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We're back with another list of all the luxurious properties you can book with points. But this time, we are checking out Marriott—the world's largest hotel chain!
Marriott has an incredible number of properties located in just about every country on this planet—7,484 properties in 131 countries, to be exact. And naturally, with such a large footprint, some of the most luxurious hotels in existence are part of their portfolio.
For this round, we analyzed information from 20,811 award bookings (a total of 47,624 free nights) to come up with a list of the 15 most amazing and luxurious properties you can book with Marriott points.
Current Marriott Bonvoy Offers
Looking for a way to top up your Marriott Bonvoy balance? Here are the current offers for the Marriott credit cards from Amex and Chase:
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Earn two 85K Free Night Awards
- Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: Earn three bonus Free Night Awards
- Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card: Earn 30,000 Marriott bonus points
- Earn two 85K Free Night Awards after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card in your first 6 months. Each award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Card Members could enjoy a value of up to $1,200 when redeeming each reward. Certain hotels have resort fees. Offer ends 11/1/2023.
- $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card at restaurants worldwide.
- With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
- Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
- Marriott Brilliant Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you will be eligible to select an Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
- $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy® member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
- Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited access to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
- With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- Rates & Fees
- 6X points on purchases at Marriott Properties
- 3X points at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery
- 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines
- 2X points on all other eligible purchases
How to Use This Data to Get a Great Deal
For each Marriott hotel, we've included the average cost per night if you're paying cash, the average number of points per night, and the number of cents per point (CPP) saved when redeeming Bonvoy points.
Cents-per-point is a helpful option to compare various redemptions head-to-head. In order to calculate CPP, first determine how much you're saving by spending points instead of money. Then, just divide by the number of points you need to redeem for a free night. You can learn more in our post about how to calculate mile values.
A good general rule is to search for Marriott redemptions that are worth at least one cent per point (1.00 CPP). Anything above that CPP is considered a decent value. Anything well above that is generally considered a great redemption. Conversely, redemptions at less than one cent per point are probably not the best use of your points, especially if you can afford to pay cash and use your Marriot points at a better value later on.
You can stretch your value even further by taking advantage of the Marriott “Stay for 5, Pay for 4” benefit. Marriott Bonvoy members can book a 5+ night stay and automatically get the cheapest night free.
Without further ado, here are the 15 best Marriott points redemptions for luxury stays.
The St. Regis Deer Valley
When you think of luxury accommodations in Park City, Utah, one distinct property usually comes to mind first––The St. Regis Deer Valley. Overlooking the majestic Wasatch mountains of Utah, this ski resort offers it all: a private funicular to transport guests up the mountains to the ski slopes, a private ski beach, and even a chance to ride on a bobsled run.
Family travelers are also welcomed with open arms at the St. Regis Deer Valley. The hotel can provide trusted babysitters or even a nanny. Specially curated family activities like snowmobile rides are also available.
Award Wallet tracked 23 reservations for a total of 78 nights:
- $1,867.04 average cash price per night
- 74,870 average points per night
- 2.61 cents per point
The St. Regis Aspen Resort
Continuing with the winter-resort theme, our next property to highlight is in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, in picturesque Aspen, Colorado. Guests of the St. Regis Aspen Resort are guaranteed to have the experience of a lifetime. Aspen boasts some of the greatest skiing on the planet, and this St. Regis gives you front-door access to the best Aspen has to offer.
If you have been dreaming of staying at the St. Regis Aspen Resort, but the massive price tag has been holding you back, you're in luck! Marriott Bonvoy points can be used for reasonable redemptions all year around.
AwardWallet tracked 32 reservations over 131 nights.
- $1,414.40 average cash price per night
- 69,084 average points per night
- 2.20 cents per point
St. Regis Punta Mita Resort
The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort in Nayarit, Mexico, is so luxurious, even the sunsets offer a first-class experience. This property is the place to go for some rest and relaxation at the beach—or if you're feeling more active, check out aquatic activities like surfing or kayaking. And like any great luxury resort, the St. Regis Punta Mita Resort includes butler service, golf, tennis, a spa, and so much more.
