Best 50K Marriott Hotels in the U.S.
I’ve tended to think that dynamic award pricing rolled out by Marriott and other hotel chains would be the death of free night awards. However, Marriott did right by consumers by allowing you to use both award certificates and points to pay for a reservation. You’re not longer stuck looking for the best 50K Marriott hotels as a hard cap.
That being said, some people like the beauty of using just their free night certificate at a nice hotel. I thought I’d see what is available across the U.S. in terms of 50K Marriott hotels considering the Bonvoy Boundless card is offering 5 free night certs valued up to 50K as welcome offer until 7/21/22.
7 Great Domestic Marriott Free Night Award Options
With dynamic pricing now in effect, the options I found are not always available all the time at the 50K points level. And these aren’t necessarily the best I could find in terms of strictly value. I went with a mix of value, destination, and general hotel appeal. You could definitely find a “unicorn” redemption where a top-notch hotel dips under the 50K bar. Still, I think these are some great options that earn a spot on a list of best 50K Marriott hotels.
The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami
Finding a Ritz-Carlton for fewer than 50,000 points was something I hoped I could do. This is a hotel brand I’ve yet to enjoy. This Miami property is a decent pick if you’re looking burn your Marriott 50k award nights on luxury. For the dates I found, award rates were ~46,000 points versus $319 cash before taxes.
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Looking for a free San Diego stay in the center of all the action? The Marriott Marquis is definitely one of the best 50K Marriott hotels I could find. With award nights right at 50,000 points on multiple dates, this compared well to a nightly cash rate of $468 before taxes. The hotel is steps from the marina and Seaport Village. Petco Park is a short walk, and a quick Uber ride will get you to Balboa Park and the famed San Diego Zoo.
The LaSalle Chicago, Autograph Collection
I really want to make it back to Chicago. I’d ever consider a long weekend trip. There are lots of good hotels from everything that I’ve reviewed, so I end up with analysis paralysis. The LaSalle is a top candidate for using Marriott award nights. With cash rates north of $350 before taxes at times, I’d mark it as a great Marriott 50K hotel in the Windy City.
Moxy Washington, DC Downtown
The Moxy is not my vibe, but this one provides some incredible value for your Marriott 50K award nights. The most expensive date I found had rates approaching $600 per night before taxes. Contrast that with the 40,000 Bonvoy points it required that night. #win
Oh wait, I’m not supposed to maximize value.
Residence Inn Boston Harbor on Tudor Wharf
A Residence Inn on a list of best places to burn Marriott award nights? Hear me out. This property isn’t in downtown or the North End (which is where someone unfamiliar with Boston thinks he should stay), but it’s a short walk across the bridge. You’re also close to the U.S.S. Constitution, which is super cool. And Residence Inn hotels off greater space and include kitchens. What’s not to love?
Rate for the date I looked at were $384 before taxes. An award priced at exactly 50,000 points. Burn those 50K award nights.
Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel
I drove right by this hotel when I was in Kona, burning a Marriott 35K night at the Sheraton a short drive to the south. Having experienced the Sheraton and looking at the photos, I think I’d prefer giving the Courtyard a try if I make it back to the Big Island. Rates were north of $400 before taxes for a couple dates I looked at. Contrast this with 37,000 Bonvoy points. It may be a Courtyard, but it’s definitely one of the best 50K Marriott hotels in my mind.
JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa
I’ve driven and walked around this property, and it is on my list if I make it back to the Tucson area. It might not be the best value, but it was one of the first picks on my list. The hotel is away from the city sprawl, tucked away in the desert hills. There are hiking trails that begin across the street, and Saguaro National Park is an easy drive. Considering the asking price of 30,000 to 35,000 points, this property would be golden with just a 35K Marriott free night award. I’d even be happy burning a 50K Marriott free night here instead of the asking price of $350+ before taxes. There are dates, though, where rates dip into the low $200s.
How to Earn Five 50K Certs Right Now With The Bonvoy Boundless Card Offer
Right now the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card has an offer where you can earn five Marriott 50K free night awards. This is one of the best offers I’ve seen, and one that I took in late 2020 when it first came available.
Offer and card details
- Earn 5 Free Nights up to a 250,000 Total Point Value (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after you spend $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening.
Learn More & How to Apply
- Earn 6 points for every $1 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
- Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on gas stations, grocery stores, and dining
- Earn 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Earn one credit toward Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
- Receive 15 Elite Night Credits per calendar year and automatic Silver Elite Status each account anniversary year as a cardmember
- Enjoy a Free Night Award every year after your account anniversary, valid for a one-night hotel stay at a property with a redemption level up to 35,000 points
- Annual fee of $95
Final Thoughts on the Best 50K Marriott Hotels
I’ve relaxed a bit when it comes to trying to eke our the very best value out of my free night awards. But I still like to maximize value. Finding the best 50K Marriott hotels in the U.S. to choose from is right up my alley, but I may end up dropping a certificate on a SpringHill Suites if push comes to shove. After 2020, I learned that one can actually have too many free night certificates.
Remember that Marriott does allow you to “top off” free night awards with some additional points, so don’t feel like you’re stuck right at the 50K cap! And if you’re interested checkout the Bonvoy Boundless 5 free night offer since it is going away in a few days.
Photos courtesy of Marriott Hotels website.
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No. The best hotel by Kona, and one of the best in the world (together with it’s adjoining AC Mauna Loa partner) is the Westin Hapuna Bay which is in the low 50’s off peak….. 5* world class vs. 3* maybe at best Sheraton or Courtyard. People are foolish if they don’t top-up a few cheap points to use all 50K on each cert. Trying to stay below 50 rigidly is penny-wise and pound-foolish.
Last time I was at the Westin Hapuna, there was crazy construction noise totally ruining our stay. Did that stop? They were cutting off most of the hotel from the beach by building vacation rentals right behind the hotel.
I did see that one, and it looked very nice. The decision to keep things to 50k is admittedly arbitrary.