You've just checked out of a fantastic Marriott property, relaxed, refreshed, and already dreaming of your next Bonvoy redemption. But then a thought crosses your mind: when will those hard-earned points and elite night credits actually show up in your account? It's a common question, and one that can sometimes lead to a bit of anxiety. Don't worry, you're in the right place! We're here to demystify the process and give you a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how long it takes for Marriott stays to show up, what to do if they don't, and everything in between.
Step 1: Get Ready to Check Your Account (The Excitement Begins!)
So, you've just waved goodbye to that plush Marriott bed and the amazing hotel amenities. Isn't it exciting to think about those points hitting your account, bringing you closer to your next free night or elite status upgrade? The first thing you'll want to do is know where to look.
Your Marriott Bonvoy Account Online: This is your primary hub for all things Bonvoy. You'll log in to marriott.com and navigate to your "Account Activity" or "My Account" section.
The Marriott Bonvoy Mobile App: For on-the-go checking, the mobile app is incredibly convenient. Simply open the app, sign in, and look for your account summary or activity.
Sub-heading: Understanding What You're Looking For
When you check your account, you're specifically looking for:
Points Earned: These are the Marriott Bonvoy points you accrued from your stay, based on the room rate, eligible incidental charges, and any elite status bonuses.
Elite Night Credits (ENCs): These are crucial for progressing through the Marriott Bonvoy elite status tiers (Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium, Ambassador). Each eligible night you stay counts towards these credits.
Step 2: The Standard Timeline – Patience is a Virtue
Now for the main event: how long does it typically take? Marriott is pretty clear about this, but it's important to understand the nuances.
Up to 10 Business Days: Marriott states that it can take up to 10 business days after your check-out date for a stay to post to your Marriott Bonvoy account. Yes, that's business days, so weekends and public holidays don't count towards this timeframe.
Sub-heading: Why the Wait? The Behind-the-Scenes Process
You might wonder why it takes a bit of time. Here's a quick look at what's happening:
Hotel System Processing: After you check out, the hotel's internal systems need to finalize your bill and send the data to Marriott's central Bonvoy system.
Data Reconciliation: Marriott's system then reconciles your stay details with your Bonvoy account information to ensure everything matches up.
Batch Processing: Stays are often processed in batches, which can contribute to the slight delay.
Sub-heading: Exceptions to the Rule (When it Might Be Faster or Slower)
While 10 business days is the general guideline, there can be slight variations:
Faster Posting: Sometimes, especially with domestic stays or during periods of lower system load, your points and nights might appear much faster – sometimes within 2-3 business days.
Vacations by Marriott Bonvoy Stays: If you booked a package through Vacations by Marriott Bonvoy, it might take a bit longer, often 7 to 14 days after your checkout date for the stay to be credited.
Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy: For Homes & Villas bookings, points typically appear within 72 hours after the completion of your stay, provided your Marriott Bonvoy member number was correctly added to the booking.
Step 3: What if Your Stay is Missing? Don't Panic!
It happens. You've waited the standard 10 business days (or more), and your stay is still nowhere to be found. Frustrating, right? But before you hit the panic button, remember there's a clear process to follow.
Gather Your Information: This is crucial. You'll need:
Your Marriott Bonvoy Member Number
The Hotel Name
City and Country of the Hotel
Check-in Date
Check-out Date
Confirmation Number of your reservation
A Copy of Your Paid Hotel Bill (Folio): This is essential. Without it, Marriott cannot process your missing stay request. If you don't have it, contact the hotel directly to request a copy.
Sub-heading: The Missing Stay Request Process (Online is Easiest!)
Marriott has an online form that makes submitting a missing stay request straightforward.
Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account.
Navigate to your "Account Activity" page.
Scroll down to the bottom and look for a link that says "Missing Stay Request" or "Report a Missing Stay."
You'll be redirected to a form where you'll fill in all the required fields with the information you gathered.
Attach a copy of your hotel bill/folio. Most online forms will allow you to upload a digital copy.
Submit the request. You'll usually receive a confirmation that your request has been submitted.
Sub-heading: Important Considerations for Missing Stays
Time Limit for Requesting: You must submit a missing stay request within one (1) year of the applicable Qualifying Stay. Don't wait too long!
