Marriott 85k Free Night Awards
Marriott and its Bonvoy loyalty program have deserved much of the derision which came along the way. And there’s no signs of it letting up. Can you think of another program which travelers transformed into a negatively-connoted verb? On the flip side, I also think things aren’t as bad as they seem with Marriott. The chain is somewhere in the middle, like I find most things in our points and travel hobby. We can locate solid value, maybe even a few unique experiences, here and there. Marriott 85k Free Night Awards can help. I’m interested to see how they stack up against Hilton Free Night Rewards, particularly when one is required to choose earning one over the other.
For
But first, why am I only considering Marriott 85k free night awards and not Bonvoy’s lower cert versions? Because, in my view, they’re the only Marriott cert type that can remotely compete with Hilton’s version. (That alone is a warning about Marriott’s lesser certs.) So let’s look at what makes the 85k certs particularly intriguing.
A Vast Selection
Marriott Bonvoy offers a wide variety of luxury properties where 85k certs are redeemable. As a former top-tier Starwood Preferred Guest member, I focus on the best of that previous program plus what Marriott brings. Travelers can redeem at some of the most noteworthy luxury brands in the industry, like Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and JW Marriott. I can also find 85k cert-worthy options with Edition locations, maybe even taking a step down to certain Westin properties, too. Of course, many justifiably bristle at the high redemption rates, though. However, travelers have options there, as well.
Top ‘Em Off!
Marriott enthusiasts have the ability to combine their certificates with points, increasing the flexibility of each. Certs can be topped off with up to 15k points per night, making an 85k cert useful up to 100k nightly. They may not reach Hilton’s wide cert utility, but Marriott enables a bit more flexibility with this top off feature.
They’re Fairly Difficult to Obtain
Choosing a Marriott 85k Free Night Award is more tempting because travelers rarely have the opportunity to acquire them. Particularly when one’s goals align with such a scarce product, this Marriott cert type can come out ahead. Only two credit cards offer a Marriott 85k Free Night Award. The first is Bonvoy Brilliant Amex at card anniversary. And the second card offering an anniversary cert is no longer available via new application – the Chase Ritz-Carlton card can now only be acquired via product change. The Brilliant has come with an 85k cert as part of a signup bonus in the past, but seemingly-less frequently than any of the Hilton card options.
Against
Relatively Inflexible
Marriott certs aren’t as flexible as FNC’s from other hotel loyalty programs. Indeed, View From The Wing has reported Marriott is cracking down on sharing account benefits with others, precluding the transferability of these certs. This is taking things up a notch. Not only are these certs less flexible than others, Marriott will potentially look into individuals attempting to make them more useful.
They’re Fairly Difficult to Obtain
Wait, what?! I just mentioned this in the “For” section, right? But this same item can be a negative. With 85k certs being tougher to obtain, maximizing them for an extended stay beyond a night or two is closer to impossible. Members would need to come substantially out of pocket in points, cash, or both, especially when taking into these certs’ preferred uses at luxury properties. Realizing a top-end stay of any meaningful length with these certs isn’t practical.
Pay Up
Marriott cert redeemers are required to pay resort fees. Those looking to maximize can’t escape the incompatibility. Redeeming at higher-end properties will come with predictably-increasing resort fees. And again, Marriott 85k certs are exclusively available on two expensive, premium credit cards – the Brilliant with a $650 annual fee and the Ritz-Carlton card at $450. Sure, those cards come with other benefits, but we can’t ignore that this premium cert only comes via those two pricey options.
Marriott 85k Free Night Awards – Conclusion
In a world where I’m able to obtain all certs all the time, Hilton certs are a slam dunk compared to Marriott 85k Free Night Awards. I’d pick up Hilton first, then Marriott’s. But we don’t live there. And with certain goals and limited options, I may go for an 85k cert first or when I already have plenty of Hilton certs on-hand. For what it’s worth, that’s the situation I’m in now, so the 85k cert wins this time. I expect to return for more Hilton FNC’s soon, though.
Do you enjoy Marriott 85k Free Night Awards? What have been your favorite redemptions?
My two cents on Bonvoy, I have always used their points well with partners. Like EK F for 46K a flight through JAL in the past, also for Star alliance flights via Asiana, and most recently for a week at the Masai Mara in Kenya. There are better options than hotels, I use the free nights for whatever I can, sometimes with a top off.
Indeed, Chris, transferring to airline partners can still be a solid option for certain situations. Well done!
Maybe it is me – but it seems decent Marriott properties are pricing the nightly points redemptions just outside what you can top off the certificates for. Many mid range hotels are priced just above the 50k limit for the 15k top off of the 35k FNC, and I am now seeing a lot of higher end hotels just above 100k so you can’t use the 85k FNC. I would have to say Bonvoy is becoming my LAST choice of hotels. Hyatt then Hilton are way before Marriott. And it wasn’t always like this. Boy do I miss Starwood !!!!
Tom,
I’ve noticed this and tend to agree. But while I miss Starwood, I’m resigned to the fact that I’m working with the hand I’m dealt.
51k, 101k. It is *exactly* what Marriott is doing. A property’s point pricing is done by Marriott itself and not by the property. Marriott itself is intentionally pricing award stays so as to create breakage of the certificates.
I hear you, Fred. For what it’s worth, I’m finding enough within range to make it worth the effort, although that could change in the future.
Forgive me if you mentioned this but these certificates can only be redeemed on pure points rooms and not points-and-cash rooms. Also, they cannot be used as part of a fifth night free redemption. As point prices have crept up, 85k is worth less and less. And, Marriott knows exactly what is happening.