Why join the Marriott Hotels Bonvoy Program?
Get straight to the point in this article: the program offers rewards like points for free nights, room upgrades, and a path to elite status with even more perks. Discover the key advantages of the Marriott Hotels Bonvoy Program that make it rewarding for travelers.
Key Takeaways
- The Marriott Bonvoy program offers a vast array of benefits, including earning and redeeming points across over 7,000 hotels globally, experiencing luxury at diverse hotel brands, and enjoying perks like ‘fifth night free’.
- Members can achieve various levels of Elite status, which grant benefits such as late checkout, complimentary internet, room upgrades, and exclusive check-in; reaching status tiers like Silver Elite, Gold Elite, and Platinum Elite increases these privileges.
- Marriott Bonvoy extends beyond hotels with its credit card partnerships, exclusive member offers, and travel partners, allowing members to earn points on everyday purchases and redeem them for flights, car rentals, and cruises.
The Marriott Bonvoy Program Explained
Born from the merger of Marriott Rewards, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), and Ritz-Carlton Rewards, the Marriott Bonvoy program is your passport to a plethora of hotel brands with no membership fee required. As a member, you have access to over 7,000 hotels globally, making every trip an opportunity to earn Marriott Bonvoy points through the Marriott Bonvoy rewards program.
From your very first stay, you can start making unforgettable memories and earning points to fuel your future adventures.
Earning Points
With Marriott Bonvoy, points are your currency for great experiences. Here are some ways you can earn and use your points:
- You can earn between 2.5 and 10 points per dollar spent on hotel bookings.
- Your everyday activities, like dining and car rentals, can also add up to big rewards.
- At a 1-to-1 rate, you can transfer points from other credit cards, such as American Express or Chase Ultimate Rewards, to your Marriott Bonvoy account. This allows for greater flexibility and convenience in managing your rewards.
With so many ways to earn, every moment becomes an opportunity to get closer to your next dream vacation.
Redeeming Points
Redeeming your hard-earned points is where the fun really begins. Whether it’s a luxury stay at a high-end property or a rejuvenating spa experience, the possibilities are boundless. Looking for flexibility? Try the Cash + Points redemption option, which reduces your out-of-pocket expenses.
And don’t forget the ‘fifth night free’ perk, providing significant savings for extended stays, especially when you take advantage of our free nights offer. Points can also be redeemed for hotel services like dining, turning your stay into an all-inclusive experience.
Diverse Hotel Brands in the Marriott Portfolio
Welcome to a universe of travel experiences. With a diverse range of 31 hotel brands, the Marriott portfolio has something for every traveler. From the unique charm of the ‘Collections’ category, which includes Autograph Collection Hotels, Design Hotels, and Tribute Portfolio, to the familiar comfort of brands like Marriott Hotels and Sheraton, there’s a world to explore, right at your fingertips.
Luxury Brands
For the discerning traveler seeking the ultimate in luxury, Marriott Bonvoy has plenty to offer. Brands like St. Regis deliver exquisite experiences, impeccable service, and modern indulgence. JW Marriott, on the other hand, takes a holistic approach to luxury, promoting wellness for the mind, body, and spirit.
Whether you’re after a sophisticated city break or a serene beach escape, the luxury brands in the Marriott portfolio are ready to exceed your expectations.
Premium Brands
The premium brands in the Marriott portfolio strike a perfect balance between comfort and sophistication. Marriott Hotels are recognized for their contemporary aesthetic and sincere hospitality.
Sheraton, with over 400 properties across the globe, has become an essential hub for travelers. Then there’s Westin, specializing in rejuvenating guests with their wellness programs and revitalizing amenities. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, these premium brands ensure your stay is nothing short of exceptional.
Select and Longer Stay Brands
For the cost-conscious travelers and those seeking accommodations for extended periods, Marriott Bonvoy has a range of select and longer stay brands. These include:
- Fairfield by Marriott: offers reliable service and thoughtful amenities at an attractive value.
- Residence Inn: stands out in the extended stay segment with its upscale approach, fostering a local living experience.
- TownePlace Suites: offers thoughtfully designed suites that promote productivity and positivity for those on extended stays.
