Do you find yourself wishing for just a little more time in your plush Marriott bed, or perhaps an extra hour to squeeze in one last dip in the pool before heading to the airport? You're not alone! Requesting a late checkout at Marriott can make a huge difference to your travel experience, transforming a rushed departure into a leisurely farewell. Let's dive into exactly how you can maximize your chances of securing that coveted extra time.
How to Request Late Checkout at Marriott: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Getting a late checkout at a Marriott property isn't always guaranteed, especially if you don't have elite status. However, knowing the right approach and understanding Marriott's policies can significantly increase your success rate. Follow these steps to make your request effectively.
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| How To Request Late Check Out Marriott |
Step 1: Assess Your Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status (or lack thereof!)
Before you even think about asking, the very first thing you should do is understand your standing with Marriott Bonvoy. Why? Because your elite status (or lack of it) heavily influences your late checkout privileges.
Understanding Marriott Bonvoy Late Checkout Benefits by Tier:
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Marriott Bonvoy Member (No Status): If you're a standard member, late checkout is entirely subject to availability and at the discretion of the hotel. Don't expect it, but it's always worth asking politely!
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Silver Elite: As a Silver Elite member, you receive priority late checkout, which is still based on availability. This means you get a slight edge over non-elite members, but it's not a guarantee. You'll typically need to call the front desk the morning of your checkout to inquire.
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Gold Elite: Good news for Gold Elites! You're eligible for a 2 p.m. late checkout, though this is still subject to availability. While not guaranteed, the 2 p.m. time frame is a significant improvement, and hotels are generally more likely to grant it if they can. Request this the morning of your departure.
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Platinum Elite, Titanium Elite, and Ambassador Elite: This is where the magic happens! If you hold Platinum Elite status or higher, you are guaranteed a 4 p.m. late checkout at most participating Marriott properties. This is a fantastic perk that allows for a much more relaxed departure.
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Important Exceptions for Guaranteed Late Checkout: Note that this 4 p.m. guarantee is subject to availability at resort and convention hotels, as well as Design Hotels. Also, Marriott Vacation Club, Marriott Grand Residence Club, Sheraton Vacation Club, Westin Vacation Club, and The Phoenician Residences generally do not offer late checkout. At Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, Platinum Elites and above are guaranteed 2 p.m. late checkout and can request up to 4 p.m. based on availability.
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Ambassador Elite's "Your24": If you've reached the pinnacle of Marriott Bonvoy with Ambassador Elite status, you have the incredible "Your24" benefit. This allows you to choose a specific check-in time and then check out at the same time on your day of departure. This is the ultimate flexibility and must be requested via your Ambassador Service 2 days prior to arrival.
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Action Item for Step 1: Check your Marriott Bonvoy app or account online to confirm your current elite status. This will set your expectations and guide your approach.
Step 2: Timing is Key: When to Make Your Request
The timing of your late checkout request can significantly impact its success, especially if your late checkout isn't guaranteed by your elite status.
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Early Bird or Last Minute?
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For Elite Members (Platinum and above with guaranteed 4 p.m. checkout): You have the most flexibility! You can request late checkout when making your reservation through central reservations, at check-in, via the mobile app (where available), or at any point during your stay. Informing them at check-in is often the smoothest approach.
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For Non-Elite Members (Standard, Silver, Gold Elite, or at excluded properties): For these tiers and properties where late checkout is based on availability, it's generally best to make your request the morning of your departure.
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Why the morning of? Hotel staff often won't know their full occupancy or housekeeping schedule until the day of checkout. Asking too far in advance may lead to a non-committal answer, or they might ask you to reconfirm later.
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Consider asking the night before if you have an early flight or specific plans. If you absolutely need a slightly later checkout and are feeling proactive, a polite inquiry the evening before can sometimes be beneficial, allowing them to make a note, but be prepared to reconfirm in the morning.
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Action Item for Step 2: Determine the best time to make your request based on your elite status and the type of Marriott property you're staying at.
Step 3: Choose Your Method of Communication
Marriott offers several ways to request a late checkout. The best method can depend on your comfort level and your elite status.
Options for Requesting:
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In-Person at the Front Desk (Recommended for all, especially non-elites): This is often the most effective way, particularly if you don't have guaranteed late checkout. A face-to-face conversation allows for polite interaction, a brief explanation if necessary, and a more personal connection.
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Be prepared to be flexible. If they can't offer your desired time, they might offer a slightly earlier one, or suggest luggage storage.
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Via the Marriott Bonvoy Mobile App: For Platinum Elite members and above, the app often has an option to request late checkout during mobile check-in or within your reservation details. While convenient, some Reddit users have reported that front desk staff don't always see these requests on their systems, so it's a good idea to confirm in person when you pick up your keys.
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By Phone to the Front Desk: If you're a Silver or Gold Elite member, the Marriott Bonvoy terms specifically suggest calling the front desk the morning of your checkout. This is a perfectly acceptable method for a quick inquiry.
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During Online Reservation (for Platinum Elite+): If you know you'll need it and have Platinum Elite status or higher, you can often note your desired late checkout during the online booking process or by modifying your reservation online.
Action Item for Step 3: Decide which communication method you'll use. For the highest chance of success, especially if not guaranteed, plan to speak with the front desk in person.
Step 4: Craft Your Request: Be Polite and Realistic
The way you phrase your request can make a difference. Hotel staff are more likely to accommodate a polite, reasonable request.
How to Phrase Your Request:
Tip: Reading in chunks improves focus.
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Be Polite: Start with a friendly greeting and a "please."