Make sure to take some time to join in on the St. Regis Punta Mita Rituals. Each day, the hotel leads these timeless traditions for guests and staff. On Friday, gather at sunset for ceremonial champagne. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, guests can enjoy afternoon tea in the lobby. You can check out the other rituals here.
AwardWallet tracked 31 unique reservations over 150 nights.
- $1,121.83 average cash price per night
- 75,050 average points per night
- 1.57 cents per point
Al Maha, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa
You don't need a genie to fulfill your wish of staying at this dreamy desert oasis, the Al Maha Desert Resort and Spa. With enough Marriott Bonvoy points, you can experience the tranquility and serenity of this off exclusive property, which comes standard with temperature-controlled swimming pools in each of their 42 suites.
And don't worry about getting bored in the middle of the desert. The Al Maha offers exciting desert activities including camel rides, desert driving excursions, archery, nature walks, and so much more.
AwardWallet tracked 89 reservations for a total of 203 nights.
- $1,516.55 average cash price per night
- 78,551 average points per night
- 2.07 cents per point
Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto combines modern luxury with an authentic Japanese design that brings about a feeling of feng shui to all who enter. Hotel amenities include acclaimed Japanese restaurants, a luxurious spa, and a customized signature green-tea scent unique to the property.
And although the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto is nestled in a quiet corner of the city along the Kamo river, it's still within walking distance to some of Kyoto's most popular attractions like Gion, the most high-end shopping center in the area.
Perhaps one of the most unique experiences offered at any of the luxury properties we have looked at, the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto offers lessons for learning and practicing the artful movements of the samurai warrior.
AwardWallet tracked 80 reservations for 173 total nights.
- $1,367.45 average cash price per night
- 71,430 average points per night
- 1.92 cent per point
The St. Regis Bora Bora
Considered to be one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Bora Bora is a highly sought-after luxury destination, and finding an affordable hotel property there is almost unheard of. Fortunately, the St Regis Bora Bora is within reach for travelers on any budget thanks to the ability to redeem Marriott points for free nights.
The property boasts the largest overwater villas in the entire South Pacific, which start at 1,550 square feet and max out with the Royal Estate—a 13,000-square-foot private compound with walls made of coral.
According to their website “No request will be too small or unattainable for our Butlers, the Signature St. Regis service…” which is available 24/7.
AwardWallet tracked 47 reservations for 116 total nights.
- $1,253.81 average cash price per night
- 69,745 average points per night
- 1.81 cent per point
The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort
With oceanfront property surrounded by endless views of pristine ocean and white sand, the St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort in Miami is every beach lover's dream. And despite its location along the busy Miami Beach area, the luxury hotel promises calm, serenity, and every opportunity for relaxation.
For those who love to dabble in the culinary arts, exclusive cooking and baking classes are available to guests. Try your hand at making macarons or learn how to cook a three-course Greek meal.
Families can also enjoy their stay at the St. Regis Bal Harbour as the property openly welcomes children. Childcare, specially curated activities for children, and dining options for young ones are just a few of the ways this hotel caters to families and ensures a stress-free vacation.
AwardWallet tracked 69 reservations for a total of 242 nights.
- $989.83 average cash price per night
- 72,750 average points per night
- 1.46 cents per point
The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay
When first seeing pictures of the incredible Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, it's hard to believe this exquisite coastal retreat is located in California and not along some European country coastline. Perfectly placed along the Northern California oceanfront, the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay is the industry standard for relaxation and reflection.
The property includes 2 Golf courses, 6 tennis courts, bicycle tours along the coast, fire pits along the beach, and more.
Families can also enjoy the life of respite and retreat at the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay. The Ritz Kids program offers outdoor activities for children of all ages. The hotel also caters to families by offering special amenities made just for your little ones.
AwardWallet tracked 57 reservations for 84 total nights.
