Unlock Your Travel Dreams: A Comprehensive Guide to Using Marriott Bonvoy Points
Have you ever dreamt of a luxurious getaway, a cozy staycation, or even an adventurous escape, all without breaking the bank? If you're a Marriott Bonvoy member, those dreams are closer than you think! Your Marriott Bonvoy points are a powerful currency, opening doors to incredible experiences around the globe. This guide will walk you through, step-by-step, exactly how to maximize the value of your hard-earned points.
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| How Do I Use Points On Marriott Bonvoy |
Step 1: Discover Your Point Power – Check Your Balance!
Before you start planning your grand adventure, let's confirm you're ready to roll! The very first thing you need to do is log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account.
How to check your point balance:
Online: Head over to the official Marriott Bonvoy website (
marriott.com/loyalty.mi Mobile App: Download and open the Marriott Bonvoy app on your smartphone. Log in, and your points balance will be visible right on the home screen.
Customer Service: If you prefer a human touch, you can always call Marriott Bonvoy customer service, provide your membership details, and they'll be happy to assist you.
Knowing your balance is key as it helps you determine what kind of redemptions are within your reach. Are you close to a free night at a high-end resort, or perhaps enough for a few nights at a more budget-friendly option?
Step 2: Unveiling Redemption Options – More Than Just Free Nights!
While free hotel nights are undoubtedly the most popular and often the most valuable way to use your Marriott Bonvoy points, the program offers a surprising array of other redemption possibilities. Understanding these options will help you make the most strategic choices.
Sub-heading: Hotel Stays – Your Gateway to Free Nights
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This is the bread and butter of Marriott Bonvoy. You can use your points for:
Free Night Awards (Points Only): This is the classic redemption. You simply use your points to cover the entire cost of a hotel room. Marriott no longer has a fixed award chart, meaning prices are dynamic and can vary based on demand, season, and property. However, a fantastic benefit is the "Stay for 5, Pay for 4" — when you redeem points for five consecutive nights, the lowest point-value night is complimentary! This can significantly stretch your points.
Cash + Points: If you don't have enough points for a full free night, or if you want to conserve some for another trip, this option allows you to combine a smaller amount of points with a cash payment. This can be a great way to access a higher-tier hotel or extend your stay.
PointSavers: Keep an eye out for PointSavers. These are special promotional rates that offer a discount on the usual point redemption cost for specific hotels and dates. They are usually limited-time offers, so act fast if you see a good one!
Room Upgrades: At select hotels and resorts, you can use points to upgrade your room to a better view, a larger space, or even a suite. This is often done at the time of booking or upon check-in, subject to availability.
Sub-heading: Beyond the Room – Experiences, Travel, and More!
Marriott Bonvoy points aren't just for sleeping!
Marriott Bonvoy Moments: This is where the program truly shines for unique experiences. You can bid on or instantly redeem points for exclusive access to culinary events, sporting events, concerts, VIP experiences, and more. These can offer incredible value and unforgettable memories.
Transfer to Airline Partners: Have a specific flight in mind? You can transfer your Marriott Bonvoy points to over 39 airline loyalty programs, typically at a 3:1 ratio (3 Marriott Bonvoy points = 1 airline mile). Plus, you often get a bonus of 5,000 miles for every 60,000 Bonvoy points transferred. This is an excellent option if you're looking to book a high-value flight redemption, especially in business or first class.
Car Rentals and Cruises: Through the Marriott Bonvoy travel portal, you can use your points to book car rentals or even cruises. While generally not the best value for your points compared to hotel stays, it offers flexibility if you have excess points or specific travel needs.
Shop with Points: You can redeem points for merchandise, gift cards from popular retailers, and even TSA PreCheck application fees. However, these redemptions typically offer a lower value per point compared to hotel stays or airline transfers, so consider them a last resort.
Instant Redemption: During your stay at participating hotels, you can use points for incidental charges like dining, spa treatments, or other services that can be charged to your room.
Step 3: The Art of Searching – Finding Your Ideal Redemption
Now that you know your options, let's find that perfect redemption!
Sub-heading: Searching for Hotel Stays
Visit Marriott.com or use the Marriott Bonvoy App: This is your primary tool.
Enter your Destination and Dates: Be as flexible as possible with your dates if you're looking for the best point values. The "Flexible Dates" option can show you a range of dates with available award nights.
Crucial Step: Toggle "Use Points/Awards": On the search criteria screen, make sure to check or toggle on the "Use Points/Awards" box. This will display results in points rather than cash.
Browse Results: The search results will show you available hotels and the minimum points required per stay. You can sort by points cost, brand, or other filters.
Select Your Hotel and Room Type: Click on your desired hotel to see available room types and their corresponding point costs. You'll also see options for "Points Only" or "Cash + Points" if available.
Confirm Your Booking: Review all details and click "Book Now" to confirm your reservation. If you're using a Free Night Award certificate, it will automatically apply to the highest eligible night of your stay.
Sub-heading: Navigating Other Redemptions
Marriott Bonvoy Moments: Go to the "Marriott Bonvoy Moments" section on the Marriott website or app. You'll find a curated list of experiences, often with options to bid via auction or redeem at a fixed point price.
