Mastering Marriott Bonvoy: Your Comprehensive Guide to Points Plus Cash Bookings
Hey there, fellow traveler! Are you sitting on a stash of Marriott Bonvoy points, but find yourself just a little short for that dream award stay? Or perhaps you're looking to optimize your point redemption and save some cash simultaneously? If so, you're in the right place! Marriott Bonvoy's Points Plus Cash option is a fantastic way to stretch your points further, giving you more flexibility and making those incredible hotel experiences more attainable.
This lengthy guide will walk you through everything you need to know about making a Points Plus Cash reservation with Marriott Bonvoy, from understanding when it's a good deal to the exact clicks you need to make on their website. Let's get started on unlocking your next amazing trip!
Step 1: Understanding the "Points Plus Cash" Concept
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's clarify what Points Plus Cash actually is and why it's such a valuable tool for Marriott Bonvoy members.
What is Points Plus Cash?
Marriott Bonvoy's Points Plus Cash program allows you to book a hotel stay using a combination of your accumulated Marriott Bonvoy points and a cash payment. Unlike a pure points redemption (where you use only points for a "free" night) or a pure cash booking, this hybrid option offers a middle ground. It's designed to give members more flexibility, especially when:
You don't have enough points for a full award night.
The cash rate for a room is particularly high, making point redemption less valuable on its own.
You want to conserve your points for a future, higher-value redemption.
Why is it a good option?
Flexibility: This is the primary benefit. You're not restricted to having enough points for a full award night.
Point Maximization: Sometimes, the cash portion of a Points Plus Cash booking can be a very efficient way to "buy" the remaining points needed for your stay, effectively getting a good value for your points.
Access to Desired Properties: If a high-demand hotel has limited full award availability, Points Plus Cash might be available, allowing you to secure your preferred stay.
Reduced Out-of-Pocket Expense: While you're paying some cash, it's often significantly less than the full cash rate for the room.
Important Considerations:
Dynamic Pricing: Marriott Bonvoy uses dynamic pricing for award nights, meaning the number of points required can fluctuate based on demand, seasonality, and the specific hotel. This also applies to Points Plus Cash options, so the value you get can vary.
Availability: Points Plus Cash options are not always available at every hotel or for every date. Marriott has discretion on where and when these rates are offered.
Taxes and Fees: When you book a Points Plus Cash rate, you will generally be responsible for any taxes and fees that apply to the cash portion of the rate. Full points redemptions typically do not incur these.
Step 2: Accessing the Marriott Bonvoy Website and Initiating Your Search
Now that you understand the basics, let's get down to the practical steps of finding and booking a Points Plus Cash stay.
Sub-heading 2.1: Logging into Your Marriott Bonvoy Account
Go to the Marriott Bonvoy Website: Open your web browser and navigate to
www.marriott.com Sign In: In the top right corner of the homepage, you'll see a "Sign In or Join" option. Click on "Sign In". Enter your Marriott Bonvoy member number or email address and your password.
Pro Tip: Always log in first! This ensures you see all available member-exclusive rates, including Points Plus Cash options, and that your point balance is accurately reflected.
Sub-heading 2.2: Starting Your Hotel Search
Once you're logged in, you'll be redirected to the Marriott Bonvoy homepage.
Enter Your Destination: In the search bar, type in your desired city, region, or specific hotel name. For example, "London," "Maldives," or "The St. Regis Bali Resort."
Select Your Dates: Choose your check-in and check-out dates from the calendar. Be flexible if possible, as award availability and Points Plus Cash options can vary significantly by date.
Specify Guests and Rooms: Input the number of rooms and guests.
Crucial Step: Check "Use Points / Awards"
This is the most important part for finding Points Plus Cash options! Below the guest and room selection, you'll see a checkbox or toggle that says "Use Points / Awards." Make sure this box is checked.
Click "Find Hotels": Once all your search criteria are entered, click the "Find Hotels" button to proceed.
