The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy is one of the largest and most well-known hotel loyalty programs in the world — and if you’ve ever searched for ways to book hotels using points, you’ve probably come across it. But figuring out how it works can feel a little confusing at first. Between the dozens of hotel brands, points, perks, status tiers, and credit card offers, there’s a lot to unpack — especially if you’re just getting started.

Whether you’re someone who travels often or just books the occasional family getaway or weekend trip, this post will help you understand how to earn Marriott Bonvoy points, how to redeem them for maximum value, and what kind of perks you can unlock — even without being a road warrior. From free hotel nights and room upgrades to elite status and hidden redemption strategies, Marriott Bonvoy has more to offer than most people realize.

So, if you’ve ever wondered whether signing up is worth it or how to actually get a “free” night at a nice hotel, you’re in the right place.

What Is Marriott Bonvoy?

Marriott Bonvoy is the loyalty program from Marriott, one of the biggest hotel chains in the world. When you join (for free!), you can earn points every time you stay at one of their hotels, dine at select restaurants, or even use certain credit cards. Later on, you can use those points to book free hotel nights, upgrade your stay, or even redeem for things like experiences or flights.

It’s pretty straightforward: stay more, earn more. But you don’t need to be a frequent traveler to get value out of it. There are lots of ways to earn points — even without setting foot in a hotel.

Who Is It Best For?

• Travelers who want to save on hotel stays in Canada or abroad
• People looking to make the most of everyday spending through points
• Families who want to stretch their travel budget further
• Anyone who’s curious about getting perks like room upgrades or late checkout without spending more

Marriott Bonvoy Hotel Brands Explained

Marriott isn’t just one hotel chain — it’s a family of over 30 different brands, each with its own personality, price point, and travel vibe. Whether you’re going for luxury, a family-friendly stay, or just need something reliable for a quick overnight, there’s probably a Marriott brand that fits.

Examples of Marriott Brands and Who They’re For:

• Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis – Ultra-luxury brands, perfect for splurges, honeymoons, or using your points for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
• JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels – Upscale full-service hotels for business travel or elevated vacations.
• Sheraton, Delta, Westin – Mid-tier brands with solid comfort and amenities, great for family travel or long weekends.
• Courtyard, Four Points, Fairfield Inn – Budget-friendly, simple accommodations for short stays or road trips.

Each brand has a specific feel — and knowing the difference can help you plan better redemptions and pick the right vibe for your trip.

📌 Learn more about all of Marriott’s hotel brands directly from their official page: Marriott Brand Overview

How to Earn Marriott Bonvoy Points

There are plenty of ways to earn Bonvoy points — and not all of them require staying in a hotel. You’ll rack up points by booking paid stays at Marriott properties, but also through limited-time promotions, dining programs, and even airline partners.

1. Book Stays at Marriott Hotels

Every time you book and pay for a qualifying stay at a Marriott property, you’ll earn points. The number of points varies depending on the brand — luxury and full-service hotels often earn more points per dollar than budget brands.

For example:

• 10 points per $1 at most Marriott brands
• 5 points per $1 at Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, and Element
• No points for stays booked through third-party sites like Expedia or Booking.com

2. Take Advantage of Promotions

Marriott runs regular global promotions — like double points, bonus points after a certain number of nights, or targeted member offers. These are easy wins if you’re already planning travel. Just make sure to register for them in your Bonvoy account.

3. Transfer Points from Airline or Travel Partners

Marriott partners with several programs where you can transfer points in — or convert Bonvoy points out to airline miles. While this isn’t always the best value, it adds flexibility depending on your goals.

4. Use a Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card

This is where things really speed up. With the right co-branded credit card, you can earn points on everyday purchases — groceries, dining, travel, and more. Some cards even come with free night certificates or elite night credits.

We’ll cover this more deeply in the credit card section below.

📌 Related: How Amex Bonvoy Cards Unlock Free Nights and Hotel Savings

5. Through Amex MR Earning Credit Cards

If you hold an American Express Membership Rewards-earning card in Canada (like the Cobalt, Gold Rewards, or Platinum Card), you can transfer MR points directly to Marriott Bonvoy at a 1:1.2 ratio — meaning 1,000 MR points = 1,200 Bonvoy points.

