How Many Points Do I Need for a Marriott Vacation?

By Anna Duncan

Are you planning a vacation with Marriott but unsure of how many points you need for your stay? Let’s break it down.

Marriott Bonvoy Points

Firstly, let’s understand the Marriott Bonvoy points system. Marriott Bonvoy is the loyalty program offered by Marriott International, which includes over 30 hotel brands. Members earn points for every dollar spent on eligible hotel stays and other qualifying purchases, which can then be redeemed for free nights or other rewards.

How Many Points Do You Need?

The number of points required for a Marriott vacation depends on various factors such as the hotel category, location, time of year, and demand. Marriott categorizes its hotels into eight categories ranging from Category 1 (7,500 to 15,000 points per night) to Category 8 (85,000 to 100,000 points per night).

To give you an idea of how many points you may need for your stay, here’s a breakdown by category:

  • Category 1: Starting at 7,500 points per night
  • Category 2: Starting at 12,500 points per night
  • Category 3: Starting at 17,500 points per night
  • Category 4: Starting at 25,000 points per night
  • Category 5: Starting at 35,000 points per night
  • Category 6: Starting at 50,000 points per night
  • Category 7: Starting at 60,000 points per night
  • Category 8: Starting at 85,000 points per night

It’s important to note that the number of points required for a stay can vary within a category based on the hotel’s location and demand during specific times of the year. For example, a Category 6 hotel in New York City may require more points per night compared to a Category 6 hotel in a less popular destination.

Other Factors to Consider

In addition to the hotel category, other factors can also impact the number of points needed for your stay. Marriott offers special deals and promotions such as PointSavers, which allow members to book rooms at a discounted point rate. It’s worth keeping an eye out for these promotions to stretch your points further.

Another thing to consider is the length of your stay. Marriott offers a fifth-night free benefit where members can redeem their points for four nights and get the fifth night free. This can be an excellent way to save points if you’re planning an extended vacation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the number of Marriott Bonvoy points required for a vacation varies based on several factors. Understanding these factors will help you determine how many points you need for your ideal vacation and how best to use them.

Remember also that Marriott has a flexible cancellation policy so you can always cancel or modify your reservation without penalty if plans change. Happy travels!