Program Overivew

In 2016, Marriott International purchased Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, which led to speculation about how the integration of the loyalty programs would occur. By 2018, Marriott and Starwood had integrated their loyalty programs, which allowed members of one program to earn and redeem points at hotels under the other brand. Marriott Rewards and Ritz-Carlton Rewards were combined with Starwood Preferred Guest points being transferable to Marriott Rewards points at a rate of 1:3. Marriott introduced the new Marriott Bonvoy program in January 2019, which combined all loyalty programs and points currency. The Marriott Bonvoy program allows members to earn and redeem points at more than 7,000 hotels across the Marriott brand. The hotels are categorized from 1 to 8, with the cost of the room in points being determined by the hotel's tier. Marriott Bonvoy has six membership tiers: Member, Silver Elite, Gold Elite, Platinum Elite, Titanium Elite, and Ambassador Elite. Each tier has different requirements for earning status, and each offers different perks and rewards.

Marriott Bonvoy tiers, explained

The new Marriott Bonvoy program has six membership tiers, each with its own requirements for earning that status as well as different perks and rewards. For a full list of amenities, check out Marriott Bonvoy’s membership site. Here’s what to expect at each membership tier.

• Member
• Silver Elite
• Gold Elite
• Platinum Elite
• Titanium Elite
• Ambassador Elite

Member (0 to 9 nights stayed per year)

This is the status that you’re automatically granted when you sign up for the Marriott Bonvoy program, which you can do for free. The only perks you get with this status is free wifi and member-only rates.

Silver Elite (10 to 24 nights stayed per year)

When you stay 10 or more nights at a Marriott property or by having any Marriott credit card, you’ll earn Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. This tier offers a 10% bonus on the points you earn, late checkout, and a dedicated reservation line.

Silver is also the first status that provides access to Marriott’s Ultimate Reservation Guarantee, which provides compensation (cash, points, or both) and a free night at a nearby hotel if a Marriott property isn’t able to honor your reservation.

Gold Elite (25 to 49 nights stayed per year)

Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status is where you start to get some truly significant benefits. You’ll get a 25% bonus on the points you earn, a 2 p.m. late checkout, 250 to 500 bonus points as a welcome amenity, and room upgrades (not including suites)

Platinum Elite (50 to 74 nights stayed per year)

As mentioned, Platinum Elite status will get you complimentary breakfast at most Marriott hotels, along with a 50% bonus on the points you earn.

You’ll also get access to the hotel’s executive lounge, 4 p.m. late checkout, and advanced room upgrades.

With 50 nights stayed, you also earn an annual choice benefit, which allows you to select from five Suite Night Awards, giving the gift of Silver Elite status, 40% off your favorite mattress, five Elite Night Credits, or a $100 charity donation.

Titanium Elite (75 to 99 nights stayed per year)

Titanium Elite members earn a 75% bonus on points earned along with all the benefits of the lower tiers. Customers in this tier get a 4 p.m. late checkout, as well as a 48-hour room guarantee and higher priority for room and suite upgrades. At 75 nights, Marriott guests will receive another annual choice benefit, with the same selection as the previous benefit, however now you can choose a free night certificate up to 50,000 points.

Ambassador Elite (100 nights stayed and $23,000 spent per year)

For significant road warriors, Marriott Bonvoy offers the Ambassador Elite tier. Ambassador Elite members have very similar benefits to Titanium Elites, but they also have a dedicated Marriott Ambassador; you’ll always have a Marriott representative you can call when there are problems on the road.

Like many hotel chains, the Marriott Bonvoy program also offers “lifetime” status, where you can earn permanent elite status based on how many nights you book over several years. There are three different lifetime statuses you can earn:

• Lifetime Silver Elite: 250 Lifetime Nights (total nights stayed at Marriott hotels ever) and five years of Elite status
• Lifetime Gold Elite: 400 Lifetime Nights and seven years of Gold Elite status or higher
• Lifetime Platinum Elite: 600 Lifetime Nights and 10 years of Platinum Elite status or higher

Marriott Bonvoy promotions and bonuses

In addition to earning points through hotel stays and credit card spending, Marriott Bonvoy members can also take advantage of various promotions and bonuses to earn additional points. Here are some current and past promotions:

• Double points promotion: Members can earn double points on eligible stays at participating hotels.
• Welcome back bonus: Members can earn up to 3,000 points on their first eligible stay after registering for the promotion.
• Marriott Bonvoy Escapes: Members can save up to 25% on stays at participating hotels around the world.
• PointSavers: Members can save up to 33% on points when booking award stays at participating hotels.
• Free night awards: Marriott Bonvoy credit cardholders can earn free night awards as a benefit of their card.

Marriott Bonvoy program pros and cons

Pros:

• Large network of hotels: With more than 7,000 hotels around the world, Marriott Bonvoy offers plenty of options for travelers.
• Valuable redemption options: Marriott Bonvoy points can be redeemed for free or discounted hotel stays, airline miles, vacation packages, and more.
• Co-branded credit cards: Marriott Bonvoy credit cards offer various perks and benefits for cardholders, including free night awards and elite status.
• Elite status benefits: Marriott Bonvoy offers a range of benefits and perks for elite members, including room upgrades, late checkout, and bonus points.

Cons:

• Point values can vary: The value of Marriott Bonvoy points can vary depending on the hotel and redemption option, which can make it difficult to determine the best way to use your points.
• Limited elite breakfast benefit: Unlike some other hotel loyalty programs, Marriott Bonvoy’s Gold Elite status (which is required for complimentary breakfast) doesn’t offer free breakfast at all properties.
• Category changes: Marriott Bonvoy hotels can be re-categorized at any time, which can affect the number of points required for a free stay.
• Complex program: With multiple elite tiers, credit cards, and redemption options, Marriott Bonvoy can be a complex program to navigate.

Marriott Bonvoy credit cards

Marriott offers a variety of co-branded credit cards through its partnership with Chase. The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card are both issued by Chase and offer various perks and benefits for cardholders. Here are some key features of each card:

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

• 6X points per dollar spent at participating Marriott hotels
• 2X points per dollar spent on all other purchases
• Free night award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary
• Automatic Silver Elite status
• 15 elite night credits each calendar year
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Marriott Bonvoy Business Credit Card

• 6X points per dollar spent at participating Marriott hotels
• 4X points for each dollar of eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services and shipping
• 2X point per dollar spent on all other purchases
• Free night award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary
• Automatic Gold Elite status
• 15 elite night credits each calendar year
• Receive a 7% discount off standard rates

Both cards also offer various travel and purchase protections, such as trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, and purchase protection.

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