Why This Matters:

This is a great way to top up your Bonvoy account — especially if you’re just shy of:

• A redemption for a high-value hotel stay
• Topping up your Free Night Certificate (you can add up to 15,000 Bonvoy points)
• Boosting your balance to reach a PointSavers deal or 5th-night-free booking

How to Transfer Amex MR points to Bonvoy points:

1. Log in to your Amex Canada account
2. Go to the Membership Rewards portal (or Membership in the Amex app)
3. Select Redeem Your Points

4. Find Marriott Bonvoy, and select Transfer my points

5. Enter your Bonvoy account number and the number of points you want to transfer

⏱️ Transfers are usually instant, though it can sometimes take a few hours.

How to Use Marriott Bonvoy Points

Once you’ve built up a stash of Bonvoy points, the fun really starts — redeeming them. Marriott gives you a variety of ways to use your points, but not all redemptions are equal. Some deliver amazing value and unforgettable travel experiences, while others offer convenience but lower returns.

In this section, we’ll walk through all the different ways you can use your Bonvoy points — starting with the most popular and valeliuable option: free hotel stays.

Booking Marriott Hotels

For most members, using points for free hotel nights is the most straightforward — and the most satisfying — redemption. Whether you’re planning a luxury getaway or a budget-friendly weekend, Marriott’s global network of over 8,000 properties gives you endless possibilities.

Point prices are dynamically set, meaning they can change based on demand and seasonality. But when timed right, you can unlock fantastic value — especially at high-end properties during off-peak times. Simply search in the Marriott app or website, select “Use Points,” and choose your destination. If the hotel has standard rooms available for points, you’re good to go.

Of course, hotels aren’t your only option. You can transfer to airline miles or redeem for experiences through Marriott Bonvoy Moments. While those alternatives can be fun, the biggest value usually comes from hotel stays, especially when you stack perks like the 5th Night Free or use a Free Night Certificate and top it up with points.

Sample Redemptions

• A night at the Sheraton Centre Toronto might run 35,000–55,000 points
• A luxury stay at the Ritz-Carlton Montreal could be 60,000+ points
• Use a 35K free night certificate + top-up to stretch your value for higher-end hotels

Points + Cash Options

The Points + Cash option allows you to redeem a portion of the room rate with points and pay the remaining balance with cash. This can be particularly useful when you don’t have enough points for a free night or when you want to top up your stay with additional amenities.

Using the Points + Cash option can help stretch your points further, especially during peak travel seasons when redemption rates are higher.

Transfer to Other Programs

You can transfer Bonvoy points to over 35 airline partners, often at a 3:1 ratio (e.g., 60,000 Bonvoy = 25,000 airline miles). For many frequent flyers, this adds flexibility — especially when paired with bonus transfer offers.

Marriott Bonvoy Moments

Marriott Bonvoy Moments is a lesser-known but interesting way to redeem points. Instead of using them for hotel stays, members can use their Bonvoy balance for events and experiences like concerts, sports games, and dining events. These redemptions can be a way to use points for something unique, although value per point varies.

In 2025, recent Bonvoy Moments have included:

• Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour – London
  • Suite access + hotel stay: Winning bids ranged from 250,000 to 400,000 points
• Private Dinner with Chef Daniel Boulud – NYC
  • Fixed redemption: 85,000 points per person for a multi-course tasting and wine pairing
• UEFA Champions League Final – Berlin
  • VIP hospitality + hotel: Auction bids typically reached 300,000+ points
• Formula 1 Grand Prix – Miami
  • Pit lane tour + premium seats: Redemptions ranged from 225,000 to 350,000 points
• Broadway Package – Hamilton or MJ: The Musical
  • Orchestra seats + meet-and-greet: Fixed price of 80,000–120,000 points depending on show and location

Some experiences are offered at fixed point amounts, while others go to the highest bidder in an auction format. Redemptions like these won’t always offer the highest cent-per-point value, but for members looking for memorable events or hard-to-access experiences, they can be worth considering.

You can browse current offerings at moments.marriottbonvoy.com

Use the Top-Up Feature

Can’t find a hotel that fits exactly within your certificate’s point value? Marriott allows you to “top up” a certificate with up to 15,000 additional points. For example, you can use a 35K certificate at a 45,000-point hotel by adding 10,000 points. This adds flexibility and opens up a lot more options — especially in major cities or during peak travel periods.

