Tis the season to enjoy all the perks that come from being a regular traveler. All of those long weeks and nights away from home should count for something! Hotel reward programs are an absolute must for anyone whether you travel frequently or only on occasion. Why you might ask? Well for starters, these programs are FREE. So why wouldn’t you sign up?!

My number one suggestion is to pick a hotel rewards program and stick with it! Take the time to research which hotel chains are most prevalent in the areas you travel. For my business travel and lifestyle, Marriott was the best choice!

Marriott Hotel Brands: Did you know you have access to all of the following hotel chains with the Marriott Bonvoy?

Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, JW Marriott,
Distinctive Luxury: Ritz-Carlton Reserve, The Luxury Collection, W Hotels, Edition
Classic Premium: Marriott Hotels, Sheraton, Marriott Vacation Club, Delta Hotels
Distinctive Premium: Le MERIDIEN, Westin, Renaissance Hotels, Gaylord Hotels
Classic Select: Courtyard Hotels, Four Points by Sheraton, SpringHill Suites, Protea Hotels, Fairfield Inn & Suites
Distinctive Select: AC Hotels, Aloft Hotels, Moxy Hotels
Classic Longer Stays: Marriott Executive Apartments, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites
Distinctive Longer Stays: element, Homes & Villas by Marriott International
Collections: Autograph Collection Hotels, Design Hotels, Tribute Portfolio

With all of the brands above, your travel destinations can be endless! What I want to stress above all else is, regardless of which category you most consistently stay at (Shout out to Classic Select for meeting all my business travel needs), you can use your points and benefits at any of the above mentioned hotel brands!

I highly recommend saving up points and treating yourself to a Bougie vacation! After all that hard work, you deserve it!

Marriott Bonvoy Benefit Tiers

1. Member Status (0-9 nights/year)
2. Silver Elite (10 nights/year)
3. Gold Elite (25 nights/year)
4. Platinum Elite (50 nights/year)
5. Titanium Elite (75 nights/year)
6. Ambassador Elite (100 nights/year + $20K annual qualifying spend)

Now, let’s break down the perks of my Marriott Bonvoy Rewards program.
As of today, I am a Titanium Elite Member. [I’ve stayed more than 75+ nights at Marriott Properties this calendar year.]

What are my benefits as a Titanium Elite member?

• Earn 75% more bonus points on stays compared to lower tier members
• Enjoy room upgrades (including suites), when available
• Choose a welcome gift (I typically opt for 1,000 points vs. a food/drink option)
• 48 Hour Guarantee (Marriott promises to always have a room available for me so long as I book by 3 p.m., 48% hours prior to arrival
• Lounge Access (Access to Marriott hotels that have private lounges, including complimentary breakfast)
• 4 p.m. Late Checkout (Soak up your last few hours of vacation without the stress of any early checkout time)
• Complimentary Enhanced In-Room Internet Access
• Dedicated Elite Reservation Line (Fast, personal service 24/7 for all my hotel booking needs)
• Exclusive Member Rates (Who doesn’t love saving money?!)
• No Blackout Dates (Use rewards points to redeem Free Night Awards at any of Marriotts 7,000+ hotels and resorts worldwide with no blackout dates)
• Cash + Points (Option to pay for rooms using a combination of points and cash)
  
  

Titanium Elite Bonus Annual Choice Benefit: Option to choose one of the following

• 5 Suite Night reward
• One Free Night Reward
• Gift Gold Elite Status to a Friend or Family Member
• 40% off Heavenly Bed Mattress
• 5 Elite Night Credits
• $100 Charity donation

How do I additionally maximize my rewards?
Earlier this year, I opted to sign up for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card. My reason behind this came from the desire to earn points quicker. I solely use this card when booking hotels for both work and pleasure. (I use my Delta Amex for all other purchases! #Deltaloyal)

Perks of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card:

• 75,000 Bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in first 3 months from account opening. (This was easy for me as I travel weekly for work)
• Earn 6 points for every $1 spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
• Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on purchases anywhere else
• 1 Free night Award (every year!)
• Automatic Marriot Bonvoy Silver Elite Status (Great for those just starting out!)
• 15 Elite Night Credits (Receive 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year towards the next level of Marriott Bonvoy Elite status)

If you aren’t already signed up for any hotel reward program, make it your New Year’s resolution to do so! You won’t regret it!

-Ronnie

Want to read more about travel rewards programs? Click here to read about my favorite frequent flyer mile program!