- $909.83 average cash price per night
- 63,114 average points per night
- 1.34 cents per point
The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo
At the Ritz-Carlton Tokyo, scenic views, amenities, including an in-house library and a Michelin-star restaurant may leave you never wanting to step foot out of the property.
Located in one of Tokyo's tallest buildings (on the 45th floor and above), the Ritz-Carlton Tokyo rises above the competition—both figuratively and literally. For the health-conscious, the property offers a massive A 21,528-square-foot fitness center complete with a spa. What's more luxurious than a workout with top-of-the-line gym equipment followed by a massage?
AwardWallet tracked 55 reservations for 136 nights.
- $961.76 average cash price per night
- 78,524 average points per night
- 1.40 cents per point
The St. Regis New York
Opened in 1904, this historic hotel also happens to be one of the most luxurious properties of Manhattan. The St. Regis New York offers a world-famous butler service and a unique chauffeur service in a Bentley hotel car. Head out to shop, explore, or anything else your heart desires, and arrive in style—as long as your heart's desires are within a ten-block radius of the property.
And families are also welcome and even encouraged to stay at the St Regis New York. The hotel offers special amenities for children, robes and slippers in sizes just for them, and of course, a nanny or babysitter. Take all my Marriott Bonvoy points!
AwardWallet tracked 88 reservations over 203 nights.
- $1,057.60 average cash price per night
- 76,052 average points per night
- 1.27 cents per point
Suiran, A Luxury Collection, Kyoto
We are back in Kyoto, Japan with another incredible Marriott property you can book with points. The Suiran, A Luxury Collection, Kyoto is a retreat unlike any other. Nature surrounds the entire property, which sits along the Hozu River. Calm and tranquility are pretty much guaranteed, especially if you book one of the 17 rooms offering an “Onsen” (hot spring) plunge pool.
And if the property offers private hot springs in 17 rooms, you just know that the spa has to amazing! Some of the featured spa services include jade-stone facial treatments, green-tea scrubs, and collagen masks administered in the traditional Japanese way.
AwardWallet tracked 51 reservations over 99 nights.
- $954.73 average cash price per night
- 79,020 average points per night
- 1.22 cents per point
W Barcelona
With beachfront property along the Barceloneta Boardwalk with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea, our first European property highlight is one part glamour and one part luxury.
Guests can enjoy the swanky life at the W Barcelona thanks to all it has to offer. Enjoy lounging around in the signature Living Room or eat at its world-class restaurants. The property's location allows guests to be at the center of the unique life experience that only Barcelona can offer.
AwardWallet tracked 23 reservations over 61 total nights.
- $618.16 average cash price per night
- 59,768 average points per night
- 1.13 cents per point
St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is one of those places where you go and come back with memories for a lifetime. Situated on the pristine white sand beaches of the Indian Ocean, this exotic 5-star tropical paradise has “luxury” as its middle name—at least it would if hotels had middle names.
Visit the hotel's Vommuli Dive and Watersports Center for world-class diving and just about every water activity one can imagine. If you aren't up for water sports, you can mosey on over to the private lagoon or spend a day pampering yourself at the spa.
And if you think that the Maldives is not a location for families, think again. The St. Regis Vommuli provides a kid's club for children ages 4-12 and a recreation and social center for teens, which includes air hockey, video games, a pool, and more.
AwardWallet tracked 25 reservations over a total of 102 nights.
- $1,469.74 average cash price per night
- 89,462 average points per night
- 1.42 cents per point
The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua
The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, located in Maui, is perfect for the nature lover who also enjoys the finer things in life. This sanctuary offers miles of pristine hiking with some of the most incredible views of the island. After exploring the 54-acre property, head back to the building for a round of golf or enjoy a treatment at the spa. The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua has it all.
Families will especially love the Ritz in Maui thanks to all of the swimming pools, beaches, and activities suited for children of all ages like surfing, boogie boarding, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
AwardWallet tracked 31 unique reservations over 130 nights.
