Not only do they assist in all aspects of planning a trip – they can get you exclusive benefits as well.

While there are many reasons you should continue to use a travel agent – booking a luxury hotel through an agent still provides some of the best benefits in travel.

In addition to Marriott, most luxury brands such as Rosewood, Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, and more offer exclusive benefits to travel agents and their clients for making their bookings through a special loyalty program. Best of all they will never charge a higher rate than booking directly.

Why?

Travel Agencies have long standing relationships with many properties and they offer exclusive benefits to those that go through them then booking directly.

We’ll break down everything you need to know about Marriott Hotels travel agent rates and benefits.

Need a travel agent? Submit a booking request with Travel Season and we will pair you with a certified concierge

Marriott Travel Agent Programs

Marriott is one of the largest hotel groups in the world and has a very popular loyalty program known as Marriott Bonvoy. While this program has a number of benefits and status levels that travelers can use for upgrades, they also have additional programs specifically for travel agents.

Specifically for travel advisors Marriott has two programs, known as Marriott STARS and Marriott Luminous, which offer additional perks for stays at various Marriott-family properties.

Hotels that qualify for Marriott STARS include: EDITION, BVLGARI, Luxury Collection, Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and St. Regis. The benefits that are offered at these hotels include:

• Complimentary full or continental breakfast daily for up to two people per room
• Hotel credit valued at 100 USD once per stay
• Room upgrade, subject to availability at check-in
• Complimentary basic Wi-Fi daily
• In-person welcome
• Personalized welcome amenity and note

Hotels that qualify for Marriott Luminous include: Autograph Collection, JW Marriott, Le Meridien, Marriott, Renaissance, Tribute Portfolio, W Hotels, and Westin. The benefits that are offered at these hotels include:

• Complimentary daily breakfast for two people per room
• Complimentary basic Wi-Fi daily
• Early check-in & late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary room upgrade, subject to availability at check-in
• Local welcome amenity and note
• Hotel credit valued at 100 USD once per stay, but only at select hotels

You may notice many of these perks are similar to those of the Marriott Bonvoy program but it is a great way to get the benefits if you do not have status.

The program benefits will only qualify for rate that are the “Standard Rate” and do not qualify for special rates, advanced paid rates, or points rates. You will also still receive points and elite night credit when booking with a travel agent making them good benefits even if you have status.

If you are a business traveler you may be getting benefits through Marriott corporate rates but if you are looking to travel for leisure then going through a travel agent will give you the most benefits.

Marriott Travel Agent Rates

As with most travel agent benefits, the rate you pay for a room is the “Standard Rate” a hotel displays online, barring any special promotions, advanced paid rates, or points rates.

This means, if you book with a travel agent you will pay the same as if you booked with the hotel directly.

To find the travel agent rate at Marriott, you can search any property on Marriott’s website and locate the “Standard Rate” and you will see how much a night will cost you.

You can then confirm with your agent and expect to be quoted the same price.

So why would you book with the agent if you pay the same rate? As mentioned in the section above, while you pay the same rate there are a number of additional benefits a travel agent can unlock for you at Marriott hotels.

Marriott Rates Just For Travel Agents

You can imagine that if Marriott provides benefits to regular customers booking via a Travel Agent then they also offer exclusive benefits to travel agents themselves.

To access these benefits exclusively for Travel Agents, you can visit the dedicated Marriott Travel Agent Portal.

Some of these benefits include a discount on their own personal travel, commission on client bookings, and more.

In order to qualify for The Travel Agent Rate, you must be an accredited travel agents with a valid IATA, IATAN, CLIA, ARC or TIDS number.

Using A Travel Agent With Marriott Status

The benefits you get from booking a hotel either through Marriott Stars or Marriott Luminous can be in addition to what your status already provides you.

Marriott Status, especially Platinum and above, qualify for room upgrades, welcome gifts, and other specialities at certain properties.

If you are booking with a travel agent then you should still add your Marriott Bonvoy number to each reservation to still obtain the perks you have qualified for.

Obtaining Elite Nights and Points

Another major benefit to booking a Marriott with a travel agent is you will still receive Elite Night credits, points, and spend towards Ambassador Status.

