Why do I have to join on Marriott.com?

Joining Marriott Rewards is not required to reserve a room on Marriott.com or to navigate the website. The program allows you access to a wide range of benefits, including earning Rewards points for free stays, setting reservation preferences and a speedier reservation process on Marriott.com. After joining Rewards and signing in, Marriott.com can keep you updated about your Rewards points, your past and upcoming reservation activity, and provide you with the best offers available on the site.