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Example: "Good morning! We've really enjoyed our stay. Would it be possible to request a late checkout today, perhaps until [desired time, e.g., 1 PM or 2 PM]?"
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Be Realistic: If you're not guaranteed a 4 p.m. checkout, asking for an extra hour or two is far more likely to be granted than asking for a full evening stay.
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Normal checkout is typically 11 AM or 12 PM. Aim for 1 PM or 2 PM if you don't have guaranteed status.
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If you are Platinum Elite or above (and at a qualifying property), you can simply state: "As a Platinum Elite member, I'll be utilizing my 4 PM late checkout benefit today."
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Offer a Reason (Optional, but can help): Briefly explaining why you need a late checkout can sometimes sway the staff, especially if it's a valid reason like a late flight, a need for a shower after an event, or wanting to utilize a hotel amenity.
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Example: "We have a late flight this evening, and it would be a huge help if we could check out a bit later."
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Be Prepared for Alternatives: If a late checkout isn't possible for your room, inquire about other options.
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Luggage Storage: Most Marriott hotels offer complimentary luggage storage. This allows you to still enjoy the hotel facilities or explore the area without your bags.
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Day Use Room (Paid): In some cases, for a significant fee, a hotel might offer a "day use" room for a few hours. This is typically expensive but an option in desperate situations.
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Action Item for Step 4: Mentally (or even physically!) rehearse your polite and reasonable request.
Step 5: Follow Up (if necessary) and Be Gracious
After making your request, whether it's granted or not, a little follow-up and graciousness go a long way.
What to Do Next:
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If Granted: Confirm the new checkout time with the front desk. A quick "Thank you so much, that's a great help!" is always appreciated.
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If Denied (and not guaranteed): Accept the decision gracefully. Remember, it's often due to hotel occupancy or housekeeping schedules, not a personal slight. You can still ask about luggage storage.
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If Denied (and guaranteed by status at a qualifying property): This is where you can firmly, but politely, refer to your Marriott Bonvoy elite benefits.
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Example: "I understand, but as a Platinum Elite member, the 4 p.m. late checkout is a guaranteed benefit at this type of property according to the Marriott Bonvoy terms and conditions. Could you please double-check or perhaps speak with a supervisor?"
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If the issue persists, you might need to contact Marriott Bonvoy customer service while still at the property, as benefits guarantees often require issues to be addressed on-site.
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Action Item for Step 5: Be ready to confirm, thank, or politely advocate for your guaranteed benefit.
10 Related FAQ Questions about Marriott Late Checkout
How to check my Marriott Bonvoy elite status?
You can easily check your Marriott Bonvoy elite status by logging into your Marriott Bonvoy account on the Marriott website or via the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app. Your status level will be prominently displayed on your profile.
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How to request a late checkout through the Marriott Bonvoy app?
Open the Marriott Bonvoy app, go to your current reservation, and look for an option like "Mobile Check-in" or "Room Requests and Accessibility." Within this section, you might find a "Late Checkout" option where you can select a time. However, it's advisable to confirm in person at the front desk upon arrival or on the morning of checkout, as app requests aren't always seen or processed by the hotel directly.
How to get a late checkout if I'm not a Marriott Bonvoy elite member?
If you're not an elite member, you can still request late checkout by politely asking the front desk the morning of your departure. It's entirely at the hotel's discretion and based on availability, but a friendly request for an hour or two extension is often granted if occupancy allows.
How to know if a Marriott hotel is a "resort" or "convention" hotel?
Marriott's website for each specific hotel will typically categorize it. Look at the hotel's overview page or amenities section. Generally, properties with extensive recreational facilities (large pools, golf courses, spas, multiple restaurants, etc.) are often designated as resorts. Convention hotels will highlight their large meeting and event spaces.
How to handle a Marriott hotel denying a guaranteed late checkout?
If you are a Platinum Elite, Titanium Elite, or Ambassador Elite member at a non-resort/convention/Design hotel, and are denied your guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout, politely remind the front desk staff of your Bonvoy benefit. If they still refuse, ask to speak with a manager. If the issue remains unresolved, contact Marriott Bonvoy customer service while you are still at the property to file a complaint, as benefit guarantees often require on-site resolution.
How to request a late checkout for an extra fee?
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If a complimentary late checkout isn't possible, you can always ask the front desk if they offer late checkout for a fee. Some hotels might have a set hourly rate or a half-day rate, especially if you need to stay significantly longer than an hour or two.
How to store my luggage if late checkout isn't granted?
Most Marriott properties offer complimentary luggage storage at the front desk or concierge. If you're denied a late checkout, simply ask if you can store your bags and pick them up later in the day. This allows you to still enjoy the area without carrying your luggage.
How to use "Your24" as an Ambassador Elite member?
As an Ambassador Elite member, you can request "Your24" by contacting your dedicated Ambassador Service at least two days prior to your arrival. Inform them of your desired check-in time, and your checkout will automatically be set for the same time on your departure day (e.g., check-in 6 PM, checkout 6 PM). This benefit is based on availability and has some property exclusions.
How to improve my chances of getting a late checkout?
Being a Marriott Bonvoy elite member (especially Platinum or higher), being polite and understanding, asking at the right time (morning of for non-guaranteed, anytime for guaranteed), and staying at a non-resort/convention/Design hotel will significantly increase your chances. Loyalty to a specific property can also sometimes help.
How to find the standard check-out time for a Marriott hotel?
The standard check-out time for a Marriott hotel is usually listed on your reservation confirmation, on the hotel's website (often in the "Hotel Information" or "Property Details" section), or within the Marriott Bonvoy app when viewing your reservation details. It's typically between 11 AM and 12 PM.
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