Value of a Bonvoy Point

On average, Marriott Bonvoy points are worth 0.8 to 1.2 cents per point, depending on how you redeem them. That said, there are opportunities to get outsized value — especially when taking advantage of Marriott PointSavers promotions. Similarly, transferring points to airline partners can sometimes yield excellent value, particularly when combined with bonus transfer promotions or award sales on the airline’s side. These sweet spots can boost the value of your points well beyond the average, making strategic redemptions especially worthwhile.

Types of Free Night Certificates

Free Night Certificates are one of the most valuable perks Marriott offers — especially if you hold one of their co-branded credit cards. These certificates let you book a night at a hotel using a fixed “points cap” instead of a variable number of points.

• 35,000-point certificate — included with many entry-level Bonvoy credit cards
• 50,000-point certificate — often earned through promotions or premium credit cards
• 85,000-point certificate — typically offered through high-end cards like the Amex Bonvoy Brilliant (U.S.)

Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status & Benefits

As you stay more with Marriott, you’ll unlock elite tiers that come with valuable perks — things like free breakfast, room upgrades, bonus points, and late checkout. Although you would need to stay a minimum number of nights in a calendar year to qualify for status. There are five main elite levels, each offering more benefits as you go up. You earn an elite night for each stay. So, if you stay 10 nights in one calendar year, you’d earn Silver Elite Status for the following year. Stay 25 nights, Gold Elite Status, 50 nights, Platinum Elite Status and so on.

Elite Status Tiers

Should You Pursue Elite Status?

If you stay at Marriott hotels frequently — either for business or personal travel — elite status can definitely be worth it. The free breakfast, room upgrades, and late checkout alone can add up to hundreds of dollars in value per year. If you travel occasionally, the lower tiers may still give you perks that improve your stays without needing a huge commitment. Some credit cards offer automatic status without you needed to earn any elite nights on your own. For example, the Amex Bonvoy cards in Canada gives you automatic Silver Elite Status, while the Bonvoy Brilliant card in the U.S. gives you platinum status, where perks really shine such as suite upgrades, club lounge access, and 4pm check-out.

📌 Explore the full list of benefits here: Marriott Member Benefits

Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards

One of the fastest ways to boost your Marriott points balance is through a co-branded credit card. In Canada, there are two main American Express Bonvoy options that offer a combination of high earn rates and valuable perks.

Canadian Bonvoy Credit Cards

Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card (Personal)

• Annual Fee: $120
• Welcome Bonus: 50,000 Bonvoy points after spending $1,500 in the first 3 months
• Annual Free Night Award: Valid for hotels up to 35,000 points (can be topped up with 15,000 extra points for stays up to 50,000 points)
• Earn Rate: 5x at Marriott properties, 2x on all other purchases
• Elite Perks: Automatic Silver Elite status + 15 elite night credits per year
• Apply Here

Marriott Bonvoy Amex Business Card

• Annual Fee: $150
• Welcome Bonus: 60,000 Bonvoy points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months
• Annual Free Night Award: Valid for hotels up to 35,000 points (toppable by 15,000)
• Earn Rate: 5x at Marriott, 3x on gas/dining/travel, 2x on everything else
• Elite Perks: Silver Elite status + 15 elite night credits
• Apply Here

If you hold both cards, the perks can stack — giving you two free night certificates each year, plus enough points from regular spending to book additional nights. It’s a solid combo for maximizing hotel stays and elite night credits in Canada.

📌 Learn more: Amex Bonvoy Cards & Secret Hotel Savings

U.S. Marriott Bonvoy Cards (For Canadians Willing to Apply)

For Americans or if you’re a Canadian with U.S. credit history, here’s a quick look at the Marriott Bonvoy cards available in the U.S.:

🔐 Note: U.S. cards require a U.S. SSN or ITIN and credit history. Canadians can qualify if they’ve built a U.S. profile (e.g., via Amex Global Transfer or U.S. address with ITIN). Here’s a great guide from Frugal Flyer on how Canadians can get U.S. credit cards.