This provides another reason as to why you should be using an agent, since there is no compromise for you as a traveler, even if you are chasing status.

How To Book With A Travel Agent

How to actually book is a pretty simple process and the travel agent will typically handle everything for you.

Need a travel agent? Submit a booking request with Travel Season and we will pair you with a certified concierge

Once you have located a travel agent you will simply provide them your trip date, details, budget, and anything else you may want them to know about your upcoming travels. If you already have a hotel picked out then great but a travel agent can also help guide you to one that works best for you.

Most of the communication will be done over email / call but generally we found the process to move pretty quickly.

The travel agent will also take some time to learn your preferences – do you like sweet or savory snacks? do you like booking activities or enjoy relaxing?

All of this will be covered in your profile and from there you will have a confirmed booking in no time.

Don’t have a travel agent or don’t know where to start? Let us help! You can submit a travel request via Travel Season and we will pair you with a certified travel agent.

Summary & Takeaways

Marriott Bonvoy already has one of the largest loyalty programs in the world, offering a number of benefits to frequent travelers.

Whether you have Marriott status or not, booking with a travel agent can provide additional perks you cannot receive on your own.

Whether you are looking to book properties via Marriott Stars or Marriott Luminous, both programs offer enough benefits to travelers that make the booking worth it with a certified agent.

The post Marriott Hotels Travel Agent Rates & Benefits appeared first on Travel Season.

Edition hotels is a collaboration between hotel visionary Ian Schrager and Marriott International. The hotel chain has redefined what it means to stay in luxury. Each hotel in its portfolio isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a full-fledged experience, an intersection of high-end design, cultural immersion, and excellent service.

With properties located in some of the world’s most desirable destinations, EDITION Hotels offer travelers an opportunity to indulge in elegance and curated luxury. We highlight what makes each location unique while also looking ahead at the brand’s ambitious future projects.

About Edition Hotels

EDITION Hotels emerged from the vision of Ian Schrager. He is a legendary figure in the hospitality industry known for his innovative and forward-thinking approach. Collaborating with Marriott International, a titan in the world of hotel and resort management, the EDITION brand was born.

These places marry Schrager’s avant-garde concepts with Marriott’s global reach and operational expertise. This partnership aimed to create a line of boutique hotels that would stand at the forefront of luxury, design, and service.

EDITION Hotels are recognized for their singular approach to luxury. Each property has a unique design, art, and cultural immersion. The brand is famous for its exquisite attention to detail, from the architecture and interior aesthetics to the quality of guest services and gastronomic offerings.

Each hotel blends local culture with a global sensibility. They are destinations unto themselves. Find offerings of everything, from world-class spas and gourmet dining options to vibrant nightlife and engaging social spaces. It does so while maintaining the brand’s ethos of sophistication, quality, and customized experiences.

Marriott Bonvoy and Exclusive Benefits

As a part of the Marriott International family, EDITION Hotels participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program. This connection provides guests with numerous benefits and rewards. It includes points for free nights, room upgrades, and unique experiences like culinary tours or local adventures. The highest tier members often receive personalized services and amenities as well.

Note, as of recently Marriott extended the use of Suite Night Awards to Edition Hotels allowing members the ability to get upgraded in advance of their stay.

The 15 Best Edition Hotels & Resorts Right Now

Edition Hotels have locations all around the world and have many more under development. Some of our favorites include:

1. The Bodrum Edition (Bodrum, Turkey)

Overlooking the waters of the Turkish Riviera, The Bodrum EDITION combines the beauty of the Aegean coast with the elegance of the EDITION brand. Located on the western point of the Bodrum peninsula, this hotel reflects the region’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Architecturally, The Bodrum EDITION blends contemporary design with traditional Turkish influences. Its 108 rooms and villas are set amidst native olive trees and landscaped gardens. It offers private covers with views of the Aegean Sea. The interiors, airy and bright, feature custom furnishings and luxurious finishes.

The hotel’s spa offers traditional Hammam treatments alongside modern therapies. The Morena restaurant serves international cuisine by the ocean, while Inari plays with Pan Asian fusions under twinkly lights. Latin American flavors land on your plate at Brava, and the beach-side grill offers succulent and fresh options.

