to your existing reservation, particularly if they will be checking in before you.
Verify the Addition: After the agent confirms they have added the name, ask them to confirm it back to you. It's also a good idea to request an updated confirmation email, if possible, although this isn't always standard for simply adding a name.
Sub-heading: Contacting the Hotel Directly
Another effective method, especially if your arrival is imminent, is to call the specific hotel directly.
Find Hotel Contact Information: You can usually find the hotel's direct phone number on your reservation confirmation email or on the hotel's dedicated page on marriott.com.
Explain Your Request: Clearly state your reservation details (name, confirmation number, dates) and explain that you'd like to add another guest's name for check-in purposes.
Confirm Details: Double-check with the front desk agent that the name has been successfully added to your reservation.
Step 4: Special Circumstances and Considerations
Sub-heading: Award Redemption Stays (Points or Free Night Awards)
If you booked your reservation using Marriott Bonvoy points or a Free Night Award, the process for adding a second name is similar to paid reservations: you cannot do it online.
You can select two guests when initially making an award reservation.
To add or edit an additional name after booking, you must contact Marriott customer support by phone.
Gifting an Award Redemption Stay: If you are booking a room for someone else entirely using your points and you will not be present, this is considered a "gifted" stay. This has a very specific process and cannot be completed online or through the mobile app. You must contact Marriott Member Support to arrange this. The recipient will need to show valid identification and provide a credit card for incidental charges at check-in. You will not earn Marriott Bonvoy points or Elite Night Credit for a gifted stay if you are not personally staying in the room.
Sub-heading: Benefits for Additional Guests
Generally, Marriott Bonvoy elite benefits (like complimentary breakfast, lounge access, or late checkout) are tied to the primary Marriott Bonvoy member whose name is on the reservation and who is physically staying in the room.
While adding an additional guest allows them to check in and receive a room key, it does not automatically extend your elite benefits to them if you are not present.
If you are both staying, and you are the elite member, your benefits will typically apply to the room.
Sub-heading: Spouses and Family Members
Many members wonder if they need to add their spouse or family member. While Marriott's official policy emphasizes individual accounts and benefits, in practice, many hotels are accommodating, especially if you call ahead and add your spouse's name to the reservation. This is particularly important if your spouse might arrive before you. However, understand that if you are not present, and your spouse checks in using your account, technically this could be a violation of terms, though many hotels might still allow it if their name is on the reservation. The safest approach for elite benefits is for the elite member to be present.
Step 5: Verify Before Arrival
To avoid any last-minute stress, it's always a good idea to verify the reservation details, including all guest names, a day or two before your arrival.
Check Your Confirmation Email: Review the most recent confirmation email for updated guest information.
Call the Hotel: A quick call to the hotel's front desk can confirm that the additional guest's name is on file.
By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth check-in process for everyone on your Marriott reservation, making your travel experience more enjoyable and stress-free!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to Add a Guest to My Marriott Reservation Online After Booking?
Quick Answer: Generally, you cannot add a specific, non-primary guest name to an existing Marriott reservation online or via the mobile app. You typically need to contact Marriott customer service or the hotel directly.
How to Add a Second Guest to a Marriott Reservation if I Booked with Points?
Quick Answer: For reservations booked with Marriott Bonvoy points or Free Night Awards, you must call Marriott Member Support to add a second guest's name after the initial booking. Online modification for this specific purpose is not available.
How to Confirm an Additional Guest Was Added to My Marriott Reservation?
Quick Answer: The best way to confirm is to call Marriott customer service or the hotel directly and ask them to verify that the additional guest's name has been successfully added to your reservation.
How to Add My Spouse to My Marriott Reservation if They Arrive First?
Quick Answer: You should call Marriott customer service or the hotel directly to add your spouse's name to the reservation. This ensures they can check in without issues, especially if they arrive before you.
How to Modify the Number of Guests on My Marriott Reservation?
Quick Answer: You can often modify the number of guests online via "My Trips" on marriott.com or through the Marriott Bonvoy app. However, this may not allow you to add a specific name for a non-primary guest and could potentially change your rate or room type.
How to Ensure an Additional Guest Gets a Room Key at Marriott?
Quick Answer: By adding their name to the reservation (either during booking or by calling Marriott/the hotel afterward), the additional guest will be able to show their ID at the front desk and receive a room key.
How to Book a Marriott Room for Someone Else (Gifted Stay)?
Quick Answer: To book a room for someone else using your Marriott Bonvoy points where you will not be present, you must contact Marriott Member Support directly. This cannot be done online.
How to Earn Marriott Bonvoy Points When Another Guest Stays on My Reservation?
Quick Answer: Generally, you must personally stay in the room and pay for it to earn Marriott Bonvoy points and Elite Night Credit. If another guest stays and you are not present, you typically will not earn points or credit, even if you paid for the room.
How to Contact Marriott Customer Service to Add a Guest?
Quick Answer: You can find worldwide reservation and customer service numbers on the Marriott website under "Contact Us." For India, the toll-free number is 1800 258 2555.
How to Avoid Issues When an Additional Guest Checks In Before Me?
Quick Answer: The most effective way is to call the hotel directly or Marriott customer service well in advance of arrival and explicitly add the other guest's full name to the reservation as an authorized guest to check-in.