Marriott Bonvoy Strategies

To get the most out of Marriott Bonvoy, it’s essential to explore beyond the basics and leverage expert tips. Experienced members use various strategies to maximize their benefits, and I’m about to share some of the most effective ones.

Maximize the Value of Your Bonvoy Points

One way to evaluate whether you’re getting good value is by calculating the cost per point (CPP). In Canada, a fair benchmark is 1 cent per point (CAD). Anything higher is generally a good redemption, while values below that might not be the best use of your points.

How to calculate CPP:
Cash price (including taxes and fees) divided by the number of points used.

Example (2025):
A standard room at the W Toronto is showing a nightly rate of $540 CAD (including taxes) or 45,000 points.

$540 ÷ 45,000 points = 1.2 cents per point

That’s above the 1 CPP benchmark, which makes this a solid redemption — especially if you’re traveling during high season or last-minute when cash rates spike.

Leveraging Promotions

Marriott Bonvoy frequently offers promotions that can significantly boost your points earnings or provide exclusive benefits. To maximize these opportunities, stay informed through the program’s official communications and website.

Some promotions worth looking out for include bonus points for specific stays, discounted award redemptions, and exclusive benefits for elite members. By leveraging these promotions, you can accelerate your points earnings and enhance your overall Marriott Bonvoy experience.

Use the 5th Night Free Benefit

One of the easiest ways to increase the value of your Marriott points is by taking advantage of the 5th Night Free benefit. When you book an award stay of five consecutive nights using points, Marriott automatically gives you the fifth night for no additional points.

This benefit only applies to standard point redemptions, not cash bookings or Points + Cash combinations. It works across all Marriott brands and property types, as long as standard rooms are available for the full stay.

Example:
You’re booking a five-night stay at a hotel that charges 40,000 points per night. Instead of paying 200,000 points (5 x 40,000), you’ll only use 160,000 points — essentially bringing the average per night cost down to 32,000 points.

If the same stay would cost $2,000 CAD in total, you’re now getting 1.25 cents per point — well above the 1 CPP benchmark.

This perk is especially valuable at resorts or during peak travel seasons when nightly rates are high. It’s also a smart strategy for family travel or longer vacations where every bit of savings helps.

Top Up Free Night Certificates with Points

Marriott’s Free Night Certificates are a popular perk from co-branded credit cards and elite status milestones. These certificates typically have a set value — such as 35,000 or 50,000 points — and can be used to book standard award nights at eligible hotels.

Since 2022, Marriott has allowed members to top up these certificates with up to 15,000 additional Bonvoy points, giving you more flexibility in choosing where to stay.

Example:
You have a 35,000-point certificate but want to stay at a hotel that costs 45,000 points per night. Using the top-up feature, you can apply your certificate and add 10,000 points from your balance to cover the difference.

This feature opens up more options, especially in big cities or resort areas where prices often exceed certificate limits. It can also help you squeeze extra value from your certificate instead of settling for a lower-tier property.

A few quick notes:

• The top-up only works if the total award price is within 15,000 points of the certificate value.
• It can be used directly in the Marriott app or website during the booking process.
• It’s a one-time-use — once booked, you can’t reclaim the certificate or the points if you cancel outside the flexible window.

Used strategically, this feature can unlock higher-value stays without needing to wait for the perfect 35K or 50K match.

Book Early to Lock in Lower Point Rates

Marriott Bonvoy uses dynamic pricing, which means the number of points required for a stay can fluctuate based on demand, time of year, and booking trends. Because of this, booking early is one of the easiest ways to get better value from your points.

When you book far in advance — especially for popular destinations or peak travel seasons — you’re more likely to find standard or off-peak pricing, which helps you stay under budget or stretch your points further.

Example:
A stay at the Westin Resort & Spa in Whistler might cost 50,000 points per night if booked 4–6 months ahead. If you wait until closer to your travel dates, the same night could jump to 65,000 or even 70,000 points, especially during ski season.

The good news is that Marriott award bookings are fully refundable in most cases, so there’s no downside to booking early and adjusting later. If the points rate drops, you can cancel and rebook at the lower rate. Just be sure to check the cancellation policy before confirming.

Booking early also gives you the best shot at using Free Night Certificates, especially for high-demand hotels where standard award rooms sell out quickly.

