Bonvoy Book for Someone Else How to Reserve Marriott Stays on Behalf of Others in 2025

Marriott Bonvoy allows members to reserve hotel rooms for other guests, but there are specific rules and practices to follow. The primary requirement is that you must input the name of the person who will be checking in at the time of booking. This is particularly useful when booking for family members, friends, or business associates.

While booking a room for someone else is allowed, the member who owns the Bonvoy account will not always receive elite benefits or points unless they are also staying in the room. Therefore, it’s important to understand how these rules affect both the guest and the account holder.

How to Add Someone Else to a Bonvoy Reservation

When using the Marriott Bonvoy app or website, you’ll be prompted to enter the guest’s name in the reservation. In most cases, you can do this in the “Guest Information” section. If the name entered is not that of the account holder, that person will be considered the primary guest and can check in with a valid ID.

For added assurance, calling the hotel directly to confirm the name on the reservation can help avoid issues at check-in. This is particularly useful when booking high-demand locations or luxury properties.

Benefits of Booking with Technology

Mobile Booking and Flexibility

Technology makes it easier to reserve rooms for someone else. The Marriott Bonvoy app enables you to quickly edit guest details, view available rates, and confirm reservations in real-time. You can also share booking confirmations via email or text directly from the app.

This streamlined process removes the need for printed confirmations or lengthy front desk explanations. It provides both convenience and peace of mind.

Real-Time Customer Support Access

If any issue arises during check-in or changes need to be made, Marriott’s digital platforms provide immediate access to customer service. Features like live chat within the app enable fast support from anywhere in the world.

Real-World Examples of Bonvoy Booking for Others

1. Booking for a Business Colleague

Many companies book Marriott rooms for their employees. A project manager might reserve rooms for their team members under the employee’s name. This ensures a smooth check-in experience while maintaining company billing practices.

The booking employee can still manage or modify the reservation but should not expect points or benefits unless they’re also staying in the room.

2. Reserving a Room for Elderly Parents

Children often use their Bonvoy accounts to book rooms for parents or older relatives. In such cases, entering the parents’ names at booking is essential. Confirming this with the hotel helps ensure a hassle-free experience for elderly travelers.

This is particularly helpful when parents may not be tech-savvy enough to make bookings themselves.

3. Gifting a Honeymoon Stay

It’s not uncommon for people to gift hotel stays to newlyweds. Booking with Marriott Bonvoy for someone else in this context means ensuring the couple’s names are on the reservation and possibly coordinating with the hotel for special arrangements.

This creates a seamless, romantic experience while utilizing points or available rates.

4. Booking for Friends Traveling Internationally

When friends travel abroad and need trusted accommodations, a Bonvoy member can book rooms for them. Especially useful if the guest isn’t comfortable booking international stays.

Ensuring the friend’s name is correctly listed allows them to check in withoutissuese even in countries with strict ID verification rules.

5. Corporate Booking for VIP Guests

Executive assistants or travel managers may book rooms for executives or clients. These bookings require accurate guest information and coordination with the hotel for elite-level service.

While the assistant may not receive points, the guest receives full VIP treatment if correctly booked under their name.

Advantages of Booking for Someone Else

Saves Time for Busy Travelers

When a friend or colleague doesn’t have time to handle the bookings, having someone else manage the reservation saves valuable time. The Bonvoy system is set up to make this simple and efficient.

This is a key perk for group coordinators or family planners.

Expands Loyalty Usage to Help Others

Members can use their Bonvoy account to help others access trusted accommodations. Whether using points or discounted rates, this feature enhances the practical value of loyalty.

It strengthens relationships and makes hospitality more accessible.

Real-Life Use Cases

Planning Multi-Generational Family Vacations

Booking multiple rooms for family members traveling together is easier when one person handles all the logistics. With Bonvoy, each room can be assigned to different names, ensuring personalized service during check-in.

Coordinating Events or Weddings

Event planners often book blocks of rooms under individual guest names. This ensures accurate headcounts and smooth check-ins, especially at Marriott properties that handle large events.

Helping Frequent Travelers without Accounts

Some travelers don’t keep loyalty memberships. Friends or family can book rooms for them using their Bonvoy accounts, offering preferred rates or better properties.

This use case is common for younger or older guests who don’t frequently travel.

FAQ

Q1: Can I earn points if I book a room for someone else?
No, Marriott Bonvoy typically only awards points and nights if the member is the one staying in the room.

Q2: Can the guest check-in without my presence?
Yes, as long as their name is on the reservation and they provide valid ID at check-in.

Q3: Is there a limit to how many rooms I can book for others?
While Marriott doesn’t have a hard limit, booking more than 3–5 rooms at once may require using Marriott Group Booking or contacting the property directly.