Ready to unlock a world of elevated travel experiences? Ever dreamed of sprawling out in a luxurious suite instead of a standard room, all without breaking the bank? Marriott Bonvoy's Nightly Upgrade Awards (NUAs), formerly known as Suite Night Awards (SNAs), are your key to making those dreams a reality. These highly coveted certificates can transform your stay from ordinary to extraordinary, offering confirmed upgrades to premium rooms or even suites before you even arrive at the hotel! But how exactly do they work, and how can you maximize their value? Let's dive deep into the world of Marriott upgrade certificates with a comprehensive, step-by-step guide.
The Power of the Upgrade: Understanding Marriott Nightly Upgrade Awards
Marriott Bonvoy Nightly Upgrade Awards are a fantastic benefit for loyal Marriott guests. Unlike complimentary upgrades offered at check-in (which are always "subject to availability upon arrival" and often a roll of the dice), NUAs allow you to request and potentially confirm an upgrade well in advance of your stay. This gives you peace of mind and the exciting anticipation of a more spacious or luxurious room.
These awards are primarily earned as part of Marriott Bonvoy's Annual Choice Benefits for elite members, specifically at the Platinum Elite (50 elite nights) and Titanium Elite (75 elite nights) tiers. You can choose five NUAs as one of your benefit options. Additionally, certain Marriott co-branded credit cards may offer them as an earned choice award for significant spending.
It's crucial to understand that while they were once solely for suites, NUAs now cover a wider range of "premium rooms" as designated by the hotel. This can include anything from a room with a better view to a larger standard room, or indeed, a full suite. The exact options vary by property.
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| How Do Marriott Upgrade Certificates Work |
The Evolution: From SNAs to NUAs
You might still hear the term "Suite Night Awards" floating around. It's important to note that Marriott transitioned from SNAs to NUAs in early 2024. The core function remains similar, but the new name better reflects the broader range of rooms you can now upgrade to. This change also expanded the list of participating brands, now including Ritz-Carlton and EDITION, which were previously excluded.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Using Marriott Nightly Upgrade Certificates
Ready to elevate your next Marriott stay? Follow these steps to effectively utilize your Nightly Upgrade Awards.
QuickTip: Read step by step, not all at once.
Step 1: Confirm You Have Nightly Upgrade Awards (and They're Valid!)
First things first: do you even have these magical certificates? And if so, are they valid for your upcoming travel dates?
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How to Check Your Awards:
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Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account on the Marriott.com website or through the Marriott Bonvoy app.
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Navigate to your "Overview" or "Account Activity" section.
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Look for "Earned Awards" or "Nightly Upgrade Awards" to see how many you have and their expiration dates.
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Important Note: NUAs typically expire on December 31st of the year following the year they were earned. For example, if you earned them in 2024, they'll expire on December 31, 2025. Don't let them go to waste!
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Step 2: Book an Eligible Marriott Bonvoy Stay
Nightly Upgrade Awards can only be applied to eligible Marriott Bonvoy reservations. This means:
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Direct Bookings Only: Your reservation must be made directly with Marriott (via Marriott.com, the Marriott Bonvoy app, or by calling Marriott reservations). Bookings made through third-party online travel agencies (OTAs) like Expedia or Booking.com are not eligible.
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Eligible Rates: Both paid stays (eligible Marriott Bonvoy rates) and Award Redemption Stays (using points or Free Night Awards, including Cash & Points) are generally eligible.
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Participating Hotels: While the NUA program expanded its reach, some brands still don't participate. These typically include: Ritz-Carlton Reserve, The Ritz-Carlton Club, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, participating Design Hotels, Marriott Executive Apartments, All-Inclusive Resorts, Homes and Villas by Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott Vacation
Step 3: Apply Your Nightly Upgrade Awards to Your Reservation
Once you have a confirmed, eligible reservation, it's time to put those NUAs to work!
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Timing is Key: You can apply your NUAs at any time after your reservation is confirmed, up until 2:00 PM hotel time the day before arrival. While you can apply them immediately, the system only starts checking for availability closer to your stay.
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One Award Per Night, Per Room: Remember, one NUA is required for each night of your stay and for each room on your reservation if you've booked multiple rooms under your name (and you are present for the stay). You cannot use NUAs for a partial stay. So, a 4-night stay requires 4 NUAs.
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How to Apply:
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Online (Marriott.com): Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account and go to "My Trips." Locate your upcoming reservation and click on "Start Upgrade Request" (you might need to expand the reservation details by clicking a down arrow).
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Via the Marriott Bonvoy App: Open the app, go to your reservations, and tap the bell icon in the top-right corner of your chosen itinerary. Then, select "Request Nightly Upgrade Award(s)."
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Select Your Preferences: The system will display a list of available premium rooms and suites that are eligible for NUA upgrades at that specific property.
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Strategy Tip: You can select multiple room types in order of preference. Being flexible and selecting a few options can increase your chances of a successful upgrade, especially if a highly sought-after suite isn't available. However, don't select rooms you wouldn't be happy with!
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Step 4: Await Confirmation (The Automated Process)
This is where the magic (or sometimes, the suspense) happens. Marriott uses an automated system to process NUA requests, not a human at the front desk.
