What To Know
- Consider staying at hotels in lower award categories to reduce the number of points required for redemption.
- If you don’t have enough points for a free night, consider using a combination of points and cash to book an award night.
- However, by understanding the factors that affect point value and using the tips provided in this blog post, travelers can maximize the value of their Marriott points and enjoy rewarding hotel stays.
Marriott Bonvoy, the loyalty program of the Marriott International hotel chain, offers members the opportunity to earn points through stays, purchases, and other activities. However, many travelers have questioned the value of Marriott points, complaining that they are worth significantly less than the points offered by other hotel loyalty programs. This blog post will explore the reasons why Marriott points are worth so little and provide tips for maximizing their redemption value.
The Devaluation of Marriott Points
Inflation and Dilution
Over the years, Marriott has devalued its points by issuing more points to members. This inflation has diluted the value of each point, making them worth less in terms of redemption value.
Increased Award Costs
Simultaneously with the devaluation of points, Marriott has also increased the number of points required to redeem for award nights. This has made it more difficult for members to use their points for free stays.
Category Creep
Marriott has also shifted more hotels into higher award categories, requiring more points for redemption. This has made it harder to find good value for points when booking desirable properties.
Factors Affecting Marriott Point Value
Hotel Category
The award category of a hotel significantly impacts the point value. Hotels in higher categories require more points for redemption, while hotels in lower categories offer better value.
Time of Year
The time of year can also affect the point value. Points are generally worth less during peak travel seasons when demand for hotel rooms is high.
Destination
The destination of the hotel can also influence the point value. Points are typically worth less in popular tourist destinations where demand for hotel rooms is high.
Redemption Options
The type of redemption you choose can also impact the point value. Points used for hotel stays typically offer better value than points used for other redemptions, such as gift cards or merchandise.
Tips for Maximizing Marriott Point Value
Stay at Off-Peak Times
Avoid booking award nights during peak travel seasons to get better value for your points.
Choose Hotels in Lower Categories
Consider staying at hotels in lower award categories to reduce the number of points required for redemption.
Look for Promotions
Marriott often offers promotions that provide additional points or discounts on award nights. Take advantage of these promotions to stretch your points further.
Use Points for Off-Peak Destinations
Consider using points for award nights in less popular destinations where demand for hotel rooms is lower.
Combine Points with Cash
If you don’t have enough points for a free night, consider using a combination of points and cash to book an award night.
Wrap-Up: Understanding the Value of Marriott Points
Marriott points are worth less than the points offered by other hotel loyalty programs due to devaluation, increased award costs, and category creep. However, by understanding the factors that affect point value and using the tips provided in this blog post, travelers can maximize the value of their Marriott points and enjoy rewarding hotel stays.
What People Want to Know
Q: Why are Marriott points worth so little compared to other hotel points?
A: Marriott points have been devalued over time through inflation, increased award costs, and category creep.
Q: What factors affect the value of Marriott points?
A: Hotel category, time of year, destination, redemption options, and promotions can all impact the point value.
Q: How can I maximize the value of my Marriott points?
A: Stay at off-peak times, choose hotels in lower categories, look for promotions, use points for off-peak destinations, and combine points with cash.
