Are Marriott Hotels Nice? A Deep Dive into the World of Marriott Bonvoy
Hey there, fellow travelers! Ever wondered what it's truly like to stay at a Marriott hotel? Is it just a bed for the night, or is it an experience that elevates your journey? You're in the right place to find out! Marriott International is a behemoth in the hospitality industry, boasting an incredible portfolio of brands that cater to virtually every travel style and budget. From luxurious escapes to convenient business stays, there's a Marriott brand designed just for you.
Let's embark on a step-by-step journey to understand what makes Marriott hotels so appealing and how you can make the most of your next stay.
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| How Nice Are Marriott Hotels |
Step 1: Discovering the Marriott Universe - More Than Just "Marriott"
Before we dive into bookings and benefits, it's crucial to understand that "Marriott" isn't just one type of hotel. It's a vast ecosystem of brands, each with its own personality, amenities, and target audience.
Sub-heading 1.1: The Spectrum of Marriott Brands
Marriott categorizes its brands into several distinct tiers, offering a diverse range of experiences:
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Luxury: These are the cr�me de la cr�me, designed for discerning travelers seeking unparalleled service and exquisite experiences. Think of brands like:
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The Ritz-Carlton: Synonymous with opulence and legendary service. Expect refined elegance, world-class dining, and personalized attention.
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St. Regis: Known for its impeccable butler service and timeless sophistication, often in iconic locations.
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JW Marriott: Offers a modern luxury experience with a focus on well-being and sophisticated design.
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EDITION: Boutique luxury with unique, locally inspired design and vibrant social spaces.
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The Luxury Collection: A portfolio of iconic, independent hotels with distinct character and rich history.
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Premium: Offering a blend of comfort, style, and elevated amenities for a more upscale stay. This tier includes:
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Marriott Hotels: The flagship brand, offering full-service hotels with modern amenities, business facilities, and diverse dining options.
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Sheraton: Undergoing significant revitalization, focusing on community and connection with updated designs and social spaces.
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Westin: Centered around wellness and well-being, featuring their famous Heavenly® Bed, fitness programs, and healthy dining.
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Le M�ridien: European-inspired design with a focus on art, culture, and cuisine.
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Autograph Collection Hotels: A collection of independent hotels that promise unique experiences and a local touch.
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Gaylord Hotels: Massive convention hotels with sprawling atriums, diverse dining, and entertainment options.
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Select: These brands offer a balance of comfort, convenience, and essential amenities, often at a more accessible price point. Examples include:
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Courtyard by Marriott: Designed for both business and leisure travelers with comfortable rooms and flexible workspaces.
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Fairfield Inn & Suites: Focuses on reliable, simple, and comfortable stays with complimentary breakfast.
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SpringHill Suites: Offers spacious, all-suite accommodations perfect for families or longer stays.
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AC Hotels by Marriott: European-inspired design with a focus on clean lines, purposeful design, and a refined atmosphere.
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Aloft Hotels: Trendy, tech-savvy hotels with a social vibe and vibrant public spaces.
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Moxy Hotels: Playful, spirited, and affordable boutique hotels with a focus on social interaction.
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Longer Stays: Tailored for extended visits, these brands provide apartment-style living with home-like amenities.
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Residence Inn by Marriott: Offers spacious suites with full kitchens and complimentary breakfast, ideal for extended stays.
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TownePlace Suites by Marriott: Residential-style living with amenities like full kitchens and flexible workspaces.
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Element by Westin: Focuses on eco-friendly design and offers spacious, modern rooms with kitchens.
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Marriott Executive Apartments: Fully equipped luxury apartments with hotel services, perfect for long-term business travelers.
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Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy: A curated collection of premium and luxury vacation rentals.
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Collections: These are distinctive independent hotels that maintain their unique identity while benefiting from Marriott's distribution and loyalty program.
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Design Hotels: A portfolio of boutique hotels known for their exceptional design and authentic experiences.
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The takeaway here is clear: there's a Marriott for almost every occasion and budget!
Step 2: Unlocking Value with Marriott Bonvoy - Your Key to Perks
Marriott's loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy, is a game-changer for frequent travelers. Joining is free, and it opens the door to a world of exclusive benefits, from discounted rates to complimentary upgrades.
Sub-heading 2.1: Signing Up for Marriott Bonvoy
QuickTip: Focus more on the ‘how’ than the ‘what’.
Engage with me here! If you haven't already, take a moment to join Marriott Bonvoy. It's completely free and takes just a few minutes. You can do it on the Marriott website or through their mobile app. Trust me, even if you only stay at Marriott once a year, you'll benefit from being a member!
