Marriott Bonvoy is the loyalty program for Marriott International, encompassing their vast portfolio of hotel brands, from luxury to budget options. Here’s an in-depth look at the program:
Overview:
Marriott Bonvoy replaced the former Marriott Rewards, Ritz-Carlton Rewards, and Starwood Preferred Guest programs in 2019, integrating them into one comprehensive loyalty system. It’s designed to reward guests for stays, experiences, and partnerships beyond just hotel accommodations.
Membership Tiers:
- Member: The entry level, free to join.
- Benefits: Earn points on stays, no blackout dates for reward nights, member-exclusive rates, and mobile check-in/check-out.
- Silver Elite: Requires 10 nights, 3 stays, or 10,000 points earned in a calendar year.
- Benefits: Includes Member perks plus 10% more points on stays, priority late check-out when available, and dedicated elite reservation line.
- Gold Elite: Earned with 25 nights, 15 stays, or 25,000 points.
- Benefits: Adds to Silver with 25% more points, enhanced room upgrades, 2 p.m. late check-out (based on availability), and welcome gift options.
- Platinum Elite: Achieved with 50 nights, 20 stays, or 50,000 points.
- Benefits: Enhances Gold with 50% more points, guaranteed room availability, enhanced upgrades including suites, 4 p.m. late check-out, and more welcome gift choices.
- Titanium Elite: Requires 75 nights or 75,000 points.
- Benefits: Includes Platinum perks with an additional 75% bonus points on stays, annual choice benefit (like suite night awards), and ambassador service.
- Ambassador Elite: For 100 nights or 100,000 points with $20,000 in spend.
- Benefits: Adds to Titanium with personalized travel and lifestyle services through a dedicated ambassador, complimentary breakfast for the member and guests, and a choice of even more exclusive benefits.
Earning Points:
- Stays: Earn points based on how much you spend, with rates varying by brand but typically 10 points per $1 spent.
- Credit Cards: Marriott Bonvoy credit cards from partners like American Express, Chase, and others offer points for everyday spending.
- Bonvoy Moments: Bid points for unique experiences like concerts, sports events, or dining.
- Partnerships: Earn points through dining, car rentals, cruises, and other travel partners.
- Promotions: Frequent promotions for bonus points, like double or triple points on stays, or for hitting certain milestones.
Redemption Options:
- Hotel Stays: Redeem points for free nights, with a dynamic pricing model where the points required fluctuate based on demand, season, and hotel category.
- Moments: Use points for exclusive experiences or events.
- Airline Miles: Convert points to miles with numerous airline partners, although the conversion rates can vary.
- Gift Cards, Products: Points can be used for gift cards, merchandise, or even charitable donations.
- Travel Packages: Combine flights and hotel stays for potentially better value than booking separately.
Additional Perks:
- No Expiry on Points: Points don’t expire as long as you have some activity in your account (earning or redeeming) every 24 months.
- Mobile App: The Marriott Bonvoy app offers booking, mobile key access, and point management.
- Milestone Rewards: Earn rewards for hitting night stay milestones, like suite night awards or bonus points.
Considerations:
- Dynamic Pricing: The points cost for hotel stays can change, making some stays more or less valuable based on timing and demand.
- Program Evolution: Benefits or earning structures might change, so keeping updated is beneficial.
- Global Network: With over 7,000 properties in 131 countries, there’s significant coverage, but availability and value can vary by location.
Maximizing Your Membership:
- Strategic Stays: Use peak and off-peak pricing to your advantage for redemptions.
- Credit Card Benefits: Leverage co-branded credit cards for accelerated points earning and elite status perks.
- Stay Often: The more you stay, the higher your tier, unlocking better benefits.
Marriott Bonvoy offers a rich landscape for travelers who frequent Marriott’s extensive brand list, providing not just hotel stays but a wide array of experiences and rewards options.