The Award Traveler’s Guide To Marriott Bonvoy

In the United States, frequent hotel guests often use the Marriott Bonvoy program. Among the many program updates throughout the years is Marriott's elimination of reward charts in early 2022. The Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, however, is still worthwhile. Whether you're an old hand at redeeming Marriott points or just joining the program, it's important to know how to maximize your points. You'll have all you need and more after reading this tutorial.

Elite Status

Let's look at the perks of being a Marriott elite member before discussing how to earn and spend points. There are five tiers of elite membership with Marriott: Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador. In most cases, you'll need to spend a certain number of nights in a certain category before moving up. Nevertheless, you have a certain Marriott credit card. In that case, you will get automatic status and elite night credits that may be used toward achieving the qualifying night criteria for each status. For example, if you use a Marriott credit card, you may earn up to 30 elite nights yearly. Remember that if you book directly with Marriott, you may take advantage of these perks. Even if you include your Marriott Bonvoy number in a booking made via Expedia, Hotels.com, or another online travel agency, you will not get elite status advantages.

Member

The benefits of joining a Marriott Bonvoy Member include free basic Wi-Fi, discounts, and the ability to check in by mobile. You may use the points you earn toward free stays or other perks. Because of this, you should join the Bonvoy program even if you believe you'll never reach the level of Marriott elite status.

Silver Elite

After staying at Marriott properties for ten consecutive nights throughout a calendar year, you will be upgraded to the Silver Elite level. Silver Elite members get a 10% point bonus on all stays and, if it's available, a late checkout time. If you have one of the following co-branded Marriott credit cards, you will be upgraded to Silver Elite status at no additional cost:

Card with Unlimited Benefits with Marriott Bonvoy®.
Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card from Marriott.

If you stay at Marriott hotels for at least five years and achieve Silver Elite level or higher, you may obtain Lifetime Silver Elite after collecting 250 lifetime nights.

Gold Elite

You'll get Gold Elite membership after 25 consecutive nights spent in a Marriott property within a calendar year. Gold Elite members receive all of the benefits available to Silver Elite members, as well as faster internet, a 25% point credit on stays, late checkout, upgrades to a "improved room" dependent on availability, as well as a welcome gift of tickets with every stay.

Platinum Elite

You may get Marriott Platinum Elite status by staying 50 nights in a calendar year. Platinum Elite members enjoy all the perks of Gold Elite, plus a 50% point bonus on stays, guaranteed 4 pm checkout (subject to availability at resort and conference hotels), lounge access, and a welcome gift option with every stay (excluding select suites). Brands may provide different welcome gifts, such as points, an amenity, or even breakfast. Most manufacturers provide complimentary or discounted breakfast for Platinum Elites. You can have breakfast in the hotel's restaurant or bar, but some places will give you credit to use at room service if you prefer.

Titanium Elite

After staying 75 qualifying nights in a calendar year, you will be upgraded to the Titanium Elite level. Benefits for Titanium Elite members are comparable to those for Platinum Elite members, with the addition of a 75% point bonus on stays, assured availability for 48 hours before arrival, and United MileagePlus Silver level via Marriott's RewardsPlus collaboration with United.

Ambassador Elite

Marriott's highest attainable elite status is the Ambassador level. After staying 100 qualifying nights and spending $20,000 with Marriott in a calendar year, you will be upgraded to Ambassador Elite, essentially a higher tier of Titanium Elite. Just like Titanium Elite members, Ambassador Elite members automatically get United Silver Silver status via RewardsPlus. Members of the Ambassador Elite tier get all the perks of the Titanium Elite tier, plus the assistance of an Ambassador to plan and execute their trips. The Your24 perk allows you to check in or leave whenever you choose, day or night. If your flight gets in at midnight and you plan to spend one night, you may check out the next night at the same time.

Cobalt Program

You won't find the word "Cobalt" anywhere on any Marriott Bonvoy website or printed materials. On the other hand, in August of 2019, TPG learned via a leak of this invitation-only position at Marriott. It takes an invitation from Marriott International's CEO to access this exclusive tier of service. The perks are similar to those of Marriott Ambassador Elite. Still, some extras, such as a meeting with the hotel's general manager and a "unique experience on-property" at high-end brands, are thrown in.

Conclusion

You may easily rack up Marriott points via hotel stays, Marriott travel partners, credit cards, and special offers. With dynamic pricing, it's never been simpler to cash in your points fast. Indeed, free nights sometimes need many points, but the program is still worthwhile.