Sub-heading 2.2: Understanding Bonvoy Elite Status
The more you stay, the higher your elite status, and the more perks you unlock. Here's a quick overview of the tiers and their general benefits:
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Member (0-9 nights):
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Complimentary In-Room Wi-Fi
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Exclusive Member Rates
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Mobile Check-In & Mobile Key
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Silver Elite (10-24 nights):
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All Member benefits, plus:
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10% bonus points on eligible stays
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Priority Late Checkout (subject to availability)
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Gold Elite (25-49 nights):
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All Silver Elite benefits, plus:
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25% bonus points
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Enhanced Room Upgrade (based on availability, excluding suites)
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2 p.m. Late Checkout (subject to availability)
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Welcome Gift Choice (points)
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Platinum Elite (50-74 nights):
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All Gold Elite benefits, plus:
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50% bonus points
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Enhanced Room Upgrade (including select suites, based on availability)
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Guaranteed 4 p.m. Late Checkout
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Welcome Gift Choice (points, breakfast, or amenity)
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Lounge Access at participating hotels
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Annual Choice Benefit (e.g., 5 Suite Night Awards)
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Titanium Elite (75-99 nights):
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All Platinum Elite benefits, plus:
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75% bonus points
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Even higher priority for Enhanced Room Upgrades
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Second Annual Choice Benefit
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Complimentary United MileagePlus Silver Premier status
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Ambassador Elite (100+ nights + $20,000 annual spend):
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All Titanium Elite benefits, plus:
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Personal Ambassador Service
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Your24™ (flexible 24-hour check-in/checkout)
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Ultimate Room Upgrade
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Reaching elite status can significantly enhance your Marriott experience, offering tangible value on every stay.
Step 3: Booking Your Perfect Marriott Stay - A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you know the breadth of Marriott and the benefits of Bonvoy, let's get to booking!
Sub-heading 3.1: Choosing Your Destination and Dates
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Visit the Marriott Website or Use the App: Go to Marriott.com or open the Marriott Bonvoy app.
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Enter Destination: Type in your desired city, landmark, or specific hotel name in the search bar.
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Select Dates: Choose your check-in and check-out dates. Be flexible if possible, as prices can vary greatly by day of the week or season.
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Specify Guests and Rooms: Indicate the number of adults, children, and rooms required.
Sub-heading 3.2: Applying Special Rates and Loyalty Options
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Special Rates: Before searching, click on "Special Rates" to see if you qualify for any discounts:
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Corporate/Promo Code: If you have a corporate code from your employer.
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AAA/CAA: For members of AAA or CAA.
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Senior Discount: For guests aged 62 or older.
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Government & Military: For eligible government or military personnel.
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Use Points/Certificates: If you're a Marriott Bonvoy member, you'll see an option to "Use Points/Certificate." This is where your loyalty pays off! You can choose to pay with points, a combination of cash and points, or redeem a Free Night Award.
Sub-heading 3.3: Browse Hotels and Refining Your Search
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Filter by Brand: On the search results page, use the filters to narrow down by Marriott brand. If you know you want a luxury experience, select "Luxury." If you need a longer-stay option, choose "Longer Stays."
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Filter by Amenities: Look for filters like "Pool," "Fitness Center," "Free Wi-Fi," "Pet-Friendly," "Business Center," or specific dining options.
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View Map: Use the map view to see hotel locations relative to attractions or business districts.
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Read Reviews: Marriott features "Verified Guest Reviews" directly on their website. Pay attention to recent reviews for insights into guest experiences.
Tip: Don’t skip the details — they matter.
Sub-heading 3.4: Selecting Your Room and Rate
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"View Rates": Once you've chosen a hotel, click "View Rates" to see available room types and pricing.
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Room Types: Marriott offers a variety of room types, often differing in bed size (King, Queen, Double), view (city view, ocean view), or special features (balcony, club lounge access).
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Rate Options: You'll typically see different rate options:
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Standard Rate: The flexible, often cancellable rate.
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Prepay and Save: A discounted rate that is usually non-refundable. Read the terms carefully!
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Deals and Packages: Look for special offers that might include breakfast, parking, or other inclusions.
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Sub-heading 3.5: Completing Your Booking
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Review Details: Double-check your dates, room type, rate, and total cost.
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Guest Information: Enter your personal details and any special requests.
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Payment: Provide your payment information.
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Confirm: Click "Book Now" to finalize your reservation. You'll receive a confirmation email shortly.
Step 4: Making the Most of Your Stay - Amenities and Experiences
Marriott hotels generally offer a wide array of amenities, though these vary significantly by brand and property.
Sub-heading 4.1: Common Amenities You Can Expect
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Complimentary Wi-Fi: Standard for Marriott Bonvoy members.
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Fitness Centers: Most Marriott properties have well-equipped gyms, often accessible 24/7.
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Dining Options: From grab-and-go cafes to full-service restaurants and bars.
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Business Centers: Offering printing, scanning, and computer access.
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Meeting and Event Spaces: Catering to both small gatherings and large conferences.
Sub-heading 4.2: Elevated Amenities in Premium and Luxury Brands
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Spas and Wellness Centers: Many luxury and premium brands feature full-service spas with a range of treatments.
