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 certificates 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. The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card typically offers a 35,000-point award stay every year upon account renewal. However, it currently has a welcome offer of five free night awards, each valued up to 50,000 points, after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first 3 months.
Depending on the hotel you choose, these certificates can provide several hundred dollars in value. But how do you decide which hotel to use them at? In this article, we will explore some properties that represent great uses of these valuable certificates.
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.
The JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa is one such property. Located in South Korea, this luxury resort offers a unique experience on the island of Jeju. With a private island location and a boat-only access, it provides an exclusive and luxurious stay. The JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa in Italy is another great option. Situated on a private island in the Venetian Lagoon, this hotel offers a James Bond-esque experience. With free water taxis to and from St. Mark’s Square, you can enjoy the excitement of Venice while staying in a relaxed and upscale environment.
The JW Marriott Marquis Miami is a glassy tower in downtown Miami that offers easy access to the city’s cultural attractions. With its two restaurants, state-of-the-art fitness center, and rooftop pool with sweeping views of Biscayne Bay, it provides a luxurious and convenient stay. The Ritz-Carlton, Bali is located in the upscale Nusa Dua area and offers rooms that are either suites or villas, most of which feature private plunge pools. With six on-site dining options and a beautiful beach, guests will never run out of things to do.
Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa is a relatively new hotel that offers incredible value for its points rates. With six restaurants, pools, and a gym overlooking turquoise water, it provides a luxurious and relaxing stay. The Ritz-Carlton Abama in Tenerife, Spain, is a pink, Moorish-style palace set on cliffs above the sea. With its multiple pools, Michelin-starred restaurant, and nearby golf and tennis facilities, it is the perfect spot for a laid-back European island vacation.
Finally, Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa in Peru, offers a unique experience in the Sacred Valley. With its own train station to reach Machu Picchu, guests can explore the ancient Inca ruins while enjoying the comforts of a luxury resort. From breathtaking views of the Andes to indulgent spa treatments, this hotel provides an unforgettable stay.
In conclusion, Marriott’s free night awards can provide great value when used wisely. With the ability to combine certificates with points, you can book a variety of luxurious hotels worldwide. Whether you choose to stay in a private island resort, a city tower with panoramic views, or a historic palace, Marriott properties offer unforgettable experiences for your “free” stays. Just remember to check for any additional resort fees that may apply.