- $697.57 average cash price per night
- 53,360 average points per night
- 1.31 cents per point
The Bodrum Edition
The Bodrum Edition, located on the Aegean coast in Turkey, combines modern luxury with an ancient Turkish flare. Guests can spend their time relaxing on the pristine beaches of the Turkish Riviera or exploring the rich history of the land. Historical sites like Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary and Bodrum Castle & Halikarnas are just a quick drive away.
The Bodrum Edition includes rooms with private pools and balconies with unsurpassable views. And after a big day of relaxation, the on-site restaurants promise to deliver an experience that goes far beyond dining.
AwardWallet tracked 13 reservations over 63 nights in total.
- $1,015.87 average cash price per night
- 44,967 average points per night
- 2.28 cents per point
How Marriott's Luxury Properties Compare to the Rest
As noted previously, we used data from 20,811 award bookings for 47,624 free nights to make our list of the most exclusive and luxurious Marriott properties around the globe. In total, AwardWallet members have redeemed more than 1.46 billion, that's right, BILLION, Marriott Bonvoy points for stays between March 2019 and January 2022.
Here are the averages for the Marriott award bookings at the time of publication:
- 1.02 cents per point (CPP)
- 30,686 points — the average number of points per night
- $325.94 — average cost per night if paid in cash
As you can see, the average number of cents per point for Marriott redemptions overall is lower than the CPP for the luxury properties highlighted in this post. While many of these properties can be a great use of points, it's important to check the numbers for your specific dates.
Marriott uses dynamic pricing—which means the number of points needed for a free night will fluctuate depending on the demand for the property on those dates. Cash prices to book a room will also vary depending on your dates. Make sure to check both numbers and consider how they compare to the averages we've published in this post before deciding whether it makes sense to redeem points.
It's also worth noting that the Marriott 5th-night-free benefit is included in the averages shared in this post. Out of 714 stays, 214 were for stays of 5 nights or more. (Way to maximize guys! We're so proud of you.)
And don't forget that you may find more value by transferring your Marriott Bonvoy points to an airline.
Final Thoughts
The life of luxury is no longer just for those with fat wallets. Travelers with even the smallest budgets can now experience the world's most exclusive properties thanks to points and miles, and Marriott Bonvoy points are one of those currencies that can help take you there.
Which of these properties would you like to visit?
If Hilton is more your style, check out our article on the 15 Best Hilton Points Redemptions for Luxury Stays.
- Earn two 85K Free Night Awards after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card in your first 6 months. Each award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Card Members could enjoy a value of up to $1,200 when redeeming each reward. Certain hotels have resort fees. Offer ends 11/1/2023.
- $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card at restaurants worldwide.
- With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
- Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
- Marriott Brilliant Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you will be eligible to select an Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
- $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy® member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
- Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited access to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
- With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- Rates & Fees
- 6X points on purchases at Marriott Properties
- 3X points at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery
- 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines
- 2X points on all other eligible purchases
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (Rates & Fees)
The comments on this page are not provided, reviewed, or otherwise approved by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Great list of aspirational stays for after the pandemic to visit to!
Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay was kind of disappointing. The room looked nice, but dated. Parking is a scam. And it gets pretty busy/noisy during the weekends with visitors and the endless weddings. It’s hard to get somewhere to sit near the pool. It wasn’t quite the relaxing stay
Thanks for taking the time to share your experience. Several of those are dings that would somewhat negatively impact my stay as well.
I couldn’t agree more with this list selection. My family, including children, have done an annual ski trip each spring to Colorado for the past 15 years. Having stayed at 3 of the properties on this list, I can undoubtedly say how pleased we have been year after year at the St. Regis Deer Valley. It’s hard to say what’s better: the views or the service (the views are the clear winner, obviously). It’s been a dream to spend a holiday there, but we haven’t had that opportunity just yet. After a year of virtually no travelling, I look forward to putting my points to good use with that 5th night free!
Even though they seem like good value, still feels like a high price to pay 50K-75K of points per night. How times have changed…
The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto is fantastic! I wouldn’t say it’s in a quiet “corner” of the city though; it isn’t on a noisy main road, but it isn’t far from the imperial palace. It’s in a fantastic location!
