Inside Explore by Marriott Bonvoy: How Real Associates Use the Employee Discount

To make associates’ vacations a little sweeter and a lot cheaper, Marriott proudly offers its associates Explore by Marriott Bonvoy. The Explore by Marriott Bonvoy program provides a special discounted room rate, food and beverage discounts and more at the company’s entire portfolio of over 30 hotel brands and 9,000+ properties worldwide. Additionally, associates are able to enroll in Marriott Bonvoy to earn member perks like points for free nights and other experiences.

Below, see some examples of how and where real associates have used Marriott’s employee discount.

What does it look like to use Explore by Marriott Bonvoy as an associate?

Courtesy of Frank J.

Name: Frank J.
Hotel: Marriott Headquarters (Franchise Operations) 
Explore by Marriott Bonvoy destination: New York City – New York Marriott Marquis 
Sweetest memory: Frank used the Explore Marriott Bonvoy discount to plan the ultimate surprise: a Christmas-season proposal in New York City. 

“The night of the proposal when we returned to the room, there were chocolate covered strawberries and champagne waiting for us, and a hand-written note from the leadership team wishing a huge congratulations to the future ‘Mr. & Mrs. James’. My now-wife was over the moon! It was the perfect icing on the cake to an unforgettable night.” 

a Senior Manager, University Relations + Recruiting  shares how she uses the Explore by Marriott Bonvoy rate.
Courtesy of Kay V.

Name: Kay V.
Role: Senior Manager on the University Relations and Recruiting (based in Irvine, California)
Explore by Marriott Bonvoy destination: Maldives – The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands 
Sweetest memory: Kay used the Explore Marriott Bonvoy discount to fulfill a lifelong dream—visiting the Maldives.

“As we pulled away from the island, I sat quietly inside, soaking in the endless blue horizon. Then, one of the crew members gently approached and said, ‘There are dolphins outside,’ inviting my husband and me to step out onto the deck. We joined them, eyes scanning the water with hope—and sure enough, a pair of dolphins slowly surfaced. What really made the moment unforgettable was how private it felt. It was just my husband and me aboard the speedboat, accompanied only by the captain and two kind crew members. Their thoughtful gesture—bringing the boat to a complete stop so we could fully experience the dolphins—meant the world to us.”

Courtesy of Adam H.

Name: Adam H.
Hotel: W Taipei 
Explore by Marriott Bonvoy destination: Bali – The St. Regis Bali 
Favorite memory: Adam used the Explore Marriott Bonvoy discount to celebrate his birthday in  Bali. 

“Bali is where my parents honeymooned, and it holds a special place in my heart. [I believe] Travel has a way of bringing us together, creating shared joy and inspiring new journeys.” 

Courtesy of Joy Y.

Name: Joy Yu
Hotel:
Le Méridien Zhengzhou (HR Coordinator)
Explore by Marriott Bonvoy destination: Xinjiang – Four Points by Sheraton Urumqi 
Most memorable trip: a spring getaway to Xinjiang with her boyfriend. 

“We stayed at the Four Points by Sheraton Urumqi, and I experienced firsthand the meaning of ‘connecting each other through the power of travel’. Even thousands of miles away, Marriott’s service standards made the hotel feel like a warm home.”  

Director of Catering Sales Alecia M.
Courtesy of Alecia M.

Name: Alecia M.
Hotel: Atlanta Marriott Marquis (Senior Sales Executive)
Explore by Marriott Bonvoy destination: Thailand, London, Paris, Jamaica, and more!
Most memorable trip: Every year a new destination.

“Every year I use the Explore Marriott Bonvoy discount to celebrate my birthday. This is one of the best perks. I moved to Houston, Texas less than a year ago and this discount allows me to travel back home to Atlanta much more often! I have also used it to take spontaneous weekend getaways with friends and family. It’s such a great way to make memories and explore new places without breaking the bank.”

marriott employee discount - how associates use it
Courtesy of Luis G.

Name: Luis G.
Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach (Director of Housekeeping)
Explore by Marriott Bonvoy destination: France, Switzerland, Monaco, Malta and Punta Mita.
Most memorable trip: a month-long tour around Europe and ending in Mexico.

“Last summer I had a very exciting month-long vacation happening! […] I was able to find an amazing rate at the Riviera Marriott Hotel La Porte de Monaco during summer prime time. Also, at The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, which was one of my bucket list properties to visit. I am super excited and grateful for this wonderful benefit that allows me to enjoy unique destinations and enhance my travel experiences.”

Courtesy of Andre N.

Name: André N.
Hotel: Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay (Hotel Manager)
Explore by Marriott Bonvoy destination: Tibet 
Unforgettable trip: using the Explore Marriott Bonvoy discount to fulfill a lifelong dream and celebrate his honeymoon in Tibet. 

“It was our honeymoon, a once in a lifetime trip to a destination I always wanted to visit. It is awesome—with so many destinations to choose from, I just need more leave time! This is probably the best benefit of working for Marriott International. And it also allows my parents, brother and sister to travel around!” 

a reservations agent shares how he enjoys the Explore by Marriott Bonvoy rate.
Courtesy of Enrique G.

Name: Enrique G.
Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott León at the Poliforum (Reservations Agent)
Explore by Marriott Bonvoy destination: Riviera Nayarit – Delta Hotels Riviera Nayarit 
Favorite memory: A worry-free vacation with loved ones.  

“The place where we always feel at home is, without a doubt, the Delta Hotels Riviera Nayarit. It’s an all-inclusive resort where the staff are truly attentive, and the natural surroundings—both the beach and the mountains—make it special. This is a benefit I truly value. Take advantage of this opportunity and let Marriott pamper you!” 

a Senior Event Planning Executive shares how she uses the Explore by Marriott Bonvoy rate.
Courtesy of Emma T.

Name: Emma T.
Hotel: W Brisbane (Senior Event Planning Executive) 
Explore by Marriott Bonvoy destination: W Bali – Seminyak 
Sweetest memory: Emma used the Explore Marriott Bonvoy discount to return to the hotel that inspired her career journey. 

“About eight years ago, I visited W Bali while on holidays—just to check out the pool,” she shares. “I didn’t stay there, but I was instantly captivated by the vibrant energy and bold design of the W brand.” That visit sparked her goal of joining W Hotels, and today, she’s living that dream at W Brisbane. Returning to W Bali as a Marriott associate felt deeply personal. “We spent sunsets in the pool with frozen cocktails, ordered midnight snacks, and made new memories in a place that helped shape my path. I’ll never forget it.” 

Who is eligible for Explore by Marriott Bonvoy?

All Marriott associates at hotels and locations managed by Marriott and their eligible immediate family members are eligible to use Explore by Marriott Bonvoy.

How do Marriott associates book a room using Explore by Marriott Bonvoy?

Using the Explore by Marriott Bonvoy program as a Marriott associate is actually pretty easy. When booking a room with the Explore rate discount, associates just go to marriott.com or the Marriott Bonvoy app, login to their Marriott Bonvoy account, and enter their desired destination, travel dates, up to two rooms and a special Explore Rate code (shared with Marriott associates only). Upon check-in at the hotel, additional documentation of associate status is required.

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Note: Marriott may, in its sole discretion, enhance, modify, decrease, or terminate any benefit program or any terms and conditions at any time without advance notice.