How Much is the Marriott Friends and Family Discount?

How Much is the Marriott Friends and Family Discount? A Complete Guide

The Marriott Friends and Family discount is actually a special privilege not only for the employees of Marriott but also extended to their friends and family for rates at some of the most prestigious hotels in the world. If you have ever been curious about how much you can save with this offer, or the ins and outs of how it works, this guide takes an in-depth look at everything you need to know about Marriott’s Friends and Family discount program.

From how much you can save, eligibility criteria, how to book, even the top tips on maximizing your savings—we have got it all. Whether a frequent traveler or planning that special vacation, know what Marriott Friends and Family discount is able to help you fully exploit your stay.

What is the Marriott Friends and Family Discount?

The Marriott Friends and Family discount is a special rate allowed to friends and family members of Marriott employees when they book accommodations in participating Marriott properties. It is one part of the firm’s larger effort in giving its employees valuable benefits, extending those benefits to their loved ones.

Unlike other discount programs, the Friends and Family rate is not publicly offered and is instead made accessible through a special authorization form that must be provided by the Marriott employee.

Exclusive to employees’ connections: Available to family members and friends of Marriott employees.
Global reach: Applies to various Marriott brands worldwide.
Personalized discount: Discounts vary depending on the location, season, and availability.

How Much Can You Save with the Marriott Friends and Family Discount?

Savings through the Marriott Friends and Family discount typically range from 20% to 50% off the standard room rate, though the exact percentage may vary based on the property, season, and availability. While the discount can be significant, it is important to note that it might not always be the best available rate, especially during peak travel periods or at high-demand locations.

Estimated Savings:

20-50% off the best available rate, depending on hotel location, time of year, and room availability.
Savings tend to be higher at Marriott’s midscale and economy properties compared to luxury brands.

Eligibility for Marriott’s Friends and Family Discount

Not everyone is entitled to the Marriott Friends and Family discount. The discount is reserved for persons who have been linked to a Marriott employee through a direct linking relationship. Employees at Marriott are only given a limited number of authorization forms that they can give to their friends and family to book rooms at the discount rate.

Who is Eligible?

Friends of Marriott employees: As long as a Marriott employee provides authorization, friends can take advantage of the discount.
Family members: Immediate and extended family members (e.g., siblings, parents, children) of Marriott employees.
Authorization form required: You must have an authorization form from the employee to qualify for the discount, which is verified during the booking process.

How to Book Using the Marriott Friends and Family Discount

Booking a Marriott Friends and Family rate is relatively straightforward once you have the necessary authorization from a Marriott employee. Follow these steps to ensure you’re able to access the discounted rate:

Steps to Book:

Receive Authorization Form: A Marriott employee must provide you with the Friends and Family Authorization Form, which verifies that you are eligible for the discount.
Visit Marriott’s Official Website: Navigate to Marriott’s official booking site or use the Marriott Bonvoy app.
Select Your Hotel and Dates: Choose the hotel, dates, and number of guests for your stay.
Enter Special Rate Code: When prompted, enter the special rate code associated with the Friends and Family discount (often “MMF”).
Provide the Authorization Form at Check-in: Make sure to bring a printed copy of the signed authorization form with you, as hotels will request it upon check-in to verify your discount eligibility.

Without the form, the hotel may charge you the standard room rate, so be sure to keep it handy during your stay.

Terms and Conditions of Marriott Friends and Family Rates

While the Friends and Family discount can offer substantial savings, it comes with specific terms and conditions that you must adhere to in order to qualify for the reduced rate.

Important Conditions:

Non-refundable: Friends and Family rates are often non-refundable, so be sure to confirm your travel plans before booking.
Subject to availability: The discount is available based on room availability and may be blacked out during peak seasons or high-occupancy periods.
Authorization required: You must present a valid authorization form from a Marriott employee upon check-in.
Limited stays: Some properties may limit the number of nights or rooms you can book under the Friends and Family rate.
Cannot combine with other promotions: The Friends and Family discount typically cannot be combined with other promotions, offers, or loyalty points.

Differences Between Employee and Friends & Family Discounts at Marriott

It’s important to distinguish between Marriott’s Employee Discount and the Friends and Family Discount, as the two offer different levels of savings and eligibility.

Employee Discount:

Higher Discount: Employees often receive greater discounts, sometimes as high as 75% off.
Available year-round: Employees can use the discount more frequently and are given priority over Friends and Family rates.
Direct Benefit: The employee is the one making the booking and is typically required to stay at the property.

Friends and Family Discount:

Slightly Lower Discount: Savings are typically between 20-50%, depending on the hotel.
Less Frequent: Friends and Family discounts may be more limited, depending on availability.
Third-Party Benefit: Friends and family members book the room, using authorization from an employee.

Which Marriott Properties Offer the Friends and Family Discount?

The Friends and Family discount applies to a wide range of Marriott properties globally, though not every property participates. Some of the brands most likely to offer the discount include:

Participating Marriott Brands:

Courtyard by Marriott
Residence Inn
Fairfield Inn & Suites
Marriott Hotels & Resorts
SpringHill Suites
Renaissance Hotels
Sheraton
Four Points by Sheraton

Luxury Brands (Less Common):

Ritz-Carlton
St. Regis
W Hotels

Always check with the specific property for their participation in the Friends and Family program, as it may vary based on location and availability.

How to Maximize Savings with Marriott’s Friends and Family Discount

While the Friends and Family discount offers considerable savings, there are ways to maximize that rate even more for ultimate savings with some of these tips:

Tips to Maximize Savings:

Book Early: Since Friends and Family rates are based on availability, reserving far in advance gives a better chance of securing a room at a discounted rate.
Check Other Properties: If your favorite hotel doesn’t offer Friends and Family rates, check the surrounding area and other Marriott properties.
Avoid Peak Seasons: In most cases, during off-peak travel, hotels have more rooms available, making it easier to secure a discount.
Sign Up for Marriott Bonvoy: Even if you are booking with a Friends and Family discount, signing up with Marriott’s rewards program lets you earn points on eligible purchases during your stay to further increase your value.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the Marriott Friends and Family discount?

The Marriott Friends and Family discount typically ranges from 20% to 50% off the standard room rate, though the exact savings depend on the property, season, and availability.

How do I get a Marriott Friends and Family discount?

You must receive a Friends and Family Authorization Form from a Marriott employee to access the discounted rate. This form is required at check-in to verify your eligibility.

Can I use the Marriott Friends and Family discount at any hotel?

The Friends and Family discount is available at most Marriott properties globally, but availability may vary. It’s best to check with individual hotels to confirm participation.

Is the Friends and Family rate refundable?

Typically, Friends and Family rates are non-refundable, so make sure your travel plans are confirmed before booking.

Can I use Marriott Bonvoy points with the Friends and Family discount?

While you cannot use Marriott Bonvoy points to pay for a room booked at the Friends and Family rate, you can still earn points on eligible purchases made during your stay.