Can a second guest check in if the primary guest is not there?

Review the reservation and add the second guest's full name as you book. If the booking cannot be updated online, contact the hotel or IHG Customer Care and ask that the name be added to the reservation record.

Adding a name does not automatically authorize check-in or allow the guest to use the original payment card. Ask the hotel to confirm that the second guest's name is visible and what will be required when they arrive.

• Identification: The arriving guest should bring valid identification that matches the name added to the reservation.

• Payment: The hotel may require a payment card at check-in, even if another card was used to guarantee or prepay the booking.

• Authorization: Some hotels or rates may require authorization from the primary guest or cardholder.

• Rate eligibility: The second guest may still need to meet the eligibility terms of the booked rate. 

Contact both the booking provider and the hotel. The booking provider may control guest name changes, while the hotel controls its check-in requirements. Do not assume that an update made with one party has updated the other record.

Payment and authorization requirements vary by hotel. Contact the hotel before arrival to confirm which payment options it accepts and whether the primary guest, cardholder, or arriving guest must provide additional documentation or authorization.

Ask the hotel to confirm that the second guest's name is visible on the reservation. Also confirm what identification, authorization, deposit, or payment card will be required at check-in. Keep the reservation confirmation available in case the hotel needs to verify the booking.

Contact the hotel listed in the reservation for its check-in and payment requirements. Contact IHG Customer Care for help managing a reservation made directly with IHG, or the original booking channel for a third-party reservation.