If you’ve got a Marriott Bonvoy free night award — also referred to as a certificate or just a free night — burning a hole in your account, good news: used wisely, it can save you a lot of money and unlock some truly memorable stays. Used poorly? You might as well trade it for a courtyard room off the interstate during a winter storm.
This guide walks you through how to earn, use, and maximize your Marriott free night award—without the fluff or fine print.
Key Takeaways
- Understand your award’s value: Marriott Bonvoy free night awards come in 35K, 50K, and 85K point versions and can be topped up with up to 15,000 points.
- Best earning methods: The easiest way to get these is through Marriott Bonvoy credit cards in Canada and the U.S., or through elite status milestones.
- How to use them wisely: Use rewards when the cash price is high but the points cost is low to get maximum value—think 1 cent per point or more.
- Top hotel picks: Great redemptions include St. Regis Maldives, JW Marriott Anaheim, and Delta Hotels Toronto, among others.
- Avoid common mistakes: Don’t let your award expire, avoid redeeming it on low-point stays, and remember that not all rooms or rates qualify.
- Canadian redemptions are strong: Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Halifax offer excellent value with urban and scenic options.
- Awards cover base room cost: Taxes, resort fees, and upgraded rooms may not be included—so always double-check before booking.
What Is a Marriott Bonvoy Free Night Certificate?
A Marriott Bonvoy free night certificate (aka award) is a reward that lets you redeem a night at a participating hotel, up to a set point value (usually 35K, 50K, or 85K points). These are most commonly earned via Marriott co-branded credit cards or elite status milestones.
You may see them referred to as a free night certificate or free night award—they’re the same thing in the Marriott Bonvoy program.
Awards are flexible—you can add up to 15,000 Bonvoy points to “top up” and redeem for more expensive redemptions. But they do expire after 12 months, so you’ll want to plan ahead.
You can review the official Marriott Bonvoy Free Night Certificate terms here to understand redemption rules, exclusions, and expiration policies.
How to Earn Marriott Free Night Certificates
There are a few main ways travelers can earn Marriott Bonvoy free night awards, and some are easier than others.
Marriott Credit Cards (Canada and U.S.)
The simplest and most reliable method is through Marriott co-branded credit cards.
In Canada, the Marriott Bonvoy Amex cards (personal and business) each offer a 35,000-point reward on your cardmember anniversary. You don’t need to meet a minimum spend—just renew the card. Both also come with 15 elite night credits per year, which can help you reach higher status tiers.
In the U.S., similar cards offer either a 35K or 85K free night annually:
- Bonvoy Boundless (Chase): 35K award
- Bonvoy Brilliant (Amex): 85K award + automatic Platinum Elite status
The U.S. cards tend to have steeper annual fees but more generous perks, including higher-value awards and statement credits.
Elite Night Milestones
Elite Night Milestones are loyalty thresholds you reach by staying a certain number of nights at Marriott properties in a calendar year. When you hit these milestones—typically at 50 and 75 nights—you unlock the ability to choose a reward from Marriott’s Annual Choice Benefits. One of the most popular benefit options is a free night award, which functions exactly like a free night certificate: it covers the cost of a standard room up to a specific Bonvoy point value (usually 40,000 points).
To be clear, the free night award earned through milestones is the same kind of benefit you might receive through a credit card—but earned through loyalty instead of spending.
That said, staying 75 nights in a single year is not common for the average traveler. This milestone is usually reached by frequent business travelers or those who combine multiple Marriott Bonvoy credit cards and personal stays. If that’s not you, don’t worry—there are other easier ways to earn a free night, like through co-branded cards or limited-time promotions.
Limited-Time Promotions
Occasionally, Marriott runs a systemwide promo offering a free night for staying a set number of nights within a certain time period. These aren’t frequent, but when they show up, they’re a great value grab.
How to Use a Marriott Free Night Award
Once you’ve earned your award, using it is pretty straightforward.
You’ll find your active rewards under “Activity” or “Free Night Awards” in your Marriott Bonvoy account (both online and in the app). Each award lists its expiration date and the max point value it’s eligible for.
