The Ultimate Guide to Booking Marriott Stays on Points
Marriott Bonvoy is a favorite hotel loyalty program for many families, offering a massive footprint, diverse properties, and ways to use points for incredible vacations. But how do you get the most out of your Marriott stays? This guide will walk you through the value of Marriott points, why people love (and sometimes don’t love) Marriott, and the best credit cards to help you earn more points and perks—like free breakfast or automatic elite status.
What Are Marriott Points Worth?
Marriott points are generally valued at 0.7–0.9 cents per point, depending on how you redeem them. While they don’t have the highest value compared to some other loyalty programs, there are plenty of opportunities to get outsized value, especially with premium redemptions.
High-Value Redemptions: Use your points for stays at luxury properties, all-inclusive resorts, or during peak travel times when cash rates are high.
Lower-Value Options: Avoid redeeming points for flights or low-category hotels where cash rates are low, as the value per point decreases.
Pro Tip: Marriott offers a Fifth Night Free perk for award bookings, allowing you to get one night free when you book five nights with points. This can stretch your points further for longer stays.
Why People Love Marriott Bonvoy
Global Footprint
With over 8,000 properties across 139+ countries, Marriott makes it easy to find a hotel almost anywhere you want to go.Variety of Brands
Whether you’re looking for affordable stays like Fairfield Inn or splurge-worthy luxury at Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis, Marriott offers a wide range of brands to suit every budget and travel style.Free Night Certificates
Marriott credit cards often include free night certificates (valued up to 35,000 or 50,000 points) that can provide exceptional value at certain properties.Elite Benefits
Marriott Bonvoy elite status unlocks perks like free breakfast, late checkout, and room upgrades—ideal for family travel.
Why People Don’t Love Marriott Bonvoy
Dynamic Award Pricing
Marriott uses a dynamic pricing model, meaning the number of points required for a stay fluctuates based on demand. This can make finding great deals more challenging.Resort Fees
Although resort fees are waived on award stays for elite members, regular members may still have to pay them—even when booking with points.Point Value
Compared to programs like Hyatt, Marriott points don’t always stretch as far. Careful planning is needed to maximize their value.
Best Credit Cards for Earning Marriott Stays
When it comes to earning points for Marriott, I recommend starting with flexible points cards for their versatility. However, Marriott co-branded cards are valuable for earning elite night credits, free night certificates, and automatic status. For the full list of cards I would pick for Marriott stays, click here.
A few of my favorites that a earn flexible points:
Top Flexible Points Cards
When earning points for Marriott stays, flexible points cards provide the most versatility. These cards allow you to transfer points to Marriott or use them with other travel partners, giving you more options to maximize value.
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Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
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Why It’s Great: Earn 3x points on dining and 2x on travel. Points transfer 1:1 to Marriott, but they’re even more valuable when used with other travel partners or through Chase’s travel portal.
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Chase Sapphire Reserve®
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Why It’s Great: Earn 3x points on dining and travel, plus redeem points for 1.5 cents each through the Chase portal. Points transfer 1:1 to Marriott and other travel partners.
Why Flexible Points Are the Key to Success
Flexible points cards give you the freedom to transfer points to Marriott or other programs, letting you choose the best value for your needs. While Marriott cards are great for perks like free night certificates and automatic status, flexible points ensure you're never locked into one loyalty program.
Tips for Maximizing Marriott Stays on Points
Book During Off-Peak Times
Plan trips during off-peak seasons to save points on award stays.Take Advantage of Fifth Night Free
Use Marriott’s Fifth Night Free perk to get one night free on award stays of five nights or more.Stack Points and Certificates
Combine free night certificates with points to cover the cost of higher-value stays.Use Elite Status Perks
Gold and Platinum Elite members enjoy benefits like free breakfast, late checkout, and room upgrades that can make your stay more enjoyable.Lock in Rates Early
Marriott’s dynamic pricing means award rates can fluctuate. Book as early as possible to lock in lower rates.
Marriott Hotels that accommodate larger families
Finding hotels that can comfortably fit a family of 5-6 can be a challenge, but Marriott offers several excellent options across its portfolio. Whether you’re traveling with kids or a group, these brands and room types are worth considering:
1. Residence Inn by Marriott
Designed for extended stays, Residence Inn hotels provide spacious suites with fully equipped kitchens and separate living areas. Many locations offer one- or two-bedroom suites with sofa beds, making them perfect for families of six.
2. TownePlace Suites by Marriott
This family-friendly option offers studio, one-, and two-bedroom suites with full kitchens and living spaces. Their two-bedroom suites can typically accommodate up to six people comfortably.
3. SpringHill Suites by Marriott
All-suite hotels like SpringHill Suites feature rooms with separate living and sleeping areas. Many of their suites include two queen beds and a sofa bed, which can easily fit six guests.
4. Marriott Vacation Club
If you’re heading to a resort destination, Marriott Vacation Club villas are a fantastic choice. These properties offer multiple-bedroom layouts, full kitchens, and spacious living and dining areas, making them ideal for larger groups.
5. Courtyard by Marriott
While Courtyard hotels are known for targeting business travelers, select locations offer suites or connecting rooms that work well for families of six. Check with specific properties for their room configurations.
Tips for Booking Rooms for Larger Families
Use Filters When Searching: On Marriott's website, specify the number of guests when searching for accommodations. However, double-check room capacities, as the system doesn’t always exclude rooms that can’t fit six people.
Contact the Hotel Directly: Call or email the hotel to confirm room configurations and availability for your group size.
Leverage Family Travel Resources: Websites like SixSuitcaseTravel and Sleeps5 specialize in hotels that can accommodate families of five or more, making them helpful tools for planning.
With options like fully equipped kitchens, multiple-bedroom layouts, and spacious suites, Marriott has plenty of family-friendly accommodations to ensure everyone has enough space to relax after a day of adventures.
Final Thoughts
Marriott Bonvoy offers fantastic opportunities for family travelers, with its vast network of properties, valuable perks, and versatile redemption options. By leveraging flexible points cards for versatility and Marriott co-branded cards for elite perks like free night certificates and automatic status, you can enjoy luxurious stays while stretching your points to their full potential.
Ready to start earning points toward your next Marriott stay? Check out the full list of my top cards here and start planning your next adventure today!