Wish it was easier to pool points, to use the from own status acct. Was easier with SPG, than the annual limits with Marriott.
Looks good. Depending on the availability, which from time to time has been an issue, might be good value for redemptions.
The St. Regis Maldives is my dream hotel. Just need 400,000 more points on my Marriott account and I’m there! XD
I really enjoyed this post. I don’t typically use points at ultra high end properties, but many of these are very interesting and worth considering.
Looking forward to staying at Marriott hotels again. These ones look great!
We stayed at the Ritz Carlton Kyoto a couple of years ago, and it’s fantastic. In addition to the benefits highlighted, the property offers free guided bike tours of the city for both adults and families. And the breakfast was phenomenal (and free for Marriott Platinum elites.) Highly recommended property.
We stayed at the St. Regis Mexico City right after its inauguration. A couple of years ago, we went back for dinner in an incredible environment. No doubt in our next stay it will be an incredible opportunity for redeeming our AA miles!
These places look absolutely stunning. I can’t wait to be able to travel again.
This blog is particularly helpful because it gives practical information as well as illustrations, which to say the least are enticing.
I also like the fact that you can transfer the Bonvoy points to an airline – having that flexibility makes it much more worthwhile. So many reward programmes are difficult to use, especially if you’ve only gathered a few points and can’t make much of them.
Thanks for the blog. Some great ideas and thoughts!
The Ritz Carlton Kyoto looks absolutely stunning!
good piece
What would also be great would be an article on for best best use of 35K credit card nights at peak, normal and off peak redemption rate
Wow those are some nice places to stay! I wish I could travel and see these places right now but I am waiting til everything has mostly settled. I am hoping that they’ll keep promos going so I can get more points my driving trip this summer.
Some nice marriot properties! I personally would love to stay at the The Bodrum Edition in Turkey!
Marriott still has some high end value if you have the points to burn….wonder if they still offer falconry as a class at the Al Maha resort….
Ritz Carlton Kyoto has always been a dream of mine.
Those hotels are pretty amazing. A trip to Maldives is my dream. Good to know that those hotels can be more acessible with Marriott points. Thanks
The Marriott 5th-night-free benefit is defunct. It was replaced with the Marriott Stay-5-pay-4 benefit when off-peak, standard & peak award levels were implemented. The 5th night is not free, the night that has the lowest point redemption is free meaning it could be any of the 5 nights.
If 5 nights required 35K, 40K, 40K, 40K, 40K points, you will pay 160K and the 35K night is free. If the 5th night was free, you would pay 155K.
It is also important to note that a points advance booking (if you don’t have enough points to secure the award) only reserves the space, not what you pay for the award. The points required will be the prevailing rate at the time the points are attached. You could pay more (or less) and the free night could shift if utilizing the Stay-5-Pay-4 benefit.
Other than that inaccuracy, good article and suggestions. Of course, how the properties are managed has a bearing on value. At least one in your list is very customer unfriendly with award bookings.
James
James: Indeed, that’s how the 5th night free benefit and points advance works now. I’m not seeing any inaccuracies in the post though. We just shortly touch on the 5th night free benefit to remind readers to take advantage of this, if they can.
Curious which of these properties has a customer-unfriendly approach to award bookings. That’s definitely relevant information.
Hello JT
The inaccuracy is in referencing a “5th night free benefit.” To be consistent with Marriott you should be referencing the “Stay for 5, Pay for 4” benefit.
The St. Regis Aspen has very egregious and punitive cancellation policy. If you are within the cancellation deadline, you will be assessed a $1000 per night fee. One Bonvoy Member who was delayed due to weather and a canceled flight advised the property that he would check-in the following day. When he checked out, there was a $1000 charge for the first night on his folio and was advised that this is their “policy.”
James
Got it! Thanks for the clarification, and you’re definitely right. I clarified the policy in that paragraph.
That cancellation fee is indeed egregious – especially for something out of the traveler’s control like weather delays. I really hope that Marriott stepped in on that situation to make it right!