Airline Transfers: Visit the "Transfer Points to Miles" section within the "Use Points" area of your Marriott Bonvoy account. Select your desired airline partner and follow the instructions to transfer. Be aware that transfers can take a few business days.
Other Travel (Car/Cruise): Look for the "Travel" section within the "Use Points" menu on the Marriott website.
Shopping/Gift Cards/TSA PreCheck: These options are usually found under "Shop with Points" or "Other Ways to Use Your Points" on the Marriott Bonvoy redemption page.
QuickTip: Use CTRL + F to search for keywords quickly.
Step 4: Smart Redemption Strategies – Maximizing Your Point Value
Not all redemptions are created equal. To get the most out of your Marriott Bonvoy points, consider these strategies:
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Target High-Value Hotel Stays: Generally, redeeming points for luxury hotels or properties in high-demand areas can yield a better value per point compared to budget hotels. Always compare the cash rate to the point rate to calculate the "cents per point" value you're getting.
Leverage "Stay for 5, Pay for 4": This is arguably the best sweet spot for hotel redemptions. Always aim for five-night stays when possible to maximize this benefit.
Be Flexible with Dates: As point prices are dynamic, being flexible with your travel dates (especially avoiding peak seasons, holidays, and major events) can significantly reduce the number of points required for a stay.
Consider PointSavers: Regularly check for these promotional rates. They can offer a fantastic discount on your point redemption.
Strategic Airline Transfers: While hotel stays are often the best value, transferring points to airlines can be highly rewarding for aspirational premium cabin redemptions where cash prices are exceedingly high. Research specific airline award charts before transferring to ensure a good deal.
Avoid Low-Value Redemptions: Unless absolutely necessary, try to avoid redeeming points for merchandise or gift cards. The value you get for your points is typically much lower than for travel.
Combine Points from Spouses/Partners: Marriott Bonvoy allows members to transfer up to 100,000 points per year to another member's account. This is a great way to pool points with a partner to reach a higher-value redemption faster, especially if one person has Elite status to enjoy additional perks.
Step 5: Finalizing Your Booking and Enjoying Your Stay!
Once you've found your ideal redemption and are ready to book:
Review Details Carefully: Double-check your dates, hotel, room type, and the total points required.
Confirm Personal Information: Ensure your name, contact details, and any special requests are accurate.
Add Any Special Requests: If you have preferences for bed type, a specific floor, or other needs, add them to your reservation.
Confirm and Receive Confirmation: Once you click "Book Now" (or similar), you'll receive a confirmation number and an email with your reservation details. Save this information!
Prepare for Your Trip: With your points redeemed, all that's left is to pack your bags and look forward to your fantastic Marriott Bonvoy experience!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related FAQ questions with quick answers to further assist you:
How to check my Marriott Bonvoy point balance?
You can check your point balance by logging into your Marriott Bonvoy account on the official Marriott website or through the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app. Your balance will be displayed on your dashboard.
Tip: Read the whole thing before forming an opinion.
How to book a free night with Marriott Bonvoy points?
Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account, search for your desired destination and dates, and make sure to toggle on the "Use Points/Awards" option before clicking "Find Hotels." Then, select your preferred hotel and room type.
How to use the "Stay for 5, Pay for 4" benefit?
When booking a five-night stay using only points, the "Stay for 5, Pay for 4" benefit is automatically applied, meaning the night with the lowest point value among the five will be complimentary. Simply book five consecutive nights with points.
How to redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for Cash + Points?
When searching for a hotel stay with points, if the "Cash + Points" option is available for a particular hotel and room type, it will appear as a redemption choice alongside the "Points Only" option.
How to find Marriott Bonvoy PointSavers rates?
PointSavers rates are dynamic and appear during your hotel search when you've selected the "Use Points/Awards" option. Keep an eye out for these marked deals, as they offer reduced point requirements for specific dates and properties.
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How to transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to airline miles?
Navigate to the "Transfer Points to Miles" section on the Marriott Bonvoy website within the "Use Points" area. Select the airline program you wish to transfer to and follow the instructions. Remember the typical 3:1 transfer ratio and the 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 points transferred.
How to use Marriott Bonvoy points for room upgrades?
Room upgrades using points are subject to availability and can sometimes be requested at the time of booking or upon check-in. This option is available at select participating hotels and resorts.
How to access Marriott Bonvoy Moments experiences?
Visit the dedicated "Marriott Bonvoy Moments" section on the Marriott website. Here you can browse available experiences and either bid on them via auction or redeem them at a fixed point price.
How to share Marriott Bonvoy points with another member?
Marriott Bonvoy allows members to transfer up to 100,000 points per calendar year to another member's account. This can typically be done through your online account or by contacting customer service.
How to ensure I get the best value for my Marriott Bonvoy points?
To ensure the best value, prioritize redeeming points for hotel stays (especially with the "Stay for 5, Pay for 4" benefit), particularly at luxury properties or during peak seasons where cash rates are high. Compare the cash price to the points required to calculate the "cents per point" value. Avoid merchandise redemptions if possible.
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