Are you hoping to drop your bags and dive into your destination before the official check-in time? Perhaps you have an early flight, a busy day of meetings, or simply want to maximize your vacation hours. Requesting an early check-in at Marriott can be a game-changer, and while it's never a guarantee (unless you book the night before!), there are several effective strategies to increase your chances.
Let's walk through exactly how you can put yourself in the best position to get into your Marriott room ahead of schedule!
Step 1: Confirm Your Need and Understand the Reality
Before you even think about contacting the hotel, ask yourself: "How early do I truly need to check in, and am I prepared for it to potentially not happen?"
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Be realistic. Standard Marriott check-in times are typically in the afternoon (e.g., 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM). An early check-in usually means a few hours before that, not necessarily dawn. While some hotels might accommodate much earlier, especially for elite members, it's always based on availability.
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Understand it's a request, not a guarantee. Unless you pay for the night before your arrival, early check-in is never guaranteed. This is crucial to manage your expectations and avoid disappointment.
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Have a backup plan. What will you do if early check-in isn't possible? Can the hotel store your luggage? Is there a lounge you can access? Knowing your alternatives will reduce stress.
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| How To Request Early Check In Marriott |
Step 2: Leverage Your Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status (If You Have It!)
If you're a Marriott Bonvoy member, especially with Elite status, this is your secret weapon! Marriott Bonvoy offers benefits that significantly increase your chances of an early check-in.
Sub-heading: Understanding Elite Benefits
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Silver Elite: While Silver doesn't explicitly guarantee early check-in, being a recognized member often gives you a slight edge over non-members when a request is made.
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Gold Elite: Gold members typically receive a 2 PM late checkout (subject to availability). While this isn't an early check-in, it shows a recognition of flexible timings for members.
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Platinum Elite: Platinum Elite members and above receive enhanced room upgrades (subject to availability), which sometimes can come with the added perk of earlier access if an upgraded room is ready. They also get 4 PM late checkout, which frees up rooms for arriving guests.
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Titanium Elite: Similar to Platinum, with a stronger emphasis on enhanced upgrades. Titanium also offers 4 PM late checkout.
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Ambassador Elite: This is where it gets really interesting! Ambassador Elite members can request Your24™, which allows you to choose your check-in time and keep the room until the same time on the day of departure. This is requested via your Ambassador Service 2 days prior to arrival and is still based on availability.
Sub-heading: How to Make Your Status Known
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Always include your Marriott Bonvoy number on your reservation.
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Mention your status politely when making your early check-in request, regardless of the method you choose.
Step 3: Choose Your Communication Method Wisely
QuickTip: Focus on what feels most relevant.
You have several avenues to request an early check-in. Timing and politeness are key!
Sub-heading: Method 1: Online During Booking (or After)
This is often the easiest and first step to take.
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During Initial Booking:
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When completing your reservation on the Marriott website, look for a section like "Room Requests and Accessibility" or "Special Requests."
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Expand this section and you might find a checkbox for "Early check-in" or a field to input your "Anticipated arrival time."
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Select your estimated arrival time from the dropdown and click "Apply." This flags your reservation for the hotel.
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For an Existing Reservation (Online):
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Go to "My Trips" on the Marriott Bonvoy website.
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Find your reservation and click "View/Modify Room."
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Again, look for the "Room Requests and Accessibility" section.
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Activate the "Early check-in" checkbox and select your anticipated arrival time.
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Save your changes. A confirmation message should appear.
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Sub-heading: Method 2: The Marriott Bonvoy Mobile App
While the app is great for many things, requesting early check-in directly through a specific "early check-in" button isn't always available in the main functionality. However, you can use the chat feature.
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Utilize the Chat Feature:
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Approximately 2 days prior to your arrival, the chat feature with your specific hotel usually becomes active within the Marriott Bonvoy app.
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Tap on your upcoming stay and look for the "Chat with your Hotel" or "Request Services" icon.
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Politely compose a message stating your reservation name, confirmation number, and your requested early check-in time. For example: "Hi, my name is [Your Name] and my confirmation number is [XXXXXX]. I'm scheduled to arrive on [Date]. Due to an early flight, I was hoping to inquire about the possibility of checking in around [Desired Time] today. I understand it's based on availability, and if not possible, I'd be happy to store my luggage."
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Be prepared for a delay in response as hotel staff manage multiple inquiries.
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Sub-heading: Method 3: Call the Hotel Directly
This is often the most effective method, especially if you need to explain your situation or if your arrival is very soon.
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When to call:
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A day or two before your arrival. Calling too far in advance might not be helpful, as room availability changes daily. Calling on the morning of arrival can also work, but rooms might not be cleaned yet.
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If your travel plans change unexpectedly and you need to check in much earlier.
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What to say:
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Start by politely introducing yourself and stating your reservation name and confirmation number.
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Explain your reason for needing an early check-in (e.g., "Our flight arrives early," "We have an important meeting," etc.). While not strictly necessary, it can help the front desk agent understand your urgency.
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Be flexible with your desired time. Instead of demanding 8 AM, ask "Is it possible to check in a bit earlier, perhaps around 11 AM or 12 PM, if a room is available?"
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Ask about luggage storage. If they can't accommodate early check-in, inquire about leaving your bags. This shows you've thought ahead and are understanding.
