Once you have chosen a particular hotel for your trip, there are still important considerations to make when booking your stay. While comparing room rates on different websites and using award calculators to evaluate the value of points are common practices, one aspect that may be overlooked is the value provided by your hotel elite status when booking directly. In this guide, we will explore the value that Marriott Bonvoy elite status offers when booking a qualifying stay at a Marriott hotel or resort.
Marriott elite status provides benefits in two main areas: earnings and on-site perks. Estimating the exact value of these perks can be challenging as it varies for each Marriott Bonvoy member and stay. However, you can evaluate the elite status perks you plan to use during a specific stay and estimate the value they will likely provide when deciding how to book.
To provide a rough estimate, if you spend an average of $150 per night on eligible purchases ($195 per night for Ambassador Elite members), the estimated value of Marriott Bonvoy elite status is as follows:
– Silver Elite: $3 per night
– Gold Elite: $27 per night
– Platinum Elite: $42 per night
– Titanium Elite: $52 per night
– Ambassador Elite: $54 per night
At first glance, these valuations may seem low, but let’s consider the value of Platinum Elite status at around $42 per night. As a Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite member, you can enjoy a 50% points bonus on stays, guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout, lounge access, space-available upgrades, breakfast for two at most brands, and more. These perks can provide significant value, especially breakfast for two, which alone can be worth at least $42 per night at some hotels. Upgrades and lounge access can also offer excellent value, particularly when traveling internationally. Additionally, the guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout can be valuable before a late-night flight. It’s important to note that there may be some stays where Platinum Elite members won’t receive $42 worth of value from their status per night.
A significant portion of the value attributed to each status tier per night is based on the bonus points earned. Marriott members earn points at varying rates based on the brand and their elite status. For example, Marriott Executive Apartments, Homes & Villas by Marriott, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Element, Protea Hotels, and City Express earn points at different rates for each elite status tier.
If you frequently redeem Marriott points for stays instead of booking paid rates, you may find that the estimated values for each status tier are too high. In such cases, you can adjust the bonus points in the calculation or remove them entirely. For example, removing bonus points from the calculation reduces the value of Platinum Elite status to $35 per night and Titanium Elite status to $43 per night.
Considering the value of the points earned is also crucial when deciding how to book your stay. Different Marriott brands earn points at different rates, as discussed earlier. Assuming that points are worth approximately 0.84 cents each, you can calculate the value of the points earned based on the elite status tier. For instance, a member without elite status would earn 1,000 points worth $8 for $100 in purchases, while a Platinum Elite member would earn 1,500 points worth $13.
It’s important to note that to receive elite benefits and earnings on your Marriott stays, you must book and stay on a qualifying rate. Non-qualifying rates, such as bookings made through third-party channels or as part of an event or organized tour, do not qualify for elite benefits and earnings.
To earn Marriott elite status, you must meet specific requirements each calendar year. The requirements for each elite status tier are as follows:
– Silver Elite status: 10 nights
– Gold Elite status: 25 nights
– Platinum Elite status: 50 nights
– Titanium Elite status: 75 nights
– Ambassador Elite status: 100 nights and $23,000 in qualifying spending
Meeting these requirements grants you Marriott elite status for the rest of the current calendar year, the entire following year, and two months into the subsequent year. Alternatively, you can obtain Marriott elite status through certain travel rewards cards that offer elite status as a benefit. These cards also provide elite night credits that can help you earn higher tiers of Marriott elite status.
In conclusion, when booking a stay at a Marriott hotel or resort, it is essential to consider the value provided by your Marriott Bonvoy elite status. While the exact value may vary depending on your specific perks and preferences, evaluating the perks you plan to use and estimating their value can help you make an informed decision on how to book your stay. Additionally, considering the value of the points earned and ensuring that your stay qualifies for elite benefits and earnings are crucial factors to consider.