Bonvoy Booking The Complete Guide to Maximizing Marriott Reservations
Marriott Bonvoy offers members the flexibility to book hotel stays using a combination of points and cash. This feature is especially helpful when you don’t have enough points for a full award booking or want to save some points for future travel.
The system dynamically calculates the points and cash value based on the property, dates, and availability. This means you can still enjoy the benefits of reward nights while covering part of the cost with money.
How It Works in the Bonvoy Ecosystem
When searching for hotels on Marriott’s website or mobile app, users can select “Use Points” and will be shown available rates. Many properties offer the “Points + Cash” option, which lets you adjust the slider or toggle to choose how many points and how much cash you’d like to spend per night.
This allows for greater customization of your travel budget, giving flexibility based on your points balance and desired luxury level.
Benefits of Using Points and Cash in Marriott Bookings
Flexible Budget Control
Instead of depleting your points in one go, using the hybrid payment method lets you spread your points across more nights or trips. You can also top up a partially covered award booking without needing to purchase more points.
This strategy is perfect for travelers with limited points who still want to experience high-value properties or travel during peak seasons.
Maintain Elite Progress and Benefits
Booking with points and cash still qualifies for elite night credits and earns eligible bonus points on the cash portion. This means you’re not just enjoying a discounted rate, you’re actively growing your Bonvoy status tier with each stay.
Mobile check-in, suite upgrades, late checkout, and welcome gifts remain available on eligible bookings.
Real-World Examples of Using Points and Cash with Bonvoy
1. Ritz-Carlton Tokyo
Staying at the Ritz-Carlton Tokyo can cost thousands of dollars per night. But with Points and Cash, guests can reduce their out-of-pocket expenses while still accessing world-class luxury.
A partial points redemption can cover most of the nightly rate, letting travelers splurge without financial strain.
2. Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park
For business travelers or digital nomads in Australia, Points and Cash makes it easier to extend stays or mix business with leisure. You can lock in high-demand nights without requiring full-point payment.
This method also helps when trying to align a business trip with personal travel, utilizing a hybrid redemption model.
3. W Bali – Seminyak
A top honeymoon destination, W Bali often experiences rate fluctuations. The hybrid booking option allows couples to afford premium rooms or suites that would normally be out of reach on points alone.
Flexible booking options also help in adjusting travel plans due to unpredictable weather or itinerary changes.
4. AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles
Urban explorers and event-goers in LA benefit from Points and Cash as it enables last-minute booking with better value.
During peak events or sports seasons, using this method ensures access to preferred dates while preserving part of your points stash.
5. Renaissance Paris Republique Hotel
Perfect for European getaways, especially in cities with fluctuating travel seasons. Booking with Points and Cash makes it easier to manage expenses when traveling for extended periods.
Travelers can stretch their points further across multiple destinations.
Why Points and Cash Is a Practical Travel Strategy
Makes Premium Travel Accessible
With this flexible option, travelers can enjoy luxury accommodations without breaking the bank. Points and Casopenns the door to aspirational properties even for those who haven’t accumulated massive point balances.
This can elevate the travel experience for special occasions, honeymoons, or bucket list trips.
Improves Trip Planning Around Points Availability
Sometimes you don’t have enough points for your entire trip. With Points and Cash, you can still lock in the stay. This is especially useful in locations where availability for all-points bookings is limited or competitive.
It ensures you won’t miss out on preferred properties.
Use Cases That Show the Value of Points and Cash
Managing Points During Peak Season
Traveling during holidays or major events often sees reward rates spike. Using Points and Cash lets you secure a room without requiring a full award rate, which could be inflated.
This helps you travel smarter and stay at better locations.
Splitting Stays with Family or Friends
If you’re planning a group trip, Points and Cash allows members to book multiple rooms with different combinations based on individual point balances. This flexibility is great for family reunions or friend getaways.
It avoids having one person carry the entire booking burden.
Booking While Waiting for Bonus Points to Post
Let’s say you’re waiting on a welcome bonus from a new credit card or promotion. Rather than delaying your trip, you can use Points and Cash to book now, and then complete your point stash later.
This helps lock in rates and availability in advance.
FAQ
Q1: Can I change a Points and Cash booking?
Yes. Most Marriott hotels allow modifications or cancellations within the property’s booking terms. Adjustments may result in recalculated points or cash amounts.
Q2: Do I earn points on the cash portion of a Points and Cash booking?
Yes. The cash portion is treated like a paid stay and qualifies for base points, elite bonuses, and promotions.
Q3:Ares Points and Cash available at all Marriott properties?
Not always. Availability depends on the specific hotel and date. Some properties may not offer the option on certain nights or during high-demand seasons.