Direct Bookings Only: Marriott Bonvoy points and elite night credits are generally only awarded for stays booked directly through Marriott channels (marriott.com, Marriott Bonvoy app, Marriott reservation lines, or directly with the hotel). Stays booked through Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) like Expedia, Booking.com, or third-party wholesalers are typically not eligible for points or elite night credits.
New Members and Retroactive Credit: If you've just joined Marriott Bonvoy, you can request points for qualifying stays that occurred up to 30 days prior to your enrollment date. This is a great perk for recent joiners!
Processing Time for Missing Stay Requests: Once you submit a missing stay request, allow up to 10 business days for it to be processed and for the credits to appear in your account. Sometimes it's much faster, but this is the official timeframe.
Step 4: Monitoring Your Account After a Missing Stay Request
After you've submitted your missing stay request, it's a good idea to keep an eye on your account activity.
Check Regularly: Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account online or via the app every few days to see if the stay has posted.
Look for Updates: While Marriott may not always send an email notification once the stay is processed, some members report receiving updates.
Step 5: What if the Missing Stay Request Doesn't Work?
In rare instances, your missing stay request might not be resolved within the 10 business days. If this happens:
Contact Marriott Bonvoy Customer Service: This is the time to reach out directly. Have your missing stay request confirmation number (if you received one) and all your stay details handy. You can usually find contact information on the Marriott Bonvoy website under "Help" or "Contact Us."
Be Persistent but Polite: Customer service representatives are there to help, but having all your information organized will make the process smoother.
10 Related FAQ Questions: How To Get Your Marriott Stays to Show Up Smoothly
Here are some frequently asked questions related to Marriott stay posting and how to handle common scenarios:
How to Check Your Marriott Bonvoy Account Activity?
Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account on marriott.com or through the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app. Navigate to "Account Activity" or "My Account" to view your recent stays and points earned.
How to Ensure Your Marriott Stay Counts for Points and Elite Nights?
Always book directly through Marriott's official channels (marriott.com, Marriott Bonvoy app, Marriott reservation line, or directly with the hotel). Ensure your Marriott Bonvoy member number is added to the reservation at the time of booking or check-in.
How to Find Your Marriott Hotel Bill (Folio) After Check-Out?
Most hotels email you a copy of your folio upon checkout. If not, you can often request it from the front desk or by contacting the hotel directly. Marriott's website also sometimes allows you to retrieve past folios through your account.
How to Request Credit for a Marriott Stay Completed Before Joining Bonvoy?
If you joined Marriott Bonvoy recently, you can request credit for eligible stays completed up to 30 days prior to your enrollment date. Use the "Missing Stay Request" form online and provide a copy of your paid hotel bill.
How to Handle a Missing Stay if You Have Multiple Hotel Bills for One Stay?
If your missing stay involves multiple hotel bills (e.g., separate folios for different parts of a long stay), it's often best to contact Marriott Bonvoy Guest Services directly rather than using the online form, as the form may only accommodate one attachment.
How to Avoid Missing Marriott Stay Credits in the Future?
Double-check that your Marriott Bonvoy member number is on your reservation before you check in. Confirm it again at check-in. Keep your paid hotel bill (folio) until the stay posts to your account.
How to Determine if Your Marriott Stay Was an "Eligible" Stay for Points?
Generally, paid stays booked directly with Marriott are eligible. Stays booked through third-party sites (OTAs), wholesale packages, or certain discounted rates (e.g., airline crew rates, deeply discounted group rates) may not be eligible for points or elite night credits. Refer to the Marriott Bonvoy Terms & Conditions for full details.
How to Get Credit for Marriott Stays at Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy?
For Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy bookings, ensure your Bonvoy member number is linked to the reservation. Points and elite night credits should typically post within 72 hours of checkout. If not, contact Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy directly.
How to Expedite a Missing Stay Request?
While there's no way to truly "expedite" the official processing time, providing all necessary and accurate information (especially a clear copy of your hotel bill) when you first submit the missing stay request will give it the best chance of being processed efficiently.
How to Contact Marriott Bonvoy Customer Service for Missing Stays?
You can find the relevant phone numbers for Marriott Bonvoy Customer Service on the "Contact Us" section of the Marriott.com website. Have your account details and stay information ready when you call.