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When Checking Begins:
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For most brands, the system begins checking for upgrade availability five days prior to your arrival.
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For EDITION, The Ritz-Carlton, and St. Regis properties, the system starts checking three days prior to arrival.
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Daily Checks: The system continues to check for availability every day up until approximately 2:00 PM local hotel time one day prior to your arrival.
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Confirmation Email: If your upgrade is confirmed, you will receive an email notification from Marriott Bonvoy. This is your official confirmation, so keep an eye on your inbox!
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If Not Confirmed: If the upgrade cannot be confirmed by the 2:00 PM deadline the day before arrival, your Nightly Upgrade Awards will be credited back to your account, provided they haven't expired. You'll also receive an email notifying you of this. At this point, your original reservation stands, and you might still be eligible for a complimentary upgrade at check-in based on your elite status, though this is never guaranteed.
Tip: Every word counts — don’t skip too much.
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Step 5: Modifying or Cancelling Your Request
Life happens, and plans change. Marriott offers flexibility with NUA requests.
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Unconfirmed Requests: If your NUA request has not yet been confirmed, you can withdraw it and have the awards returned to your account until 2:00 PM hotel time one day prior to arrival. This is useful if you find a better hotel, decide you don't need the upgrade, or realize you might use the NUAs more effectively on a different stay.
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Confirmed Requests: Once an NUA upgrade is confirmed, you can only cancel the upgrade by cancelling your entire reservation. If you cancel the reservation, the NUAs will be returned to your account. Be mindful of the hotel's cancellation policy for your original booking, as cancellation fees may apply.
Maximizing Your Nightly Upgrade Award Success
While NUAs offer a more "confirmed" upgrade path, success isn't always guaranteed. Here are some tips to increase your chances:
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Book Shorter Stays: Hotels are more likely to have a suite or premium room available for a 1-2 night stay than for a week-long booking.
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Travel During Off-Peak Seasons/Days: Weekends, holidays, and major events significantly reduce upgrade availability. Aim for mid-week stays or travel during less popular times for your destination.
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Choose Hotels with More Suites: Properties with a higher inventory of suites or premium rooms naturally have a greater chance of fulfilling upgrade requests. Do a quick search of the hotel's room types before booking.
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Be Flexible with Room Types: As mentioned, select multiple room preferences if offered. Don't just tick the most luxurious suite if you'd be happy with a slightly better view or more space.
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Apply Early (but understand the clearing window): While the system only starts checking 5 or 3 days out, applying your NUAs as soon as you book means you're in the queue.
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Avoid High-Demand Destinations/Hotels: Luxury resorts and popular city hotels often have high occupancy rates and may sell out their premium rooms, leaving fewer available for upgrades.
10 Related FAQ Questions (Starting with 'How to')
Here are some quick answers to common questions about Marriott Nightly Upgrade Awards:
How to Earn Marriott Nightly Upgrade Awards?
You primarily earn them as an Annual Choice Benefit when you achieve 50 (for Platinum Elite) and 75 (for Titanium Elite) elite night credits in a calendar year. You can also earn them as an Earned Choice Award by spending $60,000 in eligible purchases on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card in a calendar year.
Tip: Reread tricky sentences for clarity.
How to Check My Available Nightly Upgrade Awards?
Log in to your Marriott Bonvoy account online or via the app, and navigate to "My Account" or "Overview." Your available awards and their expiration dates will be listed under "Earned Awards" or "Nightly Upgrade Awards."
How to Apply Nightly Upgrade Awards to a Reservation?
After booking an eligible stay directly with Marriott, go to your "My Trips" section online or in the app, locate your reservation, and click "Start Upgrade Request" or "Request Nightly Upgrade Award(s)."
How to Know if My Upgrade Request is Confirmed?
You will receive an email confirmation from Marriott Bonvoy if your Nightly Upgrade Award request is successful. If it's not confirmed, your awards will be returned to your account, and you'll be notified via email as well.
How to Cancel an Unconfirmed Nightly Upgrade Award Request?
You can cancel an unconfirmed NUA request online or via the app until 2:00 PM hotel time the day before arrival. The awards will be immediately credited back to your account.
Tip: Take a sip of water, then continue fresh.
How to Cancel a Confirmed Nightly Upgrade Award?
A confirmed NUA can only be cancelled by cancelling the entire reservation to which it's attached. The awards will then be returned to your account.
How to Use Nightly Upgrade Awards for Multiple Nights?
You must apply one Nightly Upgrade Award for each night of your stay. For example, a 3-night stay requires 3 NUAs. You cannot use them for partial nights.
How to Improve My Chances of a Successful Upgrade?
Book shorter stays, travel during off-peak times, choose hotels with a higher inventory of suites, be flexible with your room type selections, and apply your awards as soon as possible after booking.
How to Find Out Which Rooms Are Available for Upgrade at a Specific Hotel?
When you go to apply your Nightly Upgrade Awards to a reservation, the system will display the specific premium rooms and suites that are eligible for upgrade at that particular property.
How to Contact Marriott Bonvoy if I Have Issues with My Upgrade Awards?
For any issues or specific questions, you can contact Marriott Bonvoy Member Support directly via phone or their online help channels.
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