When you’re raising kids, you quickly learn that hotel nights aren’t just for vacations, they’re for soccer tournaments, quick weekend getaways, and those trips where you just need a place that works for a family of six. That’s why I’ve come to love the Marriott free night certificates. Check out our favorite list of cards to help earn these certificates.

At first glance, a 35k certificate might not sound like much, but it goes farther than you’d think, especially since you can add up to 15,000 points and stretch it to a 50k stay. That little detail has opened up some incredible options for us over the years.

But once you earn them, the first question is often this: Where exactly can I use my Free Night Certificate?

If you’re new to this whole points-and-miles thing, my Beginner’s Guide is a great place to start.

For families, these certificates are a sweet spot. Sometimes the win is a SpringHill Suites with free breakfast and room for everyone. Other times it’s sneaking in a resort stay somewhere tropical that feels like way more than “free.” Availability isn’t always perfect, but when it lines up—think Yellowstone, Disney, or even Bali—it feels like magic.

So, here are 50 ways families can use a Marriott 35k Free Night Certificate, organized by region.

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USA & Canada

1. SpringHill Suites Island Park Yellowstone (Idaho) – Family suites and breakfast right by Yellowstone.
2. Fairfield Inn Anaheim Resort (California) – Steps to Disneyland, with views of the fireworks.
3. SpringHill Suites Anaheim Convention Center (California) – Spacious suites just minutes from Disney.
4. Orlando World Center Marriott (Florida) – A kid-favorite with its own water park.
5. Gaylord Rockies Resort (Colorado) – Huge property near Denver with pools and activities.
6. SpringHill Suites Mission Valley (California) – Easy for San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, and Old Town.
7. Courtyard Page at Lake Powell (Arizona) – Great stop on a Southwest road trip.
8. Fairfield Inn & Suites Bar Harbor (Maine) – Affordable base for exploring Acadia.
9. Residence Inn Banff (Canada) – Kitchen suites in the Rockies.
10. TownePlace Suites Orlando Flamingo Crossings (Florida) – A wallet-friendly Disney option with kitchens.
11. JW Marriott Houston Galleria (Texas) – Spacious rooms near the city’s best shopping.
12. JW Marriott Miami (Florida) – A nice splurge in South Florida.
13. SpringHill Suites Moab (Utah) – Base for Arches National Park.
14. SpringHill Suites Fairbanks (Alaska) – Perfect for northern lights trips.
15. Residence Inn Washington, DC National Mall – Walk to Smithsonian museums.
16. Courtyard Gatlinburg Downtown (Tennessee) – Family trip to the Smokies.
17. SpringHill Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront (Virginia) – Suites with balconies overlooking the ocean.
18. TownePlace Suites Salt Lake City Downtown (Utah) – Good stop before skiing or early flights.
19. The Bidwell Marriott Portland (Oregon) – Walkable base for a PNW family trip.
20. Fairfield Inn Anaheim Hills (California) – A solid back-up when closer Disney hotels sell out.

Caribbean & Mexico

1. St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino – Beachfront and family-friendly.
2. Courtyard Isla Verde Beach Resort (Puerto Rico) – Sand + easy access to San Juan.
3. Sheraton Buganvilias Resort (Puerto Vallarta) – Pools, beachfront, and kid-friendly dining.
4. Fairfield Inn & Suites Cozumel – Perfect for snorkel or dive trips.
5. Courtyard Cancun Airport – Handy before or after a family vacation.

Europe

1. AC Hotel Bella Sky Copenhagen (Denmark) – Striking design and family rooms.
2. Moxy Paris Bastille (France) – Budget-friendly Paris base.
3. Courtyard Edinburgh (Scotland) – Central location for sightseeing.
4. Moxy London Stratford (UK) – Affordable family option near transit.
5. Courtyard Munich City Center (Germany) – Easy base for Bavaria.

Asia

1. Courtyard Bali Seminyak Resort – Walkable to the beach and shops.
2. Renaissance Bali Uluwatu – Resort vibes for a 35k certificate.
3. JW Marriott Hanoi (Vietnam) – Big rooms for families.
4. Moxy Osaka Honmachi (Japan) – Affordable city stay.
5. Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung – Close to both Disney and the airport.
6. Courtyard Tokyo Ginza – Central spot in Tokyo.
7. Courtyard Siem Reap (Cambodia) – Base for Angkor Wat.

Middle East & Africa

1. Le Méridien Cairo Airport – Walk straight from the terminal to your room.
2. Marriott Mena House, Cairo – Views of the pyramids (sometimes prices in range).
3. Protea Hotel Kruger Gate (South Africa) – Safari lodge feel at Kruger’s doorstep.

Oceania

1. Sheraton New Caledonia Deva Resort – A true island escape.
2. Four Points by Sheraton Sydney Central Park – Urban family base.
3. Courtyard Brisbane South Bank – Easy for exploring the riverfront.

Bonus Family-Friendly Options

1. Courtyard San Juan Miramar (Puerto Rico) – Family-friendly base in San Juan.
2. Residence Inn Ottawa Downtown (Canada) – Kitchen suites for sightseeing.
3. Fairfield Inn & Suites New York Manhattan/Times Square – NYC with kids made easier.
4. Sheraton Myrtle Beach (South Carolina) – Affordable beach trip.
5. SpringHill Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront (Virginia) – Balcony suites for families.
6. Fairfield Inn Anaheim Resort (California) – A Disneyland go-to.

Related: See my full Guide to Marriott Stays if you’re new to booking with points.

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Bottom Line

A 35k Marriott certificate might not sound flashy, but for families it can be the difference between cramming into two expensive rooms, or staying somewhere comfortable with breakfast included. From small town stays with limited options to Disney vacations to bucket-list destinations like Bali, these certificates stretch farther than most people realize. My Mom’s Guide to Marriott can give you even more answers for booking that stay.

That’s why I keep the cards that earn them, because even one good redemption makes the annual fee worth it.

Want to take the next step? Grab my free Beginner’s Guide to Family Travel With Points.

And if you’re curious about other strategies, check out:

• How to Get Hotel Status When You Only Travel a Few Times a Year
• Hyatt for Families: Best Ways to Book with Points
• How to Transfer Credit Card Points to Travel Partners (And Why It’s Worth It)

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.

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