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Finding the Hotel's Direct Number:
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The Marriott website usually lists the direct phone number for each property on its specific hotel page under "Hotel Information" or "Contact Us."
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Avoid calling the general Marriott reservations line, as they will likely just redirect you to the hotel anyway.
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Sub-heading: Method 4: Email the Hotel
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This method is suitable if you prefer written communication and your arrival isn't immediate.
Tip: Revisit this page tomorrow to reinforce memory.
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How to find the email: Marriott generally does not publicly list direct hotel email addresses for general inquiries on their main website. You might find it on the specific hotel's individual website, or you can try using the general Marriott "Contact Us" form and selecting "Hotel Information (Service, Amenities)" as your topic, then specifying your hotel.
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What to include:
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Clear subject line: "Early Check-in Request - [Your Name] - Confirmation #[XXXXXX]"
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Your full name, reservation confirmation number, and exact arrival date.
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Your desired early check-in time.
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A brief, polite explanation for your request.
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Reiterate your understanding that it's based on availability.
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Step 4: Follow Up and Be Prepared Upon Arrival
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If you called or chatted: Make a note of who you spoke with (if applicable) and what they said.
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On the day of arrival:
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Even if you received a positive indication, your early check-in is still ultimately subject to actual room availability at that moment.
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Proceed to the front desk as soon as you arrive.
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Politely remind them of your request. "Hi, I have a reservation under [Your Name], and I spoke with someone earlier about an early check-in. Is there any availability yet?"
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Be gracious if it's not possible. A smile and understanding go a long way. The front desk staff are doing their best. If your room isn't ready, they will almost always offer to store your luggage for you while you explore or wait in the lobby.
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Step 5: Consider Paying for a Guaranteed Early Check-in (The Surefire Way)
If early access to your room is absolutely critical and you cannot risk it being unavailable, the only way to guarantee it is to book the room for the night before your actual arrival.
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How it works: You pay for an extra night, allowing you to check in at any time on your arrival day, as your room has been reserved and is available from the previous night.
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When this is necessary: For very early morning arrivals (e.g., a red-eye flight landing at 6 AM) where you need immediate access to a bed, this is the most reliable option.
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Important Note: Even if you book the night before, it's still a good idea to inform the hotel of your anticipated late arrival (meaning, you'll be arriving on the morning of what would be your "first full day," not the evening of the booked night) so they don't mark you as a no-show.
Final Tips for Success
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Be Polite and Patient: Front desk staff deal with many requests. A polite and understanding attitude increases your chances.
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Avoid Peak Times: If you're arriving during a busy convention or a fully booked period, early check-in will be much harder to secure.
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Travel Light (initially): If you anticipate waiting, having a smaller carry-on with essentials can be helpful while your main luggage is stored.
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Loyalty Matters: As highlighted, your Marriott Bonvoy status plays a significant role. The higher your tier, the better your chances.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to Check My Marriott Check-in Time?
You can usually find the standard check-in time for your specific Marriott hotel on its official website, typically on the "Overview" or "Hotel Information" page, or within your reservation details on the Marriott Bonvoy app or website.
Tip: Every word counts — don’t skip too much.
How to Request Early Check-in During Online Booking for Marriott?
When making your reservation on the Marriott website, look for a "Room Requests and Accessibility" section on the "Complete Your Booking" screen. Expand it, check the "Early check-in" box, and select your anticipated arrival time.
How to Request Early Check-in for an Existing Marriott Reservation Online?
Go to "My Trips" on the Marriott website, select your reservation, click "View/Modify Room," and then locate the "Room Requests and Accessibility" section to update your anticipated arrival time.
How to Request Early Check-in via the Marriott Bonvoy Mobile App?
While there isn't a direct "early check-in" button, you can use the "Chat with your Hotel" feature within the app (usually available 2 days prior to arrival) to politely message the front desk with your request.
How to Call the Hotel Directly for Early Check-in?
Find the specific hotel's direct phone number on its Marriott.com page (under "Hotel Information" or "Contact Us"). Call them a day or two before your arrival, state your reservation details, and politely inquire about early check-in availability.
How to Guarantee Early Check-in at Marriott?
QuickTip: Focus on one paragraph at a time.
The only way to guarantee an early check-in is to book your room for the night before your actual arrival date. This ensures the room is already assigned and available to you when you arrive.
How to Know if My Marriott Early Check-in Request is Confirmed?
Often, it's not a "confirmation" but rather a "possibility." If you speak to someone, they might say "we've noted your request" or "we'll do our best." True confirmation usually happens at the front desk upon your arrival, or via a specific message if the hotel is able to pre-assign you.
How to Handle a Denied Early Check-in at Marriott?
Be polite and understanding. Ask if the hotel can store your luggage while you wait or explore the area. Many Marriott properties have lounges or common areas where you can relax.
How to Leverage Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status for Early Check-in?
Marriott Bonvoy Elite members (especially Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador) have a higher chance of receiving early check-in due to their benefits. Ambassador Elite members can even request "Your24™" for flexible check-in/out. Always ensure your membership number is on your reservation.
How to Inquire About Early Check-in Fees at Marriott?
While early check-in is generally based on availability and not typically charged for (unless you explicitly book the night before), some individual properties may have policies or fees, especially for very early arrivals. It's always best to ask when you make your request if there are any associated charges.
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