Step 3: Navigating Search Results and Identifying Points Plus Cash Options
After clicking "Find Hotels," you'll be presented with a list of available Marriott properties that match your search.
Sub-heading 3.1: Filtering and Sorting for Award Stays
Review the Search Results: You'll see a list of hotels, often displaying both cash rates and point rates (or point ranges).
Look for Point Values: Since you checked "Use Points / Awards," many hotels will display their point redemption rates.
Consider Filters: On the left-hand side or top of the page, you might find filters to narrow down your search. While there isn't usually a direct "Points Plus Cash" filter, you can filter by brand, price range, or amenities to help find suitable options.
Sub-heading 3.2: Exploring Rates for a Specific Hotel
Select Your Desired Hotel: Once you've found a hotel that interests you, click on "View Rates" (or "Select Room" on the mobile app) next to its listing. This will take you to a page detailing the different room types and available rates for that property on your selected dates.
Locate "Points + Cash" or Mixed Payment Options: On the rate details page, you will typically see various rate categories:
"Standard Rate" (cash)
"Member Rate" (cash, usually slightly lower for Bonvoy members)
"Use Points" (full points redemption)
And importantly, look for an option that explicitly states "Cash + Points," "Points + Cash," or indicates a combination of points and cash. This might be listed as a separate tab or as a distinct rate option below the full points redemption.
Note: The exact wording can vary slightly, but it will be clear that it involves both points and money.
Sometimes, Marriott may also offer a "Customize Payments" option, especially for multi-night stays, where you can mix and match payment types (points, cash, or free night certificates) for different nights within the same booking. This is a highly valuable feature for optimizing your redemption!
Sub-heading 3.3: Analyzing the Value Proposition
This is where your critical thinking comes into play. You need to determine if the Points Plus Cash option offers good value for your specific situation.
Compare Cash + Points vs. Full Cash: Is the total cost (cash portion + the equivalent cash value of the points used) significantly less than the full cash rate?
Compare Cash + Points vs. Full Points: If a full points redemption is available, does using Points Plus Cash save you a substantial number of points while still being a reasonable cash outlay? Sometimes, the cash co-pay can be quite high, making the effective "purchase price" of the points not worth it.
Calculate "Cent Per Point" Value (Optional but Recommended):
Take the cash difference between the full cash rate and the cash portion of the Points Plus Cash rate.
Divide that difference by the number of points you are saving by choosing Points Plus Cash instead of a full points redemption.
Example: If a night is $200 or 25,000 points, and the Points Plus Cash option is $100 + 10,000 points.
Cash saved by using points = $200 - $100 = $100
Points saved by using cash = 25,000 - 10,000 = 15,000 points
Value = $100 / 15,000 points = $0.0066 per point, or 0.66 cents per point.
A common baseline for Marriott Bonvoy points is around 0.7 to 0.8 cents per point. If your calculated value is significantly higher, it's likely a good redemption!
Step 4: Selecting Your Room and Completing the Booking
Once you've found a suitable Points Plus Cash option, the booking process is straightforward.
Sub-heading 4.1: Choosing Your Room Type
Click "Select" next to your preferred Points Plus Cash rate for the desired room type.
Sub-heading 4.2: Reviewing Your Reservation Details
You'll be taken to the "Complete Your Booking" page.
Verify Details: Double-check your chosen dates, hotel, room type, and the Points Plus Cash breakdown (points required + cash amount).
Add Special Requests (Optional): If you have any specific requests (e.g., non-smoking room, high floor), you can usually add them here.
Enter Guest Information: Ensure your name, contact information, and any other required guest details are accurate.
Sub-heading 4.3: Finalizing Payment
Enter Payment Information: You will need to provide a credit card for the cash portion of the booking.
Confirm Points Usage: The system will automatically deduct the required points from your Marriott Bonvoy account. If you don't have enough points, you might be prompted to purchase more, or the booking might not proceed.
