Marriott Points Guide For Beginners

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The Marriott is one of the world's largest hotel chains, and has one of the most robust loyalty programs. Their recent tie-up with Starwood Preferred Guest and Ritz Carlton has the Marriott-Bonvoy rewards program one of the world's largest.  

The Marriott Bonvoy rewards point has 30 brands across several price points. It allows for all types of travelers to earn free nights and utilize the various elite status benefits at different properties worldwide.  

As you may have resumed traveling by now, it may be an excellent time to acquaint yourself with the Marriott Bonvoy rewards program. 

This article is a beginner's guide to the Marriott points direction.   

Marriott hotel landscape in Hawaii, looking out past shady seating areas to the ocean. From Marriott Points Guide For Beginners.

The Marriott Bonvoy Rewards System  

 Whether you're a long-term Marriott customer or have recently joined the loyalty program, you may want to know how to get the most out of your stays and what are the best ways to redeem your Marriott points. 

To start with, The Marriott Bonvoy Rewards System is designed for members and frequent travelers. The reward program is a way to give rewards to members for their loyalty towards the brand.  

In 2019, the old Marriott rewards program was merged with Starwood Preferred Guest and Ritz-Carlton Rewards to form the most extensive hotel loyalty program.  

The Marriott Bonvoy rewards system is considered one of the best loyalty programs because of its extensive portfolio of hotels, the variety of opportunities for earning reward points, and several redemption options for your points.   

One of the Marriott Bonvoy rewards program's critical features is that it has a concise reward chart that clearly defines how many points you need to stay in each property. This reward system also ensures that the elite status levels are well guarded. Though there are several ways to earn the Marriott reward points, you can only reach a few tiers without physically staying in the properties consistently. This is especially beneficial for people who travel frequently. Thus, the fewer the people with the elite status, the more valuable it is.  

How Much Are Marriott Bonvoy Points Worth? 

Experts suggest that the Marriott Bonvoy point may be worth .9 cents per point. This is considered the baseline value for Marriott points and not a maximized amount. This means that to ensure that you get the right worth for your points, consider using them for award bookings that offer .9 cents or more from your Marriott reward points. You may also sell your Marriott points here

A Marriott Bonvoy golf cart waits is available to transport resort guests around the property at the Sheraton Full Moon Resort, North Male Atoll, Maldives. From Marriott Points Guide For Beginners
A Marriott Bonvoy golf cart waits is available to transport resort guests around the property at the Sheraton Full Moon Resort, North Male Atoll, Maldives

Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status  

The Marriott Bonvoy system consists of five elite levels. These are; silver elite status, gold elite status, platinum elite status, titanium elite status, and ambassador elite status.  
• Silver Elite Status: The silver elite status is reached after ten qualifying nights. The benefits of this include, 10% points bonus from your stays at several properties, late check out, and elite reservations. 
 
• Gold Elite Status: You may earn the gold elite status by staying 25 nights in a year. The benefits are a 25% points bonus from stays, priority late check-out, welcome gift, extra points, or enhanced room upgrade based on availability.  
 
• Platinum Elite Status: This is earned after 50 qualifying nights in a year. The platinum elite status guests get a 50% points bonus from stays, a welcome gift of extra points, breakfast offering or a welcome amenity, late check out, and enhanced room upgrades. These guests may also get lounge access and an annual choice benefit selection upon qualification.  
 
• Titanium Elite Status: Titanium elite status can be earned after 75 qualifying nights. Besides all the benefits of the platinum elite status, the titanium elite members get a second-choice benefit selection upon qualification.  
 
• Ambassador Elite Status: For customers who spend at least 100 nights at Marriott properties, they get the ambassador elite status. Besides all the benefits of the titanium elite status, they also receive 24 hours concierge service during their stays.  

How To Earn Marriott Bonvoy Points? 

Here are some of the effective ways to earn Marriott Bonvoy points:

• Stay At Marriott Hotels 
One of the best ways to earn reward points is to stay at the Marriott properties. This way, you may earn 10 points per dollar spent if you stay at Marriott properties. However, the base value may be lesser for budget hotels, like Residence Inn. 

• Use The Marriott Credit Card  
Several credit cards can be used to earn Marriott Bonvoy points: 
o The Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card: This is the best card option for those guests looking for a no-fee option. 
o The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card: This card has a modest annual fee.  
o The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card: This card is ideal for members looking for exclusive perks  
 
• Organizing Events 
Event planners can earn 2 points per dollar spent on any qualifying event held at a Marriott property. The maximum base earning per event is 60,000 points. You can also earn an elite night credit for every 20 rooms you may book for the event.  

• Transfer Credit Card Points 
Marriott is a transfer partner for American Express Credit card rewards and Chase Ultimate rewards. Thus, you can turn your credit card reward points to Marriott reward points.  

Using Marriott Points 

You can use your Marriott points in several ways, from using them for hotel stays to transferring them to airline partners. Some of the best ways to use your reward points are: 
• Airline Transfer Partners  
You may transfer Mariott points to around 40 airline partners. For three reward points, you'll get one frequent flyer mile. You may also use these reward points for airfare or car rentals. 

• Hotel Stays 
You may redeem your reward points for hotel stays. However, to ensure that you're getting the right value for your points, consider redeeming them for a stay of five consecutive nights so that you get the fifth night free.  

Facade of the Marriott hotel in the ski resort Krasnaya Polyana in Sochi. From Marriott Points Guide For Beginners
Facade of the Marriott hotel in the ski resort Krasnaya Polyana in Sochi

 

The Marriott Bonvoy rewards program won the best loyalty program due to its quality of the elite status system and the value of the points system compared to other loyalty programs. The Marriott rewards program is a valuable program for frequent business and leisure travelers, and is worth investing in. The points earned through the Marriott Bonvoy program can be used to save money on both travel and stay.