We’ve visited the Bodrum Edition and have nothing but good things to say about the property especially the breakfast. The property’s signature infinity pool, cascading down to the private beach, creates a breathtaking focal point.

2. The Miami Edition (Miami Beach, USA)

The Miami Beach EDITION stands on the historic site of the Seville Hotel. The place was revitalized to blend the old Miami Beach glamour with contemporary design. It has an oceanfront location and lively atmosphere, capturing the essence of Miami’s culture.

The lobby’s airy and light-filled space, decorated with greenery and elegant furnishings, sets the tone for an experience of understated luxury. Its 294 rooms and suites have a beach-inspired palette featuring light woods and crisp linens.

The property boasts an elegant spa and a well-equipped fitness center. It also has two ocean-facing outdoor pools and an ice-skating rink – a unique twist in a beachfront setting. The dining experiences are equally remarkable. They include the Matador Room, where Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten serves up his interpretation of Latin cuisine.

3. The New York Edition (New York, USA)

The New York EDITION finds its home in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, close to Madison Square Park. Housed in the MetLife Tower, originally built in 1909, the hotel is a striking embodiment of old-world glamour and contemporary luxury.

This architectural marvel, preserved its historical significance while infusing modern elegance and comfort. The hotel’s 273 rooms and suites offer panoramic views of the city’s skyline, with interiors blending rich oak floors, luxurious fabrics, and a neutral color palette.

The hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, The Clocktower, serves up modern British cuisine in a setting filled with photography and art that reflects the city’s cultural narrative. The lobby bar is a popular spot for both guests and locals.

4. The West Hollywood Edition (Hollywood, USA)

Right on the edge of West Hollywood and Beverly Hills, The West Hollywood EDITION is a breathtaking addition to the Los Angeles hotel scene.The hotel’s design, envisioned by architect John Pawson, speaks to a minimalistic yet warm aesthetic.

There are 190 rooms and suites adorned with light oak finishes and elegant, neutral tones. Each room has floor-to-ceiling windows that frame sweeping views of Los Angeles. The rooftop pool is an exquisite space that also offers breathtaking views of the city. It also has a chic ambiance for socializing.

The hotel’s culinary experiences offer vegetarian-based meals at Ardor and pool-side drinks at The Roof. The Lobby Bar grants you the perfect Negroni as you get ready to explore the nightlife of Hollywood flair.

5. The London Edition (London, United Kingdom)

In London’s Fitzrovia district, The London EDITION resignifies a historic building that dates back to 1835. Once the Berners Hotel, the place has been restored and reimagined to capture the essence of London’s flair.

The design of the hotel pays homage to the building’s Georgian heritage. Its 173 rooms and suites feature a refined, sophisticated décor that exudes a sense of understated luxury. Rich wood finishes, sumptuous fabrics, and a soothing color palette surround your stay.

One of the hotel’s crown jewels is the Berners Tavern, helmed by Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton. It is a stunning restaurant with opulent chandeliers and historic artwork. The Punch Room, a reservations-only cocktail bar, revives the tradition of the 19th-century London private clubs. It also offers a cozy, intimate atmosphere.

6. The Barcelona Edition (Barcelona, Spain)

The Barcelona EDITION lies right in the El Born district, set near Las Ramblas and the iconic Barcelona Cathedral. It is perfectly positioned to capture the eclectic spirit of one of Spain’s most charismatic cities. The hotel’s 100 rooms and suites exude a chic, understated elegance, with small details like a chair designed by Oscar Tusquets and artwork by Spanish artist Chema Madoz.

Here, the culinary offerings are a gastronomic delight. They are anchored by the hotel’s signature restaurant, Veraz, which showcases the rich flavors of Catalan cuisine. The rooftop bar, with its panoramic views of the city, provides an enchanting setting to enjoy artisanal cocktails, and the Cabaret mini-club is a sample of the city’s nightlife.

A key highlight is the hotel’s emphasis on art and design, mirroring the artistic legacy of Barcelona itself.

