Can I have access to hotel lounge without a stay?
Oct 28, 2018, 3:07 pm
#31
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Manchester, UK
Programs: Emirates Skywards (Gold), Hilton (Diamond), Radisson (Gold)
Posts: 370
I’m Hilton Diamond, I’ve done this four or five times. The only time I was refused was at the Doibletree Deansgate where I was instead directed to the business centre, then had pastries, fruit and bottled water brought to me without asking.
Oct 28, 2018, 3:58 pm
#32
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Marion, AR, USA
Programs: MB, AGR, AA
Posts: 32
Chicago JW Marriott allows me lounge access on early check-ins
My favorite hotel in Chicago, the JW Marriott, has never denied my request for lounge access when I check in around 9:00 a.m. after getting off an overnight train, even when my room isn't ready until the afternoon. (Platinum Elite)
Last edited by timbeaux; Oct 28, 2018 at 3:59 pm Reason: Need to add additional information.
Oct 28, 2018, 4:21 pm
#33
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: COS
Programs: UA Gold/1.5MM (several years running now!), Marriott LTTE, Hertz Prez
Posts: 1,899
But that would make you a guest for all intents and purposes, and this would be completely and entirely expected. Were a hotel to deny me lounge access under such a circumstance, they'd only get just that one opportunity to do so.
Oct 28, 2018, 4:34 pm
#34
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This is typically the case, but it's not a published benefit. Some properties are explicit about early check ins not being entitled to breakfast. It can also depend on how early you arrive, essentially whether you really should have reserved and paid for the previous night.
Oct 28, 2018, 5:58 pm
#35
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Formerly of SacTown, Cali
Posts: 1,243
I would be embarrassed to even ask such a thing if I were not staying at the hotel and I am a plat. As a gold, since you don't get access when staying at the hotel, it seems bizarre to even consider for a non-stay. On the other hand all they can do is say no. Could also stop at the hotel restaurant and ask for an extra steak and lobster for free just because. You never know.
Oct 28, 2018, 6:45 pm
#36
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: SLC/HEL/Anywhere with a Beach
Programs: Marriott Ambassador; AA EXP 3MM; AS MVP, Hilton Gold, CH-47/UH-60/C-23/C-130 VET
Posts: 5,234
I would be embarrassed to even ask such a thing if I were not staying at the hotel and I am a plat. As a gold, since you don't get access when staying at the hotel, it seems bizarre to even consider for a non-stay. On the other hand all they can do is say no. Could also stop at the hotel restaurant and ask for an extra steak and lobster for free just because. You never know.
Oct 28, 2018, 7:23 pm
#37
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: JAX
Programs: UA Plat MM, AA Gold MM, Marriott LTT, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 3,770
This is typically the case, but it's not a published benefit. Some properties are explicit about early check ins not being entitled to breakfast. It can also depend on how early you arrive, essentially whether you really should have reserved and paid for the previous night.
Oct 29, 2018, 12:03 am
#39
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 575
I would never do this as I would be totally embarrassed if I was caught but I have been noticing lately that I am easily accessing the lounges at Marriott hotels without ever having to scan my card. I normally walk in behind someone that scans their card before me. Really is starting to make me think if people time it up correctly they can easily gain access when they are not supposed to
Oct 29, 2018, 12:34 am
#40
Moderator, El Al and Marriott Bonvoy, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: SIN
Programs: SQ*G, Mar LTT, Hyatt Glb, AA LTG, LY, HH, IC, BA, DL, UA SLV
Posts: 12,018
Embarrassed? Caught? If you ask and the hotel grants, what is there to be embarrassed about?
Oct 29, 2018, 4:32 am
#41
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Programs: UA MM, MB LifeTit
Posts: 1,830
Lounge access is an amenity offered to some, presumably paying, hotel guests. That said, you can always ask, but I would regard a yes as a special favor and I'd probably do something to acknowledge, even if the hotel isn't one of these:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...-gratuity.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marr...-gratuity.html
Oct 29, 2018, 4:52 am
#42
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Taiwan
Programs: IHG Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Gold, oneworld Emerald
Posts: 1,164
Sounds really awkward to ask for a lounge access without a stay. Unless it's something of an emergency situation (and then perhaps it makes more sense to ask for a business centre access), how would you even justify such request? "Excuse me, I am a Marriott Platinum, and I am sort of hungry, may I use your lounge for an hour?" LOL
As many noted, normally hotel will allow to use the lounge on the day of check in and on the day of departure (before and after check-in, respectively). Only once in a non-Marriott property (IC) I had been rather politely told that they usually do not allow lounge usage after check-out (but I had a lounge access by booking Club room, not due to elite status). They did not mind me sitting in the lounge though.
As many noted, normally hotel will allow to use the lounge on the day of check in and on the day of departure (before and after check-in, respectively). Only once in a non-Marriott property (IC) I had been rather politely told that they usually do not allow lounge usage after check-out (but I had a lounge access by booking Club room, not due to elite status). They did not mind me sitting in the lounge though.
Oct 29, 2018, 4:57 am
#43
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Oct 29, 2018, 5:20 am
#44
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