There are two primary ways to book “free” stays at Marriott properties worldwide: You can redeem Marriott Bonvoy points, and you can use free night awards. The latter are earned from activities like renewing your Marriott credit card membership each year or meeting an annual spending threshold.
Marriott offers several credit cards that provide free night awards annually. The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Card offer a 50,000-point certificate after spending $15,000 per cardmember year. Plus, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card has a welcome offer of five free night awards — each night is valued up to 50,000 points — after spending $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months.
Depending on which hotel you decide to use the award redemption at, this could amount to several hundred dollars in value. However, it’s important to note that certain hotels have mandatory resort charges that you’ll have to pay on top of the points.
Marriott no longer has an award chart, so hotel prices are hard to pin down. However, there are several hotels that reliably make for a great redemption with 50,000-point certificates. Additionally, Marriott allows you to combine free night awards with up to 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, meaning you can use them to reserve hotels that cost up to 65,000 points per night.
Let’s take a look at some properties that represent great uses of these valuable certificates:
1. JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa: This luxury hotel is located in Jeju, South Korea. It offers a unique experience as it is situated on a private island. The hotel is upscale and relaxed, providing a James Bond-esque ambiance. Water taxis to and from St. Mark’s Square are free to use, allowing guests to experience the excitement of the city.
2. JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa: Located on a private island in the Venetian Lagoon in Italy, this luxury hotel can only be accessed by boat. It offers a tranquil and luxurious experience, with water taxis available for transportation to and from Venice proper.
3. JW Marriott Marquis Miami: Situated in downtown Miami, this glassy tower hotel is near many cultural attractions. It features two restaurants, including one helmed by James Beard award-winning chef Daniel Boulud. The hotel also boasts a state-of-the-art fitness center with a rooftop pool offering sweeping views of Biscayne Bay.
4. The Ritz-Carlton, Bali: This upscale hotel in the Nusa Dua area of Bali, Indonesia, offers a luxurious experience with every room being either a suite or a villa. The property features six on-site dining options, a pristine beach, and unique service programs that allow guests to give back to the local community.
5. Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa: This relatively new hotel in the Maldives offers a luxury experience at a steal of a price. The island has six restaurants and cafes, multiple pools, a gym overlooking turquoise water, and standard Maldives amenities such as a diving center and free water sports.
6. The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama: Located on Spain’s Tenerife Island, this beautifully pink, Moorish-style palace offers a laid-back European island vacation. The resort has six bars and restaurants, including one with two Michelin stars, multiple pools, a fitness center, and access to golf and tennis facilities.
7. Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Valle Sagrado: This resort in Peru offers a unique experience in the Sacred Valley. Guests can use the hotel’s own train station to reach Machu Picchu and explore the ancient Inca people’s homeland. The resort features stunning views of the Andes, two on-property bars and restaurants, and a spa for relaxation.
Marriott’s free night awards have always been valuable, and with the ability to combine certificates with Marriott Bonvoy points, you can book more hotels than ever. Just keep in mind that some hotels have resort fees that you’ll have to pay on top of the points. Overall, these properties represent great uses of Marriott’s free night awards, allowing you to experience luxury and relaxation without breaking the bank.