7. The Madrid Edition (Madrid, Spain)

Near the iconic Puerta del Sol, The Madrid EDITION encapsulates the lively spirit and rich cultural tapestry of Spain’s capital. The place was designed with a blend of modern luxury and a nod to Spanish heritage. The architecture and interiors of The Madrid EDITION exude elegance and style. The hotel boasts 200 rooms and suites. It is where guests can find solace in spaces that combine sleek modernity with warm, inviting accents.

The hotel’s culinary experience starts with the colorful Jeronimo, bringing Mexico’s ancient culinary roots to Spain. The rooftop terrace, Oroya, provides an unparalleled view of Madrid, making it a perfect spot for evening cocktails.

Located close to the The Golden Triangle of Art – three of the most important art museums in Madrid, the place features curated artworks and design pieces as well.

8. The Reykjavik Edition (Reykjavik, Iceland)

Overlooking the Old Harbour and within walking distance of the Harpa Concert Hall, The Reykjavik EDITION is a stunning representation of Iceland’s natural beauty and Reykjavik’s contemporary cultural scene.

The design of the hotel mixes minimalist elegance with elements inspired by Iceland’s unique landscapes. Its 253 rooms and suites use natural materials coupled with a color palette that echoes the country’s ice, fire, and volcanic rock. This creates a balance between luxury and the elemental ruggedness of the Icelandic outdoors.

Culinary experiences at The Reykjavik EDITION showcase the best of local cuisine, like Tides with its fresh seafood and traditional Icelandic dishes. The rooftop bar provides views of the city and the surrounding landscapes, ideal for experiencing Iceland’s famous midnight sun or the mystical Northern Lights.

The hotel collaborates with local artists and designers, showcasing Icelandic art and craftsmanship throughout the property, giving guests an immersive experience in Iceland’s creative spirit.

9. The Dubai Edition (Dubai, Emirates)

The Dubai EDITION marks a significant milestone in the expansion of the EDITION Hotels brand, making a grand entrance into one of the Middle East’s most renowned travel destinations. The property boasts a prime location, sitting opposite the iconic Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest and most visited shopping and entertainment destinations.

Designed in collaboration with the esteemed LW Design Group, the hotel features 275 guestrooms and suites, each crafted with an eye for detail and comfort. The property houses multiple food and beverage outlets. Each dining space is not just about the cuisine but also about creating memorable experiences, whether it’s a casual meal, a special celebration, or a business lunch.

We’ve visited the Dubai EDITION and while there is still some work to do in regards to service the hotel itself is just as nice as any in Dubai.

Guests at The Dubai EDITION can access a serene pool area. The spa and fitness center are designed to offer a holistic wellness journey. The hotel also stands as a premier destination for events and meetings. It offers dynamic event spaces, including meeting rooms and a flexible ballroom, perfect for hosting a variety of events.

10. The Rome Edition (Rome, Italy)

Marking its first foray into Italy, EDITION Hotels introduces The Rome EDITION. This exquisite property features 93 rooms and suites, including two penthouses, each boasting its own private terrace—a rare luxury in Rome that offers an intimate view of the city’s skyline.

The hotel’s signature restaurant, Anima, extends an outdoor dining space, creating an immersive experience that captures the essence of Italian dining culture. The venue’s menu, crafted by Chef Paola Colucci, showcase Italian and mediterranean flair. The Punch Room Bar celebrates the art of mixology.

The Rooftop Terrace promises breathtaking views of Rome. Here, guests have the option of enjoying a seasonal bite, sipping a drink while overlooking the city, or hosting a private gathering with friends. For events and meetings, The Rome EDITION offers customizable indoor and outdoor spaces.

There’s a rooftop swimming pool and spacious high-tech gym, offering guests the perfect balance of indulgence and health-focused amenities. The wellness experience is further enhanced with two treatment rooms, including an option for a couples-massage experience.

11. The Sanya Edition (Sanya, China)

On the southern tip of Hainan Island stands The Sanya EDITION, right by China’s renowned seaside destination. Architecturally, the hotel is a marvel, seamlessly integrating modern design with elements inspired by traditional Chinese aesthetics. The resort features 512 rooms and villas. They are each designed to provide panoramic views of the South China Sea or the landscaped gardens. The use of natural materials, subtle textures, and a soothing color palette in the rooms creates a peaceful, airy ambiance.