Top-Up Feature: More Flexibility
If your target stay exceeds your award’s value by 15,000 points or less, you can top it up using Bonvoy points. This is a great way to stretch your options and access more desirable properties, especially in cities or during high-demand dates. For example, a 35K award plus a 15K top-up gets you into any 50K redemption night.
Just be aware that if the room costs even 1 point more than the max allowable (e.g., 50,001), you won’t be able to use the award at all.
Important Limitations
Your reward can only be used for Standard Room redemptions. So before you click that book button, make sure your room is eligible—and that the award actually shows up as a payment option.
Restrictions
Rewards cannot be used for:
- Upgraded rooms
- Cash + Points bookings
- Premium rooms or suites
Note: You can be upgraded after booking a standard room, through elite status, asking nicely at check-in, or paying for an upgrade depending on the property.
Always make sure the property shows your free night award as an option during checkout.
How to Maximize the Value of Your Marriott Bonvoy Free Night
Let’s face it—using your 35K award for a 22K redemption is like paying for a full buffet and walking away after a single bread roll. You could do it, but should you?
Here are a few principles to keep in mind:
- Look for high cash value, low point redemptions. If a room is going for $800 but available for 50,000 points, and you’ve got a 35K reward plus a top-up—that’s a fantastic redemption.
- Don’t chase categories. Marriott uses dynamic pricing now, so hotel categories don’t carry much weight. Focus on the actual point cost.
- Be strategic about location and timing. Big events, holidays, or seasonal demand spikes can inflate cash prices, but point prices sometimes lag.
- Avoid wasting awards on ultra-low-point redemptions. If a hotel is pricing at 17,000 points, just use points and save your award.
Bottom line: if you can hit 1 cent per point (cpp) or more, you’re doing well. And if you manage 2 cpp? Treat yourself—you’ve earned it.
Best Hotels for Free Night Award Redemptions
These are properties where you’ll typically get strong value for each tier of certificate. Of course, availability and pricing vary—but these are consistently solid options.
Great Redemptions for 35K Awards
- Courtyard Tokyo Ginza Hotel– Modern hotel in the heart of Tokyo’s upscale Ginza district.
- AC Hotel Montreal Downtown – Stylish and walkable to everything in Montreal. Often right at 35K.
- SpringHill Suites New York Midtown – Great location in Manhattan. Book early to snag this below 35K.
Ideal Stays for 50K Rewards
- JW Marriott Anaheim – Resort-style luxury a short walk from Disneyland. Excellent family value.
- Renaissance Montreal – Rooftop vibes and artsy design in the city’s cultural core.
- Marriott Marquis Chicago – Sleek and modern with skyline views near Grant Park and the waterfront.
Top Picks for 85K Rewards
- The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto – Riverfront luxury with exceptional service and traditional Japanese style.
- W Maldives – Overwater villa dreams. Book quickly if you see availability near 85K.
- St. Regis Chicago – Striking architecture and refined luxury on the riverfront. Pricey cash rates, excellent use of certificates.
Best Marriott Bonvoy Hotels in Canada to Use a Free Night
Ontario
- Delta Hotels Toronto – Next to the CN Tower, connected to Union Station, and great lake views.
- St. Regis Toronto – Old-world luxury with butler service and spa. Sometimes books under 85K.
- Toronto Marriott City Centre – Stadium-view rooms in the Rogers Centre—yes, inside the ballpark.
- Ritz-Carlton Toronto – High-end escape in the Entertainment District with CN Tower views, saltwater pool, and personalized service.
One of my favorite redemptions so far? A suite stay at the Ritz-Carlton Toronto for just $120 out of pocket using a Free Night Award and Bonvoy points.
Quebec
- Humaniti Hotel Montreal – Artistic, boutique feel. Rooftop pool and quick access to festivals.
- Delta Hotels Quebec – Steps from Parliament and walkable to Old Quebec.
- Sheraton Laval – Reliable suburban stay, recently renovated, often under 35K.
British Columbia
- JW Marriott Parq Vancouver – Attached to the Parq Casino. Stunning views and luxe rooms.
- Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe – Waterfront property with spa, walking trails, and downtown views.
- Fairfield Inn Kelowna – Budget-friendly in wine country. Bonus: waterslide.
