Use Marriott Points for Hotel Stays A Complete Guide to Redeeming Bonvoy Rewards in 2025

Marriott Bonvoy points are a form of currency earned through hotel stays, co-branded credit cards, and partner activities. These points can be redeemed for various rewards, but hotel stays remain the most popular and valuable redemption option. Understanding the mechanics of how these points convert to room nights is key to maximizing their value.

The number of points required for a free night depends on the category and demand for a property. Marriott uses dynamic pricing, so the same hotel could require fewer or more points based on the season or day of the week. Being flexible with travel dates helps users extract more value from their points.

Booking Free Nights with Points

To book a room using points, simply log into your Bonvoy account and search for hotels as you normally would. After selecting your destination and dates, check the option to use points. This will display hotels available for point redemption, along with how many points are required per night.

Members can also take advantage of the “Fifth Night Free” benefit when you book four consecutive nights using points, the fifth night is free. This significantly increases redemption value for longer stays.

Benefits of Using Technology to Redeem Points

Flexible Search Tools

The Marriott Bonvoy app and website include features to help users filter by point availability, property type, and location. These tools make it easier to find hotels that match both preferences and point budgets. You can also save searches and compare options.

Features like interactive maps and daily point estimations provide transparency and help plan point spending more effectively.

Real-Time Redemption Tracking

With mobile access, users can manage and redeem points instantly. Real-time updates on point balances and transaction history make it easy to track what’s earned, spent, or expiring. You can also receive alerts about promotions and limited-time redemption offers.

This functionality ensures members don’t miss out on deals and know exactly how far their points can go.

Real-World Examples of Using Marriott Points

1. Luxury Getaway at St. Regis Maldives

Booking a night at a luxury property like the St. Regis Maldives can cost thousands in cash, but using Bonvoy points, travelers can access this exclusive resort with as few as 85,000 points per night, depending on the season. This kind of redemption offers exceptional value.

The experience includes access to private villas, elite service, and stunning ocean views, making it a dream destination worth saving points for.

2. Family Vacation at Marriott Orlando World Center

Families often redeem points at popular vacation destinations. The Marriott Orlando World Center offers large rooms, pools, and proximity to major theme parks. With point redemptions starting around 35,000 points per night, it’s a favorite among Bonvoy members.

Using points here helps families cut costs while enjoying amenities that cater to children and adults alike.

3. City Escape at Moxy Times Square

Urban travelers can use points to stay in popular cities. At Moxy Times Square in New York, redemptions may begin at around 30,000 points per night. These boutique-style properties offer a hip, modern vibe that’s ideal for millennials or solo travelers.

Points can stretch further in off-peak seasons, making city breaks more accessible.

4. Stopover Stay at Courtyard by Marriott Frankfurt Airport

Business or long-haul travelers often use points for overnight airport stays. Courtyard properties like the one near Frankfurt Airport are ideal for this purpose. A stay may cost only 17,000 to 25,000 points per night.

These redemptions are practical and provide comfort and convenience between long flights.

5. Rewarding Road Trips with SpringHill Suites

For travelers exploring by car, properties like SpringHill Suites offer great value. You can use fewer points per night and enjoy consistent quality, breakfast, and Wi-Fi.

This use case fits perfectly for multi-night road trips where travelers want to save money while maintaining comfort.

Advantages of Redeeming Marriott Points

Travel Flexibility

Points allow members to travel without worrying about immediate out-of-pocket costs. This is particularly useful for last-minute trips, unexpected travel needs, or situations where cash budgeting is tight.

Marriott’s global footprint ensures options are available in nearly every country, making point redemption more versatile.

High Redemption Value

When used strategically, Marriott points can yield high cents-per-point value, especially at luxury or peak-rate properties. It’s about finding the sweet spot between hotel quality and point cost.

Pairing redemptions with elite member perks such as late check-out or upgraded rooms further increases overall value.

Real-Life Use Cases

Planning Budget-Friendly Family Travel

Parents can use points to cover hotel stays during family vacations, freeing up cash for food, activities, and transportation. Booking multiple nights using the “Fifth Night Free” feature maximizes savings.

Families often redeem points in areas with kid-friendly hotels, like Orlando or San Diego.

Emergency Accommodation During Travel Disruptions

Missed flights or weather delays happen. Bonvoy members can use points to book last-minute rooms without relying on high-priced airport hotels. This flexibility ensures peace of mind during unexpected delays.

Even if only needed for one night, a points redemption can save hundreds compared to walk-in rates.

Rewarding Milestone Celebrations

Couples celebrating honeymoons, anniversaries, or birthdays often redeem points at premium resorts. Booking with points enables access to luxury that may otherwise be unaffordable.

This adds a layer of exclusivity and personalization to life’s big moments.

FAQ

Q1: Do Marriott Bonvoy points expire?
Yes, points expire after 24 months of inactivity. Any qualifying activity, such as earning or redeeming points, resets the clock.

Q2: Can I combine points with cash to book a hotel?
Yes, Marriott offers “Cash + Points” bookings, allowing you to redeem fewer points while covering the rest with cash.

Q3: Can I transfer my points to someone else?
Yes, Bonvoy members can transfer up to 100,000 points per calendar year to another member, with some restrictions.