The Sanya EDITION has its own private ocean. It is a massive water body that brings the sea right into the heart of the resort. This feature, along with the spectacular infinity pool, offers guests an unparalleled water experience. It ends up blending the boundaries between nature and luxury.

The hotel has a variety of restaurants, offering everything from authentic Hainanese cuisine to international gourmet dishes. The Sanya EDITION is also deeply rooted in the local culture. It offers a range of activities that allow guests to immerse themselves in the island’s heritage and natural wonders, from rainforest expeditions to cultural tours.

12. The Shanghai Edition (Shanghai, China)

Within the historic Bund district, The Shanghai EDITION is a remarkable fusion of the city’s ancient heritage and its dynamic modernity. The hotel, inside a complex of two historic buildings – a former electric power station and an Art Deco landmark – has been meticulously restored and reinvented.

It boasts 145 rooms and suites, adorned with sleek, modern furnishings contrasted against heritage architectural features. From gourmet Chinese cuisine to innovative international dishes, the dining experiences at The Shanghai EDITION are meant to delight the senses and the view.

The rooftop bar provides stunning views of the Shanghai skyline and the Huangpu River. This, along with its other bars and nightlife venues, makes the hotel a popular destination for locals and visitors. The hotel also showcases contemporary art pieces and installations, reflecting Shanghai’s status as a burgeoning center for art and design.

13. The Tampa Edition (Florida, USA)

Right in the 56-acre Water Street Tampa neighborhood, The Tampa EDITION boasts 172 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites.

The hotel’s architecture, a collaborative masterpiece by Morris Adjmi and Nichols Brosch Wurst Wolfe & Associates, presents a stunning visual narrative that complements Tampa’s coastal landscape. Stepping inside, guests find a world of exceptional elegance, crafted by the renowned Roman & Williams. Each guest room and suite, including the expansive 204 square meter Penthouse Suite, is designed to marry comfort with the latest in luxury hospitality.

The Tampa EDITION offers six restaurants and bars on-site. This includes a signature restaurant where gourmet dishes come in an ambiance of understated elegance. The rooftop bar and terrace offer panoramic views of Tampa’s skyline.

The property’s expansive spa is a sanctuary of wellness and tranquility. The fitness center caters to health and fitness needs with modern equipment and a variety of wellness programs. For business and events, The Tampa EDITION also provides over 550 square meters of flexible meeting and event space.

14. The Times Square Edition (New York, USA)

The Times Square EDITION emerges as an oasis of luxury amidst one of the world’s most famous intersections. This hotel, located in the iconic Times Square, captures the essence of New York City while providing a quiet escape from the urban madness.

The hotel features 452 rooms and suites, each crafted with an eye for style and comfort. The interiors carry sleek lines and a muted color palette that provides contrast to the bright lights of Times Square. The floor-to-ceiling windows in many of the rooms offer captivating views of the cityscape.

The hotel’s restaurants and bars offer an array of dining options. Find casual eateries and fine dining spots where guests can savor dishes that span a range of international cuisines. Here you can find a variety of venues, including a performance space and a nightclub. It provids guests and locals exclusive access to some of New York’s most sought-after shows and events.

The Times Square EDITION also places a strong emphasis on art and design. It features curated artworks and design elements that reflect New York City’s status as a global hub of creativity and style.

15. The Tokyo Edition (Tokyo, Japan)

The Tokyo EDITION stands in the district of Toranomon. It blends Tokyo’s rich cultural heritage and the contemporary, minimalist aesthetic synonymous with the EDITION brand.

The hotel boasts 206 rooms and suites, where traditional Japanese design principles meet modern luxury. They use of natural materials, subtle textures, and a soothing color palette. It creates spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and deeply comforting. Large windows in the rooms offer panoramic views of the Tokyo skyline.

Here you can find an array of contemporary artworks and installations, each piece thoughtfully selected to complement the hotel’s design. Wellness is also a key focus at The Tokyo EDITION, with a fitness center and a spa that offers a range of treatments inspired by traditional Japanese wellness practices.