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Swimming Pools: Indoor, outdoor, and often with dedicated family or adult-only areas.
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Executive Lounges/Club Lounges: Exclusive spaces for elite members (Platinum, Titanium, Ambassador) and guests with lounge access, offering complimentary breakfast, evening appetizers, and drinks.
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Concierge Services: Available to assist with local recommendations, reservations, and transportation.
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Butler Service: A hallmark of St. Regis hotels.
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Kids' Clubs/Family Programs: Especially prevalent at resort properties.
The quality and range of amenities are often a key differentiator between Marriott brands, so choose wisely based on your needs!
Step 5: Post-Stay and Beyond - Leveraging Your Loyalty
Your Marriott experience doesn't end when you check out.
QuickTip: Save your favorite part of this post.
Sub-heading 5.1: Earning and Redeeming Points
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Earn Points: You'll earn Marriott Bonvoy points for eligible stays, dining, and other incidentals charged to your room. Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit cards also offer significant earning opportunities.
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Redeem Points: Use your points for:
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Free Nights: The most popular redemption option.
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Cash + Points: A flexible option if you don't have enough points for a full free night.
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Room Upgrades: Upgrade your room with points.
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Marriott Bonvoy Moments: Bid on or redeem points for unique experiences like concerts, sporting events, or culinary classes.
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Flights and Car Rentals: Transfer points to airline partners or use them for travel bookings.
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Sub-heading 5.2: Providing Feedback
Marriott values guest feedback. You'll likely receive a post-stay survey. Take the time to fill it out honestly. Your feedback helps Marriott improve its services and can sometimes lead to follow-up from the hotel if you had a particularly good or bad experience.
So, How Nice Are Marriott Hotels?
The answer is, they can be incredibly nice! From the personalized luxury of a St. Regis to the consistent comfort of a Courtyard, Marriott offers a spectrum of quality. Generally, you can expect:
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Consistent Standards: Marriott maintains relatively high brand standards across its portfolio, meaning you'll generally know what to expect.
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Excellent Loyalty Program: Marriott Bonvoy is one of the strongest hotel loyalty programs, rewarding frequent guests with valuable benefits.
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Wide Variety: With over 30 brands, you can almost always find a Marriott property that fits your needs and budget, whether you're traveling for business, leisure, or a special occasion.
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Good Customer Service: While individual experiences can vary, Marriott generally prides itself on attentive and professional service.
However, it's essential to manage your expectations based on the specific brand you choose. A Fairfield Inn, while clean and comfortable, won't offer the same level of luxury or amenities as a Ritz-Carlton. Researching the specific brand and reading recent reviews for the property you're considering will give you the most accurate picture of what to expect.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to choose the right Marriott brand for my trip?
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Consider your budget, trip purpose (business, leisure, family), desired amenities (spa, pool, kitchen), and preferred style (luxury, modern, boutique). Refer to the brand categories outlined in Step 1 to guide your decision.
How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points quickly?
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Stay frequently at Marriott properties, use a Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit card for everyday spending, take advantage of bonus point promotions, and consider hosting events at Marriott hotels.
Tip: Skim only after you’ve read fully once.
How to use Marriott Bonvoy points for free nights?
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When searching for a hotel on Marriott.com or the app, toggle the "Use Points/Certificate" option. The system will display the points required for each night.
How to get a room upgrade at Marriott hotels?
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Join Marriott Bonvoy and strive for elite status (Gold, Platinum, Titanium, Ambassador). Upgrades are a key benefit for elite members, based on availability at check-in.
How to find Marriott hotels with a spa or fitness center?
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Use the search filters on Marriott.com or the app. After entering your destination, look for amenity filters like "Spa" or "Fitness Center."
How to get late checkout at a Marriott hotel?
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Late checkout is a benefit of Marriott Bonvoy elite status. Silver Elite offers priority late checkout, Gold Elite offers 2 p.m. late checkout (subject to availability), and Platinum Elite and higher guarantee 4 p.m. late checkout (at most brands).
How to book a Marriott hotel for a business trip?
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Marriott offers specific resources for business travelers, including discounted corporate rates. You can also use "Business Access by Marriott Bonvoy" for streamlined booking and expense tracking if your company is enrolled. Many select service brands like Courtyard are well-suited for business travel.
How to transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to airline miles?
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You can transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to a wide range of airline partners through your Marriott Bonvoy account online. The typical transfer ratio is 3 Marriott Bonvoy points to 1 airline mile, with a bonus for every 60,000 points transferred.
How to cancel a Marriott hotel reservation?
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Go to your reservations on Marriott.com or the app, select the booking, and look for the "Cancel Reservation" option. Be aware of the cancellation policy associated with your specific rate to avoid penalties.
How to contact Marriott customer service?
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You can find global reservation phone numbers on the Marriott website under "Help & Contact Us." Marriott Bonvoy elite members also have dedicated elite support lines.
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