Marriott Bonvoy is one of the most well-established hotel loyalty programs globally, offering a range of benefits, rewards, and exclusive perks to travelers. Whether you’re a frequent business traveler or a leisure tourist, Marriott Bonvoy provides opportunities to earn points and unlock valuable rewards that enhance your stay. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the program, from how to earn points to how you can redeem them for unforgettable experiences.
What is Marriott Bonvoy?
Launched in 2019, Marriott Bonvoy is the loyalty program of Marriott International, a leading global hotel chain that includes over 30 brands such as Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton, Courtyard by Marriott, and Westin. The program replaced Marriott Rewards, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards, and Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) to create a unified platform for all Marriott properties.
The Bonvoy program allows members to accumulate points for every stay at Marriott hotels and resorts. These points can then be redeemed for free nights, room upgrades, experiences, and even airline miles. Additionally, Bonvoy members receive benefits ranging from exclusive discounts to premium services depending on their membership level.
How to Join Marriott Bonvoy
Joining Marriott Bonvoy is free and simple. You can sign up for the program through the official Marriott Bonvoy website or via the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app. Once you sign up, you can start earning points immediately. You’ll also gain access to personalized offers and promotions tailored to your preferences and travel habits.
How to Earn Marriott Bonvoy Points
- Staying at Marriott Hotels
The primary way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points is by booking stays at any of Marriott’s 30+ hotel brands. Members earn points based on the price of their room, excluding taxes and fees. Points are awarded as follows:- 10 points per dollar spent at most hotels in the Marriott portfolio.
- Higher earning rates at certain brands, like Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis, where you can earn up to 15 points per dollar spent.
- Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards
One of the most effective ways to accumulate points quickly is by using a Marriott Bonvoy credit card. These cards, issued in partnership with American Express, allow you to earn points on every purchase. Certain cards also offer substantial sign-up bonuses. The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, for example, offers a welcome bonus of up to 100,000 points after meeting spending requirements. - Bonus Points Offers
Marriott regularly offers promotions that allow members to earn bonus points for specific activities, such as staying at particular properties, booking for multiple nights, or during special promotions. Keep an eye on your email inbox or the Marriott Bonvoy website to take advantage of these offers. - Partner Offers
Marriott Bonvoy has partnerships with airlines, car rental companies, and other travel-related services that allow you to earn points for booking with these partners. You can transfer your points to frequent flyer programs, or even use them for experiences such as concert tickets or guided tours.
Marriott Bonvoy Membership Tiers
Marriott Bonvoy offers multiple membership levels, each offering progressively more valuable benefits. The levels are:
- Member
This is the basic level that all new members join. As a Member, you earn points for your stays, enjoy mobile check-in, and receive special offers. - Silver Elite
To achieve Silver Elite status, you need to earn 10 nights within a calendar year. Silver Elite members receive perks like 10% bonus points on eligible stays, priority late check-out, and a dedicated customer service phone line. - Gold Elite
Gold Elite status requires 25 nights per year. Benefits include a 25% bonus on points, room upgrades when available, and enhanced Wi-Fi access. - Platinum Elite
Platinum Elite members must stay 50 nights per year. In addition to a 50% points bonus, these members receive free breakfast (at select hotels), complimentary room upgrades (including suites), and guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout. - Titanium Elite
Titanium Elite status is awarded after 75 nights per year. Members enjoy all Platinum Elite benefits, plus a 75% points bonus, better room upgrades, and enhanced recognition at check-in. - Ambassador Elite
This is the highest tier in Marriott Bonvoy, achieved by staying 100 nights and spending $20,000 in a calendar year. Ambassador Elite members receive a personal ambassador who assists with travel arrangements, in addition to all the benefits of Titanium Elite members.
How to Redeem Marriott Bonvoy Points
- Free Nights
The most common use of Marriott Bonvoy points is for free nights at Marriott hotels. The number of points required depends on the hotel category and the time of year. Hotels are categorized from 1 to 8, with category 1 hotels being the least expensive in terms of points. A free night redemption can range anywhere from 7,500 points at a category 1 hotel to 85,000 points or more for a luxury hotel in category 8. - Room Upgrades
Marriott Bonvoy members can use their points to upgrade their rooms, subject to availability. Platinum Elite and higher members have a higher chance of receiving free upgrades, especially at premium properties. - Experiences and Events
Marriott Bonvoy also offers a wide range of experiences that you can redeem your points for. These include tickets to concerts, exclusive culinary experiences, sports events, and even private tours. - Transfer Points
Members can transfer points to over 40 airline partners, allowing for the redemption of points toward flights. The transfer ratio varies depending on the airline, but typically, it’s 3 Bonvoy points for 1 airline mile. - Travel Packages
Marriott also offers travel packages where you can exchange points for a combination of hotel stays and airline miles, giving you more flexibility for your travel plans.
Marriott Bonvoy: Why It’s Worth It
Marriott Bonvoy offers substantial benefits to both casual travelers and frequent flyers. With a vast network of properties around the world, it’s easy to earn and redeem points no matter where your travels take you. The program’s different tiers provide progressively better rewards, with the highest elite status offering luxury experiences like personal ambassadors and exclusive upgrades.
If you frequently stay at Marriott hotels, use a Marriott Bonvoy credit card, or plan to transfer points to an airline for future travel, the Marriott Bonvoy program is an excellent way to make the most out of your travel spending.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re enjoying a weekend getaway or embarking on an international adventure, Marriott Bonvoy can help you get more out of your travels. With its wide range of earning and redemption opportunities, the program caters to both occasional guests and seasoned road warriors. If you haven’t yet joined, it’s never too late to start earning rewards and exploring the world with Marriott Bonvoy.