Upcoming Hotel Locations

EDITION Hotels are quickly spreading their take on luxury across the globe. With multiple units taking over major cities on four continents, the brand will eventually arrive at all corners of the world. Aside from the units that already exist, EDITION is working on launching more hotels and resorts in other locations. Here are some of those projects:

Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai (Mexico)

The Riviera Maya EDITION will open in late 2023. It features 182 rooms and suites, six food and beverage options, and an extensive outdoor deck for large-scale events and parties. It’ll be a standout retreat in Mexico. Nestled in the coastal region of Riviera Maya, this hotel will offer easy beach access. Aside from that, find luxurious amenities and a deep connection to the natural and cultural beauty of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Jeddah EDITION (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia)

The Jeddah EDITION is set to introduce EDITION’s unique brand of luxury to Saudi Arabia’s bustling port city. The hotel is pretty close to Jeddah’s City Center and the Mall of Arabia. It is located along the Jeddah Corniche, next to the Yacht Club & Marina and the F1 racetrack. There will be 63 rooms (which include 11 suites), a rooftop with amazing city views, a pool, and different dining options.

Singapore EDITION (Singapore)

The Singapore EDITION is expected to deliver a blend of luxury, innovation, and a distinctly cosmopolitan vibe as the brand’s first hotel in Southeast Asia. It’ll open in late 2023, featuring 204 rooms. Located at the upper Orchard Road shopping district, the hotel will reflect the city’s modernity and multicultural heritage.

Doha EDITION (Doha, Qatar)

Slated to open its doors in 2024, the hotel stands in the business district of West Bay, close to the Persian Gulf. There will be 200 rooms, including 29 suites, along with two restaurants that will offer distinct dining experiences. The property will also feature 167 EDITION-branded residences. They offer a unique opportunity for discerning buyers to own a piece of this exclusive lifestyle.

Tokyo Ginza EDITION (Tokyo, Japan)

Following the success of The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon, the brand plans to expand its presence in Tokyo with the Tokyo Ginza EDITION. Located in the famed Ginza district, just off Chuo Street, the property will include 86 guest rooms and suites. Famous for its upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment, this hotel will be a fusion of luxury and avant-garde design.

Other Upcoming EDITION Projects:

Development doesn’t stop at the destinations above, as other projects are already ongoing:

North America:

• Scottsdale
• Nashville
• Nayarit
• Fort Lauderdale

Europe:

• Milan
• Lake Como

Asia Pacific:

• Dali
• Kuala Lumpur

Middle East:

• Riyadh
• Red Sea

Summary & Takeaways

EDITION Hotels, a collection in Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio, has redefined the concept of luxury hospitality with its unique blend of sophisticated design, cultural immersion, and personalized service. Each EDITION hotel offers an experience that is both locally rooted and universally appealing.

From the historical and local elements incorporated into every unit’s design to the diverse and exclusive dining options in the hotels, the brand stands out as a reference when it comes to luxury hospitality. Each hotel is deeply integrated into its local context, offering guests a platform to explore and engage with the destination’s culture and heritage.

Also, being part of the Marriott Bonvoy program adds value to guest stays through reward points, exclusive member rates, and a range of other benefits.

In conclusion, EDITION Hotels not only provide luxurious accommodations and services but also craft experiences. They offer a window into the heart of each destination, promising not just a stay but a journey filled with discovery, indulgence, and unforgettable memories.

The post The Best EDITION Hotels Around The World appeared first on Travel Season.

I have alway been a fan of Edition Hotels and recently completed a stay at The Bodrum Edition at the tail end of my wedding trip to Istanbul.

The vibe of Edition hotels is elevated, boutique, and much like a new money version of a Ritz Carlton. Given this new Edition was opening in Dubai, a city known for glamour, I was excited to check it out.

The hotel is located in Downtown Dubai, near the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mail, one of the very areas that’s a bit walkable in the city.

Hotel Booking

I was looking to take advantage of a stash of Marriott points I received as part of a recent sign up bonus for the Marriott Bonvoy Explore Card. Sign up bonuses are one of the best ways to increase your points balance so if you are looking to top up see the best credit cards we recommend for every type of traveler.