Avoid OTAs — Book Direct with Marriott

While it can be tempting to book Marriott hotels through third-party sites like Expedia, Booking.com, or Priceline, doing so comes with trade-offs — especially if you’re trying to earn or redeem Marriott Bonvoy points.

When you book through an online travel agency (OTA), you typically won’t earn points, won’t earn elite night credits, and won’t be eligible for elite benefits during your stay. That means no free upgrades, late checkout, or welcome gifts — even if you have status.

Instead, always book directly through Marriott.com, the Marriott app, or by calling Marriott directly. This ensures your reservation is eligible for all Bonvoy benefits, points earning, and promotions.

If you’re worried about price, Marriott offers a Best Rate Guarantee. If you find a lower qualifying rate for the same hotel and room type on another website within 24 hours of booking, Marriott will match the rate — and give you either 5,000 Bonvoy points or a 25% discount on your stay.

Why it matters:

• Keeps your stay eligible for points, status perks, and certificate use
• Makes it easier to manage bookings in one place
• Protects you with flexible cancellation and member-only rates
• Still price-competitive thanks to the Best Rate Guarantee

Booking direct is the easiest way to make sure you’re getting full value from your Bonvoy membership.

Best Marriott Hotels to Book with Points

Whether you’re traveling internationally or planning a staycation, Bonvoy points can take you far. Here are some great ways to use your points at high-value properties in Canada and around the world.

Canada and Global Picks

• Use your points to book luxury stays in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal — or go big with international options in Europe and Asia.
• Many hotels fall under the 35K–50K point range, making them accessible with free night certificates.

Some Standout Examples:

• Delta Hotels Toronto – Modern, central, and great for staycations or downtown events. Often around 40K–50K points.
• The Ritz-Carlton Montreal – A luxury redemption with great service and central location. Requires more points, but excellent if you’re using top-up.
• JW Marriott Parq Vancouver – Stylish and connected to the entertainment district. Good value for points, especially on weekends.
• Le Méridien Maldives – For a true aspirational redemption, you can use your Bonvoy points to stay in an overwater villa in paradise.
• Moxy Lisbon or Aloft Bangkok – Budget-friendly redemptions in cool, central locations for under 25K–35K points per night.

Staycation and Travel-Friendly Properties

• Look for family-friendly or centrally located hotels in your home city for a weekend staycation.
• Airport hotels, resort properties, and city-center brands like Delta, Westin, and Courtyard are smart redemptions.

Pros and Cons of the Marriott Bonvoy Program

Marriott Bonvoy is a flexible, globally accepted loyalty program that can work for frequent travelers — but also offers surprising value for occasional travelers too. Whether you’re staying at hotels a few times a year or traveling every month, Bonvoy has potential upside with little downside.

Strengths

Wide Global Coverage
Marriott has one of the largest hotel portfolios in the world, with over 8,000 properties across 30+ brands. Whether you’re booking a luxury city stay, a beachfront resort, or a budget-friendly stopover, there’s likely a Marriott option nearby.

Flexible Point Redemption Options
Bonvoy points can be used for hotel stays, airline transfers (to over 40 frequent flyer programs), room upgrades, and even event access through Marriott Bonvoy Moments. While hotel stays typically offer the best value, having options adds flexibility.

Free Night Certificates
Many Marriott co-branded credit cards offer annual free night certificates worth 35,000 to 85,000 points. These can easily be redeemed for rooms that would otherwise cost hundreds of dollars per night, especially when topped up with points.

Elite Status Benefits
At higher tiers (Platinum and above), members enjoy perks like complimentary breakfast, lounge access, room upgrades, and late checkout. These benefits can significantly improve the experience, particularly at full-service and luxury properties.

Weaknesses

Dynamic Pricing
Marriott no longer uses a fixed award chart. Instead, point costs fluctuate based on demand, season, and occupancy. This can make it harder to plan redemptions or predict how many points a stay will cost — especially during holidays or peak travel times.

Ongoing Devaluation Risk
Point values have gradually declined in recent years, with many high-demand properties requiring more points than before. This trend may continue, reducing the overall value of your Bonvoy balance over time.

