Achieving Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite status is a significant accomplishment for any frequent traveler. It's the highest tier of elite status in the Marriott Bonvoy program and comes with exclusive, personalized perks. However, it requires a serious commitment to Marriott properties, both in terms of nights stayed and money spent.
Becoming a Marriott Ambassador is a marathon, not a sprint. It's a goal that requires planning and a strategic approach throughout the year. Let's break down the journey to this top-tier status.
*** ### Step 1: Understand the Requirements
The first thing you need to do is get familiar with the exact criteria for earning this elite status. It's not just about staying a lot; there are two key metrics you must meet within a single calendar year.
The Two Key Requirements
100 Elite Night Credits: You need to accumulate 100 qualifying nights at Marriott properties. These nights can be a combination of paid stays, award stays, and nights earned from co-branded credit cards.
$23,000 USD in Annual Qualifying Spend: This is the crucial second component. The spend requirement is based on eligible charges made during your stays. This includes the room rate, as well as incidental charges like dining and spa services that are charged to your room folio. The spend must be at least $23,000 USD.
It's important to remember that both of these criteria must be met in the same calendar year to qualify for Ambassador Elite status.
*** ### Step 2: Strategize Your Elite Night Credits
Reaching 100 nights can seem daunting, but there are several ways to get there besides just staying 100 nights on your own dime.
Earn Nights with Credit Cards
This is one of the easiest ways to boost your night count. Many Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit cards offer a set number of elite night credits each year just for being a cardholder. For example, some cards offer 15 elite night credits annually, while others may offer more.
A powerful strategy is to have both a personal and a business Marriott credit card, as you can often stack the credits from both cards. This can give you a significant head start, potentially bringing you up to 40 or more nights without a single stay!
Book Paid and Award Stays
Tip: Let the key ideas stand out.
Both paid stays and award stays using your Marriott Bonvoy points count toward your elite night credits. When you book an award stay for four consecutive nights, you get the fifth night free, and all five nights count toward your elite status. This is a great way to maximize your points and night count simultaneously.
Leverage Annual Choice Benefits
When you reach 50 and 75 elite night credits in a calendar year, you get to choose an Annual Choice Benefit. At both of these milestones, one of the available options is to receive five additional elite night credits. Choosing this option twice can add 10 nights to your total, bringing you even closer to the 100-night goal.
*** ### Step 3: Monitor Your Annual Qualifying Spend
The $23,000 spend requirement is often the bigger hurdle for many people. It's not just about the room rate; you can and should be strategic about how you spend your money at Marriott properties.
Maximize Your On-Property Spending ️
The qualifying spend includes more than just the cost of your room. Be sure to charge any eligible expenses to your room folio. This can include:
Dining: Meals and drinks at hotel restaurants and bars.
Spa and Wellness: Spa treatments, gym access, and other wellness services.
Resort Fees: Any mandatory resort fees.
Other Incidental Charges: This might include things like parking or business center services.
By consistently charging these expenses to your room, you can more quickly reach the spending threshold.
Keep Track of Your Progress
It's crucial to regularly check your progress. You can easily do this on the Marriott Bonvoy website or through the mobile app. The app will show you how many nights and how much you've spent toward the annual requirements. Keep a close eye on this, especially as the year progresses, to see if you need to adjust your strategy.
*** ### Step 4: Enjoy the Perks of Ambassador Elite Status ✨
QuickTip: Reread for hidden meaning.
Once you achieve Ambassador Elite status, you unlock a suite of premium benefits that elevate your travel experience. These benefits go beyond the standard perks of other tiers.
Your Dedicated Ambassador Service
This is arguably the most valuable benefit. You're assigned a personal Ambassador who acts as a dedicated concierge. This person can help with everything from making complex reservations to arranging special requests and ensuring a seamless travel experience.
Your24™ ⏰
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This is another exclusive perk. It allows you to choose your check-in time and have your check-out time be the same time on your departure day, 24 hours later. For example, if you check in at 9 p.m., you can check out at 9 p.m. the next day. This is a game-changer for those with non-traditional travel schedules.
Other Noteworthy Benefits
You also receive all the benefits of the lower tiers, including:
75% bonus points on eligible hotel purchases.
Guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout (at most properties).
Complimentary room upgrades, including select suites, when available.
Lounge access and complimentary breakfast at brands with lounges.
It's clear that while the path to Ambassador Elite is challenging, the rewards are designed for the most loyal and frequent travelers.
*** ## Frequently Asked Questions
How to check my progress toward Ambassador Elite status?
QuickTip: A short pause boosts comprehension.
You can check your progress by logging into your Marriott Bonvoy account on the official website or through the mobile app. Your account dashboard will display your current elite night credits and your qualifying annual spend.
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| How Do You Get Marriott Ambassador |
How to earn elite night credits without staying at a hotel?
You can earn elite night credits through co-branded credit cards. Many of these cards offer 15 or more elite night credits annually just for being a cardholder.
How to make sure my spending counts toward the $23,000 requirement?
To ensure your spending counts, always charge eligible expenses like dining, spa treatments, and other incidentals to your room folio. The spending must be on qualifying charges at participating Marriott properties.
How to use the Annual Choice Benefit to help me qualify?
When you reach 50 and 75 elite night credits, choose the option for five additional elite night credits. This will add a total of 10 nights to your yearly count.
How to get an Ambassador once I qualify?
Once you meet both the night and spend requirements, you will be assigned an Ambassador. You'll receive a notification and can then contact your Ambassador directly through a dedicated email or phone number.
Tip: Reread the opening if you feel lost.
How to use Your24™?
You must request Your24™ through your Ambassador at least two days prior to your arrival. The benefit is based on availability at the specific property and brand.
How to get the most out of my Ambassador?
Communicate your travel needs and preferences to your Ambassador. They can assist with special requests, managing complex itineraries, and finding availability at sold-out properties.
How to get Ambassador status without the spend requirement?
It's not possible. Both the 100-night and the $23,000 annual spend requirements must be met to qualify for Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite status.
How to retain my Ambassador status?
To retain your status, you must meet the 100-night and $23,000 spend requirements each calendar year. Your status is valid for the remainder of the year in which it was earned and the following calendar year.
How to check which expenses are considered "qualifying spend"?
Qualifying spend typically includes room rates and eligible on-property expenses charged to your room folio. It's best to confirm with the hotel staff upon check-in or review the program's terms and conditions for a detailed list.
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