Elite Status Perks and Benefits
As you journey with Marriott Bonvoy, you’ll have the opportunity to climb the elite status tiers, each offering a new level of perks and benefits. The Elite status experience is designed to make every stay feel like a special occasion and includes:
- Late checkout
- Complimentary in-room internet access
- Room upgrades
- Exclusive check-in times
Whether you’re a Silver Elite or an Ambassador Elite member, Marriott Bonvoy rewards your loyalty with benefits that elevate every moment of your travel.
Silver Elite
As a Silver Elite member, you’ll enjoy exclusive benefits such as a 10% points bonus on stays, extending your rewards beyond the room rate to include eligible incidentals, such as dining and spa services. The convenience of priority late checkout offers the flexibility you need on departure times.
To achieve Silver Elite status, all you need is a minimum of 10 nights each year at Marriott properties.
Gold Elite
As a Gold Elite member, you’ll enjoy 25% more points on stays, room upgrades, and priority late checkout until as late as 2 p.m. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a welcome gift of points and enjoy exclusive member rates when booking directly.
These benefits, including the Ultimate Reservation Guarantee and complimentary in-room Wi-Fi, are yours once you stay 25 nights per year.
Platinum Elite
Take your Marriott Bonvoy experience to new heights as a Platinum Elite member. Enjoy the following benefits:
- 50% points bonus on eligible hotel purchases
- Exclusive hotel lounge access
- Room upgrades that can include suites
- Guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout
- Access to a dedicated support line for personalized service
And after achieving 600 total lifetime nights and 10 years of Platinum Elite status or higher, you can reach Lifetime Platinum Elite status, joining the exclusive club of platinum elite members.
Titanium Elite
Titanium Elite status, achieved after staying a minimum of 75 nights annually, offers a host of benefits including:
- 75% more points on every eligible hotel purchase
- Enhanced room upgrades
- A 48-hour room guarantee
- 15 Elite Night Credits each year, helping to accelerate your progress towards the next level of elite status.
Ambassador Elite
With 100 nights and a minimum of $23,000 USD spent annually with Marriott, you’ll unlock the prestigious Ambassador Elite status. As an Ambassador Elite member, you’ll enjoy:
- Personalized ambassador service to cater to your specific needs and preferences
- Choosing your own check-in and checkout times
- Enjoying a complimentary 25-minute massage per stay at participating Marriott resorts
The Ambassador Elite status is truly the epitome of Marriott Bonvoy experience.
Credit Cards: Boosting Your Marriott Bonvoy Experience
Elevate your Marriott Bonvoy experience with co-branded credit cards offered in partnership with Chase and American Express. These cards offer multiple points per dollar spent on Marriott stays and different point earnings for other categories like gas stations, grocery stores, and dining.
Plus, you’ll receive 15 Elite Night Credits each year to help accelerate progress towards the next level of elite status.
Chase Marriott Bonvoy Cards
Chase Marriott Bonvoy credit cards not only help you earn more points, but they also come with additional benefits such as Extended Warranty Protection on purchased items and dedicated 24-hour customer service, including international collect call support.
American Express Marriott Bonvoy Cards
American Express offers a suite of Marriott Bonvoy Cards, including the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express, each offering unique benefits and point-earning opportunities. From earning 6x points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels to receiving annual free night awards, these cards are designed to make your Marriott Bonvoy experience even more rewarding.
Exclusive Member Offers and Promotions
Your Marriott Bonvoy membership opens up a world of exclusive offers and promotions. Through the Eat Around Town dining program, you can link any credit or debit card to earn points. You’ll also receive a bonus of 6,000 points in the first 60 days after joining and making your first eligible purchase.
Plus, you can earn 10,000 bonus points for each new member you refer who joins the program, enjoying the member benefits.
Travel Partners: Expanding Your Rewards
The Marriott Bonvoy program extends beyond the confines of hotel stays. With travel partners, you can use your points for booking a wide range of travel services, such as cruises, flights, and car rentals. You can even convert your Marriott Bonvoy points to airline miles with over 38 different airline partners, adding more value to your travels.
Airline Transfer Partners
With over 40 different airline partners, Marriott Bonvoy allows you to exchange your points for air travel. Typically, you can transfer points at a ratio of 3:1 and get a bonus of 5,000 miles for every 60,000 points transferred.
