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Redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for best value
A program that's convenient to use and offers solid rewards.
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While Marriott Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest members have seen an increase in average point gains thanks to the Bonvoy rebranding, little has changed with the reward structure. That, unfortunately, means the value of Marriott Bonvoy points is still fairly average compared to some of the other hotel reward programs out there.
That said, you’re sure to find a good use for your points no matter where you are as the Marriott Bonvoy program is pretty ubiquitous.
Hotel award night requirements
After the Marriott Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest programs (SPG) merged, Marriott automatically converted SPG and Marriott Rewards points to the Bonvoy program and introduced a singular hotel awards chart for redemptions.
The chart below shows the number of points required for a single night at each hotel category, depending on how you book your stay.
| Hotel Category | PointSavers | Points | Cash+Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6,000 | 7,500 | $55 + 3,500 |
| 2 | 11,000 | 12,500 | $65 + 6,000 |
| 3 | 16,000 | 17,500 | $80 + 8,500 |
| 4 | 22,500 | 25,000 | $105 + 12,000 |
| 5 | 32,500 | 35,000 | $140 + 17,000 |
| 6 | 45,000 | 50,000 | $190 + 25,000 |
| 7 | 55,000 | 60,000 | $250 + 30,000 |
| 8 | 80,000 | 85,000 | $440 + 42,500 |
Data obtained March 2019. Values are subject to change and should be used only as a general guide.
Peak and off-peak requirements
As part of the Marriott Bonvoy rebranding, Marriott has added peak and off-peak point requirements on hotels, adjusting the number of points you’ll need for a one-night stay at a hotel depending on the season.
As of March 2019, Marriott hasn’t yet implemented this program, though their site slates the launch for this year.
| Hotel Category | Off peak (coming soon) | Standard | Peak (coming soon) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5,000 | 7,500 | 10,000 |
| 2 | 10,000 | 12,500 | 15,000 |
| 3 | 15,000 | 17,500 | 20,000 |
| 4 | 20,000 | 25,000 | 30,000 |
| 5 | 30,000 | 35,000 | 40,000 |
| 6 | 40,000 | 50,000 | 60,000 |
| 7 | 50,000 | 60,000 | 70,000 |
| 8 | 70,000 | 85,000 | 100,000 |
Data obtained March 2019. Values are subject to change and should be used only as a general guide.
Back to topHow to redeem points for maximum value
While the raw value of Marriott Bonvoy points isn’t the best on the market, there are still several ways to get the most bang for your buck.
Book a hotel during holidays
You can increase the value of your Bonvoy points by using them to book a hotel during an otherwise very expensive holiday season. There are no blackout dates for hotels, just be sure to book well in advance to reserve your nights.
Peak and off-peak award requirements will be implemented soon and could change the value of booking during holidays. Take advantage of this opportunity before rates change.
Book for reward nights
When you redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for four nights at an eligible hotel, you’ll receive a fifth night reward. This is particularly valuable on a higher tier hotel like the Ritz Carlton.
If you’re Marriott Bonvoy cardholder, you can couple this reward night with the night earned on your card account anniversary to stretch your points even further. The caveat is you can only redeem your reward night earned through your card on hotels that cost 35,000 points or less per night.
Book off-peak
While not yet implemented as of this writing, booking a hotel stay during the off-peak season will soon cost fewer points per night than a standard or peak rate. If you don’t mind booking your hotel stay during less busy months, you can increase the value of your points.
Transfer your points to airlines
Marriott has a wealth of airline partners that allow you to transfer your Bonvoy points to their frequent flyer program at a 3:1 ratio. The cherry on top is Marriott currently provides a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 points you transfer, meaning you’ll earn a cool 25,000 miles rather than 20,000.
Marriott is exclusive transfer partners with several popular airlines, including Korean Air, American Airlines and Alaska, making the Bonvoy program and credit cards a solid choice if you prefer flying with these airlines.
How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points
Marriott Bonvoy points
Aside from booking stays at Marriott hotels, spending with eligible credit cards is the most effective way to build your Bonvoy points. Check out our guide to earning Bonvoy points for even more ways to earn.
Back to topOur pick for a Marriott Bonvoy credit card
Compare Marriott Bonvoy and other credit cards
Marriott’s newly rebranded line of credit cards offers a straightforward and effective way of earning points to your Bonvoy account. These cards provide a boost to point bonuses on eligible Marriott purchases as well as earning potential on all other purchases.
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If you don’t want to fully invest in the Marriott Bonvoy program, there are other Chase and Amex cards that can help you earn and transfer points to your Bonvoy account. Points earned through these cards transfer to your Marriott Bonvoy account at a 1:1 ratio.
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Bottom line
The Marriott Bonvoy program offers several welcome offers, and ways to earn points. While the average redemption value isn’t the best on the market, Marriott’s large footprint means you’ll always have an attractive option for using your points.
If you’re looking for something else, compare travel credit cards and reward credit cards to find rewards program that best strikes your fancy and travel preferences.
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