Read Terms and Conditions: Always take a moment to review the cancellation policy and any specific terms for your Points Plus Cash reservation.
Click "Book Now" or "Confirm Reservation": Once everything looks correct, click the final button to complete your booking.
Sub-heading 4.4: Confirmation
You will receive an email confirmation from Marriott Bonvoy with your reservation details, including the breakdown of points and cash used. Keep this email for your records!
Step 5: Managing Your Points Plus Cash Reservation
Once booked, managing your reservation is similar to any other Marriott booking.
Sub-heading 5.1: Modifying or Cancelling
Log in to Your Account: Go to Marriott.com and log in.
Access "My Trips": You'll find your upcoming reservations under "My Trips."
Select Your Reservation: Click on the reservation you wish to modify or cancel.
Follow Prompts: Depending on the cancellation policy, you'll see options to modify dates, room types, or cancel the reservation entirely. Be aware of any deadlines or fees associated with changes or cancellations. When cancelling a Points Plus Cash booking, the points and cash will be refunded according to the policy.
Sub-heading 5.2: What if My Plans Change?
If you need to adjust your stay, carefully review the cancellation and modification policies of your specific Points Plus Cash rate. These can sometimes be more restrictive than fully flexible cash rates.
Contact Marriott Bonvoy customer service if you encounter any issues or have complex changes to make.
Frequently Asked Questions about Marriott Points Plus Cash
Here are 10 common questions about using Marriott's Points Plus Cash option:
How to find hotels that offer Points Plus Cash?
Quick Answer: Search for your desired destination and dates on Marriott.com, ensuring you check the "Use Points / Awards" box. Then, when viewing rates for individual hotels, look for specific "Cash + Points" or similar options.
How to know if Points Plus Cash is a good deal?
Quick Answer: Compare the total cost (cash portion + estimated cash value of points used) to the full cash rate. Calculate the "cents per point" value by dividing the cash saved by the points saved. Aim for a value higher than 0.7-0.8 cents per point.
How to combine Points Plus Cash with Free Night Certificates?
Quick Answer: For multi-night stays, Marriott's "Customize Payments" feature allows you to mix and match payment types, including free night certificates, points, and cash, within a single reservation. You'll typically apply certificates at the checkout stage.
How to earn points on a Points Plus Cash stay?
Quick Answer: You will earn Marriott Bonvoy points on the cash portion of your Points Plus Cash booking. You generally do not earn points on the portion paid with points.
How to change a Points Plus Cash reservation?
Quick Answer: Log into your Marriott Bonvoy account, go to "My Trips," select your reservation, and look for "Modify" or "Change Reservation" options. Be mindful of the cancellation policy.
How to cancel a Points Plus Cash booking?
Quick Answer: Similar to changing, go to "My Trips" within your Marriott Bonvoy account and select the option to cancel. Points and cash will be refunded based on the hotel's cancellation policy.
How to use Points Plus Cash if I don't have enough points?
Quick Answer: If you don't have enough points for a full award night, Points Plus Cash is designed for this exact scenario, allowing you to cover the difference with cash. If you don't even have enough points for the points portion of the Points Plus Cash rate, you may be prompted to purchase additional points.
How to tell if a resort fee applies to Points Plus Cash bookings?
Quick Answer: Resort fees are typically charged regardless of whether you pay with cash or points. Always check the "Taxes and Fees" or "Important Information" section of your reservation details to see if a resort fee applies.
How to find the "Customize Payments" option for multi-night stays?
Quick Answer: After selecting a hotel and viewing its rates, if "Customize Payments" is available for a multi-night stay, it will usually appear as a prominent option on the page where you select your room type and rate.
How to ensure I get the best value with Points Plus Cash?
Quick Answer: Always compare the Points Plus Cash rate to both the full cash rate and the full points redemption rate. Calculate your "cents per point" value to objectively assess the deal. Be flexible with your dates if possible to find better redemption values.
Happy travels, and may your Marriott Bonvoy points take you to incredible destinations!
