Marriott Explore Program Authorization Form
The authorization and identification process, requiring the original Authorization Form to be surrendered and photo identification verified, ensures that only eligible individuals can avail of the Explore Rate. This process helps maintain the program's integrity by preventing unauthorized usage and potential abuse. It upholds security by making sure that all participants are verified affiliates, thus protecting the program's sustainability and intended benefits .
Under the Explore Rate, associates are limited to booking a maximum of two rooms per night. Immediate family members of the associate, however, are limited to one room per night. This policy ensures that the benefit is primarily for the associate and their immediate family, emphasizing the personal travel nature of the program .
The use of the Explore Program is considered a privilege, and as such, appropriate conduct and professionalism are expected from the associates and those in their party. If there is any falsification of the Authorization Form, or if there is inappropriate conduct or behavior during their stay, it will be considered misconduct. This misconduct is reported to the sponsoring associate's employer, potentially leading to disciplinary action, loss of room discount privileges, or even termination of employment .
To validate an Explore Program Authorization Form at check-in, the following steps must be followed: the original Authorization Form must be presented and surrendered at the front desk; it cannot be used by anyone other than the authorized individual. Additionally, photo identification is required, and credit must be established at the time of check-in .
The Explore Program might include a daily donation to the TakeCare Relief Fund as a way to foster a sense of community and support among Marriott associates, particularly those facing financial challenges due to disasters or hardships. It allows associates to give back while taking advantage of the program's benefits. Participants have the option to opt-out of the donation by contacting the front desk during their stay or at check-out, maintaining flexibility and respect for personal choice .
Requiring photo identification and credit establishment at check-in contributes to the Explore Program's operational efficacy by ensuring accountability and security. It verifies the identity of the guest, ensuring that only authorized individuals benefit from the discounted rates, and confirms financial preparedness to cover expenses. These measures prevent fraud, discourage misuse, and streamline the check-in process, ultimately supporting the program's operational integrity and efficiency .
The Explore Program may include a voluntary daily donation to the TakeCare Relief Fund, Inc. (TCRF) within the Explore or Explore Friends Rate. This fund supports grants to associates at managed Marriott locations facing financial hardship due to natural disasters or personal hardships. The program allows participants to opt-out of donations by contacting the front desk during their stay or at check-out, providing a built-in system to contribute, while also maintaining individual choice .
If a guest under an associate's authorization behaves inappropriately during their stay, it is considered misconduct connected to the sponsoring associate's employment. This misconduct is reported to the associate's employer and could result in disciplinary actions. The associate may lose their room discount privileges, and there is a risk of termination of employment depending on the severity of the misconduct .
Considering whether to opt out of donations to the TakeCare Relief Fund involves ethical reflections on community support and personal circumstances. An associate must weigh their financial ability to contribute against the communal benefits of helping colleagues during hardships. Opting out might be necessary for those unable to afford donations, but it requires thoughtful judgment on balancing personal needs with collective welfare. This decision reflects on one's values toward mutual aid and corporate social responsibility .
If associates travel on business while using the Explore Rate or Explore Friends Rate for personal travel, it puts their hotel, division, or franchise at risk of losing the Explore Program for all their associates. Such misuse of the program privileges can result in reporting to the sponsoring associate's employer, and potentially lead to disciplinary action, loss of room discount privileges, and termination of employment .