Alberta & Maritimes
- Calgary Marriott Downtown – Sleek design and steps from Calgary Tower.
- Halifax Marriott Harbourfront – Right on the boardwalk. Great for exploring pubs and shops.
- Delta St. John’s – Scenic and central with views of the harbor and walkability to George Street.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Bonvoy Free Night Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Letting it expire. Set a reminder and use it before the 12-month mark.
- Using it on a cheap room. If the room is under 20K points, save your award.
- Ignoring upgrade exclusions. Not all rooms qualify. Stick to standard rooms.
- Forgetting about taxes/fees. These aren’t covered by your reward.
- Assuming availability. Always check if your award is valid for your target dates.
Think of your free night as a valuable tool, not just a bonus.
Credit Cards That Offer Free Night Awards
| Credit Card | Free Night Value | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Amex Bonvoy (Canada) | 35,000 Points | $120 CAD |
| Amex Bonvoy Business (Canada) | 35,000 Points | $150 CAD |
| Bonvoy Boundless (U.S.) | 35,000 Points | $95 USD |
| Bonvoy Brilliant (U.S.) | 85,000 Points | $650 USD |
Each of these lets you top up your reward with points to redeem for more expensive properties.
- Best offer is through a referral link like the one below
- Instant Silver Elite Status
- Spend $3,000 in 3 months → Earn 58,000 points
- Free night certificate every year up to 35,000 points starting on the first anniversary (~$350 value)
- Annual fee: $120
- Apply Here
- Best offer is through a referral link like the one below
- Instant Silver Elite Status
- Spend $5,000 in 3 months → Earn 65,000 points
- Free night certificate every year up to 35,000 points starting on the first anniversary (~$350 value)
- Annual fee: $150
- Apply Here
Final Thoughts: Make the Most of Your Bonvoy Free Night
A Marriott Bonvoy free night reward is more than just a perk—it’s one of the best-value benefits in hotel loyalty. Whether you earned it through a credit card or elite status, a little planning can go a long way.
Use it when rates are high, redemptions are reasonable, and your destination is special. Think strategically, and one free night can unlock a five-star experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a Marriott Bonvoy Free Night Award?
A Marriott Bonvoy Free Night Certificate is a reward that lets you book a one-night stay at a Marriott hotel, up to a certain point value (typically 35,000, 50,000, or 85,000 points). These are usually earned through credit cards, milestone rewards, or limited-time promotions.
How can I earn a Marriott Free Night Award?
The most common way is through co-branded Marriott credit cards (like the Amex Bonvoy Card in Canada or Bonvoy Boundless in the U.S.). You can also earn them by hitting 75 elite nights in a calendar year, or through occasional Marriott promotions.
Do Free Night Awards expire?
Yes. Certificates are valid for 12 months from the date they are issued. Once expired, they cannot be reinstated or extended, so set a reminder to use them before they disappear.
Can I combine points with a free night certificate?
Yes! You can top up a certificate with up to 15,000 Bonvoy points. This allows you to redeem your 35K or 50K certificate for a room that costs up to 50K or 65K points, respectively.
Can I use a certificate for upgraded rooms?
Not directly. Marriott Free Night Certificates can only be applied to standard room redemptions. You can’t use them to book upgraded rooms, suites, or special room types that require more points or a cash co-pay. However, if you have elite status (Silver, Gold, Platinum, or higher), you may still receive a complimentary upgrade upon check-in, subject to availability.
What’s the best way to maximize my certificate?
Aim for high cash rates paired with low point costs—this is when you’ll get the most value. If you can achieve 1 cent per point (or more), that’s a strong redemption.
Are there blackout dates for certificates?
Not exactly. Marriott no longer has fixed blackout dates, but availability is still limited to standard room types. If a hotel is fully booked with points, your certificate may not be applicable.
Do I need elite status to use a free night award?
Nope. Anyone with a certificate/award can use it, regardless of Bonvoy status. That said, elite members may get perks like upgrades, late checkout, or bonus points on the stay.
You May Also Like
Looking to boost your points game even further? Check out these reads:
- Maximize Hotel Savings and Free Nights with the Amex Bonvoy Cards
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