Weaker Low-Tier Benefits
Silver and Gold Elite tiers (often earned through credit cards or limited stays) offer fewer tangible perks compared to entry-level tiers in other programs. Benefits like upgrades, breakfast, and lounge access don’t kick in until higher status levels.

Third-Party Bookings Don’t Earn Points
Reservations made through OTAs like Expedia or Booking.com don’t earn Bonvoy points or elite night credits. These bookings also make you ineligible for elite benefits. To get full value, it’s important to book directly with Marriott.

Who Should Join?

• Frequent travelers, especially those loyal to a single hotel group.
• Canadians looking for consistent credit card perks and free night certificates.
• Families and couples who want to use points to offset hotel costs.

Who Might Want to Skip It?

• Travelers who mostly book Airbnbs or boutique hotels.
• People who rarely stay at Marriott properties or prefer all-inclusive deals outside the network.

Is Marriott Bonvoy Worth It in 2025?

As we wrap up this comprehensive guide to Marriott Bonvoy, the question remains: is Marriott Bonvoy worth it in 2025? The answer largely depends on your travel habits and ability to maximize the program’s benefits. Despite recent concerns about Marriott Bonvoy points devaluation, many travelers still find value in the program.

To determine if Marriott Bonvoy is right for you, consider your hotel loyalty needs and how often you stay at Marriott properties. If you’re a frequent traveler who can leverage the program’s offerings, such as elite status benefits and strategic redemptions, Marriott Bonvoy can be a valuable loyalty program.

By understanding how to earn and redeem points effectively, you can make the most of Marriott Bonvoy. Weigh the benefits against your individual needs to decide if Marriott Bonvoy is worth it for you in 2025.

Here’s What You Can Do Next:

• Sign up for Marriott Bonvoy (it’s free!)
• Explore Marriott’s brands to get a feel for where you want to stay
• Check out credit card options that come with free night certificates
• Browse the Marriott app or website to see what your points could unlock

Want to see how the Amex Bonvoy cards work and how much value you can actually get?
Read my full guide here — I break down the signup bonuses, annual perks, point strategies, and how to maximize the Free Night Certificates every year.

FAQ

What is Marriott Bonvoy?

Marriott Bonvoy is a loyalty program offered by Marriott International that allows members to earn and redeem points across a diverse portfolio of hotel brands.

How do I earn Marriott Bonvoy points?

You can earn Marriott Bonvoy points through hotel stays, credit card spending, dining programs, and travel partners, among other methods.

What is the value of Marriott Bonvoy points?

The value of Marriott Bonvoy points varies depending on how you redeem them, but on average, they are worth around 0.8 cents per point when redeemed for hotel stays.

How do I prevent my Marriott Bonvoy points from expiring?

To prevent your points from expiring, you need to have some activity in your account at least once every 24 months, such as earning or redeeming points.

What are the different Marriott Bonvoy elite status tiers?

The Marriott Bonvoy elite status tiers are Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador, each offering increasing benefits and privileges.

How do I achieve Marriott Bonvoy elite status?

You can achieve elite status by staying a certain number of nights at participating Marriott hotels or by spending a certain amount on a Marriott Bonvoy credit card.

What is dynamic pricing in Marriott Bonvoy?

Dynamic pricing means that the number of points required for a free night award varies based on the hotel’s cash rate, which can fluctuate depending on demand.

How do I maximize the value of my Marriott Bonvoy free night certificates?

To maximize the value of your free night certificates, use them for high-category hotels or during peak periods when redemption rates are higher.

What are the best ways to redeem Marriott Bonvoy points?

Some of the best ways to redeem Marriott Bonvoy points include booking standard rooms, using Points + Cash options, or exclusive experiences.

 affecting the cost or value of redemptions.

What are some common pitfalls to avoid in Marriott Bonvoy?

Common pitfalls include not understanding points devaluation, being aware of booking restrictions, and considering resort fees when redeeming points.

Can I transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to other loyalty programs?

Yes, Marriott Bonvoy points can be transferred to various airline loyalty programs, although the transfer ratios may vary.

How do I pool Marriott Bonvoy points with family or friends?

Marriott Bonvoy allows members to pool their points with other members, making it easier to redeem for larger awards or top up a family member’s account.