This gives you a wide range of options for using your points on flights, taking your travel experiences to new heights.
Car Rental Partnerships
Your Marriott Bonvoy points can also take you places on the road. You can redeem your points for car rentals, covering the entire cost or only a portion, allowing you to combine points with cash.
Plus, as a Titanium Elite member, you benefit from a status match to Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Five Star status, providing additional benefits when renting cars.
Cruise Bookings
If you’re dreaming of a cruise vacation, Marriott Bonvoy points can make it a reality. Through the Cruise with Points program, you can:
- Access the largest selection of cruise deals across popular lines
- Earn points for each cruise booking made
- Redeem points for cruise certificates applicable towards any sailing.
With the ‘Book Now & Pay Later’ option, you can hold multiple cruise reservations without immediate payment, giving you the flexibility to plan your dream cruise vacation at your convenience,.
Lifetime Elite Status: The Ultimate Marriott Bonvoy Achievement
Imagine enjoying the perks of Marriott Bonvoy Elite status for life. With Lifetime Elite Status, that’s a reality. Achieved based on the total number of nights and years of elite status you’ve accumulated, Lifetime Elite Status offers lifelong benefits for dedicated Marriott Bonvoy members, including:
- Room upgrades
- Late checkout
- Welcome gifts
- Access to exclusive lounges
- Bonus points
- Priority check-in
- Complimentary breakfast
Start working towards Lifetime Elite Status today and enjoy the benefits of gold elite status, which includes automatic gold elite status for a lifetime.
Whether it’s Lifetime Silver Elite with a 10% points bonus and priority late checkout, Lifetime Gold Elite with room upgrades and a 25% bonus on earned points, or Lifetime Platinum Elite with a 50% points bonus, room upgrades, and a choice of welcome gifts, every stay becomes a celebration of your loyalty.
Tips for Maximizing Your Marriott Bonvoy Experience
Now that you’re well-versed in all things Marriott Bonvoy, here are some tips to maximize your experience. Combine points and cash when booking stays to make the most of your points, especially for stays of two nights or more with the ‘Customize Payments’ option. Choose to stay at top-tier Marriott properties during off-peak seasons for luxury experiences at a lower point cost.
And leverage the Marriott Bonvoy’s flexible date search to plan your travel around off-peak award dates and exceptional redemption opportunities for better value. Remember, every point counts towards your next unforgettable experience.
Summary
To wrap it all up, the Marriott Bonvoy program is more than just a loyalty program. It’s a passport to a world of experiences, offering you a range of benefits from earning and redeeming points for stays, dining, and spa services, to enjoying exclusive member rates, room upgrades, and access to hotel lounges. With a diverse portfolio of hotel brands, elite status tiers, and travel partners, Marriott Bonvoy gives you the flexibility to travel your way. So, are you ready to embark on your Marriott Bonvoy journey?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of Marriott Bonvoy?
The purpose of Marriott Bonvoy is to provide a loyalty program allowing members to earn and redeem points for stays at various Marriott hotel brands, such as The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, JW Marriott, Sheraton, Westin, and Renaissance Hotels.
What are the benefits for customers for Marriott?
Marriott offers a variety of benefits to customers, including the ability to earn and redeem points for free nights, access special member rates, and receive loyalty rewards over time. The Ultimate Reservation Guarantee, bonus points, late checkout, and dedicated elite support further enhance the customer experience.
How can I earn Marriott Bonvoy points?
You can earn Marriott Bonvoy points by staying at Marriott hotels, dining at participating restaurants, using the spa services, and participating in the Eat Around Town dining program. You can also earn points by using Marriott Bonvoy credit cards and referring new members. So, there are a variety of ways to earn points and maximize your rewards.
Can I use Marriott Bonvoy points for flights and car rentals?
Yes, you can use Marriott Bonvoy points for flights and car rentals, along with other travel services. Enjoy the flexibility of using your points for various travel needs.
What is Lifetime Elite Status?
Lifetime Elite Status is an exclusive status that provides lifelong benefits for loyal Marriott Bonvoy members, achieved through accumulating a certain number of nights and years of elite status.