The time I was looking to book was November 2022, a little while after Marriott made a change to their points award chart.

I found a room, Superior Higher Floor with Balcony, for 159,500 for 2 nights = 79,750 per night.

This is pretty standard for a hotel of this caliber, which I would have expected to be 80,000 points / night anyway. I was only staying for 2 nights so didn’t mind paying the rate.

I was especially surprised to see the cash rate so high. On average the room was going for 3,920 AED that equals about $1,067 per night.

Wow was this expensive for Dubai, but as I soon learned this was just before the Qatar World Cup so the rates were greatly higher than normal. On average you can expect the Dubai Edition to be between $350 – $500 per night, depending on the season you visit.

For this trip the points booking was a no brainer and I was excited for a relaxing two days at the property.

Hotel Overview

I arrived at the hotel in the early afternoon Dubai time, the sun was out and it was a very hot day in the city. The hotel was located just across the street from the entrance to the Dubai Mall, which made it easy to find and my cab driver knew exactly where to go.

Pulling up to the hotel it has a very chic entrance and wasn’t too busy as I pulled up.

As you enter in through the lobby you are greeted by a huge great room that features an Italian inspired Duomo restaurant. While the lobby appears to be quite I noticed it did fill up during the days with lots of people not necessarily guests coming in to enjoy the space.

A signature move of Edition Hotels is a grand spiral staircase and that is not missed at the Dubai Edition. You can’t miss the iconic placement right as you enter the front doors.

As soon as I got to the hotel I decided to do a bit of exploring. I mainly wanted to checkout the pool deck and I approached the 3rd floor lounge where it was located along with the gym and spa.

The pool side area has another bar and lounge that is a great place to unwind and grab a drink. Luckily most of the seats in the lounge are covered and with fans running, something that is definitely needed to get away from the Dubai sun.

There was multiple spaces to hang out by the pool bar and while the hotel was relatively full this area had plenty of space to relax.

Onto the pool area is really where you get the best view and an iconic Dubai sight of the Burj Khalifa. While the pool deck is not huge I thought the view more than made up for it and with chairs lined up straight away there is nothing obstructing your view.

You can really see the size of the hotel from the pool deck with a very bold sign of The Edition on top. Not necessarily on brand but Dubai is known for its skyline so it was no surprise to see the signage.

Another view of the pool deck shows the main seating area that again had plenty of room even in the front to grab a seat.

Thats exactly what I did and took in this view for a bit while relaxing.

I decided to pop into the gym and get a quick workout after and was actually incredibly impressed with the size. The gym was huge by hotel standards and completely empty, an added plus.

There was plenty of equipment and room to workout although this was mid day so I wasn’t surprised to see it so empty.

Room Overview

I was booked in a Standard King Room, Higher Floor, and although I tried for an upgrade based on my Marriott status the hotel was actually fully booked. I didn’t mind though because I was more than happy with my room.

The room featured a king bed, decent space, and all rooms come with a balcony.

My view was of the back of the hotel but I didn’t spend too much time outside anyway given the heat.

The other side of the room shows the bathroom and tub, which also features a see through glass that’s common in trendy hotels these days.

I actually found the use of curtains around the bathroom to be a bit annoying since you don’t get much privacy, even with a small glass sliding door.

Hotel Food

Just like airline food, I always like to try the food offering at the hotel restaurants and room service.

I decided to go classic with a club sandwich and would say this was similar to the one I had at the Bodrum Edition a few months back. A decent sized sandwich but a bit too much going on for me where I think they would really benefit from sticking to less ingredients.

My wife got an Indian curry and this was actually incredible. The flavor was well balanced, not too spicy, and came with a number of side dishes that we enjoyed. Dubai has plenty of Indian food options so I’m not surprised to find good Indian food on a room service menu.

Later on in my stay I checked out the lobby restaurant and to my surprise it was mostly empty every time I passed by.

There were plenty of tables and it had an elegance too it but the lack of crowd made it quite boring to be in.

I ended up not even eating here but decided to hang out outside and grab an espresso. The outdoor area is actually much better than inside, covered in plants and plenty of seating.

Summary & Takeaways

Overall I would say that I had just an ok stay at the Dubai Edition. The hotel did have an additional bar and rooftop restaurant but unfortunately both were closed for the duration of my stay for private events. In fact the first two days of my stay the pool was also closed for the same event.

The Dubai Edition has all the aesthetics of other Edition hotels but the vibe here felt a bit odd and quiet at times. The hotel seems to be catered for events and outsiders to come hangout at vs guests to stay in the hotel. Luckily I booked my stay on points since I would’ve been really disappointed paying over $1k a night here at the cash rate.

The Dubai Edition is still a new property so maybe it will improve over time. Dubai has plenty of luxury hotels to compete with so they don’t have an easy path forward but I’ll plan to check them back out another time to see if it has in fact improved.

The post Hotel Review: The Dubai Edition appeared first on Travel Season.

I’ve stayed at Edition hotels in London, New York, and Barcelona but from looking at pictures the Bodrum Edition looked different. The hotel is built directly into a mountain offering 108 rooms, 4 restaurants, and a beach club.

The Edition hotels are part of Marriott Bonvoy making them more accessible with points and miles. Note, there are restrictions such as not participating in the Suite Upgrade program similar to The Ritz Carlton brand but there are still some status benefits you can receive.

I knew I had to make it to this property and the perfect opportunity arose when I had my wedding in Istanbul in August. I wanted to do a short honeymoon after the trip and Bodrum was located only a quick 45 minute flight from Istanbul.

Booking Process

I immediately looked at rates and was shocked to find out the base level rooms start at €‎1,400 a night!

Naturally next up was to check the Marriott points rate that was a modest 70,000 / night for a total of 280,000 points for 5 nights (1 night free)!

A steal in comparison to the regularly nightly rate. Note, Marriott redemption rates are increasing as of this post so we expect the Bodrum Edition to go up in price.

Now that I was booked it was time to figure out flights, naturally I would be flying Turkish Airlines.

I have flown Turkish a lot recently and it is one of the airlines I recommend every award traveler should use. While it has its issues such as creating a password or buying more than one ticket, it still provides an offering where most airlines skimp on these days.

Bodrum is only a 55 minute flight from Istanbul and one of the most popular resort destinations in the world. At the time of booking the miles rate was 30,000 miles or $350 cash for a round trip business class ticket.

Given that we flew from New York to Istanbul for 90,000 miles in business class, it didn’t makes sense to use miles here when the cash rate was so low. We decided to spend $350 each on round trip business class with Turkish Airlines.

Hotel Grounds

The Bodrum Edition is located about a 45 minute drive from Milas–Bodrum Airport (BJV). The airport is very small and we had no problem finding a taxi that drove us to the hotel.

We arrived in the mid afternoon to a fairly quiet lobby and a friendly receptionist to check us in. We were also greeted with a glass of champagne and an incredible Turkish coffee flavored ice cream.

Upon exiting the main lobby you can immediately noticed the gorgeous view from the hotel being based on the side of a hill. This hotel is not for those that struggle with stairs as you will do a lot of walking to explore the property.

We noticed this lounge to be pretty quiet during our stay given how hot it was outside. But the closer you get to the edge you will have one of the best views of the property.

Your eyes are immediately drawn to the water and mountains in the distance and as you pan back you get an incredible view of everything this hotel has to offer.

The infinity pool is setup towards the lower deck and offers beach views as well as the various water activities peoples are taking part in. The smaller pooler right before you get to the main pool is actually the splash pool from the spa. An added benefit is you can enter this pool at any time even without a spa appointment.

As you get closer to the pool deck you start to appreciate all the greenery surrounding the areas providing bits of nature before revealing the elevated modern design of the hotel facilities.

The hotel was actually at full capacity when we visited but you can hardly notice it by walking around. The hotel has plenty of space for all guests whether you want a chair at the pool, beach, or a reservation at the restaurant last minute.

After a long week of wedding festivities this is the exact type of place I wanted to park up for the week and do absolutely nothing.

From the pool deck you have views of the beach, which is a secluded area surrounded by a few other high end hotels and restaurants.

We spent a lot of time on the beach and in the pool and this picture captures the most full it got during the mid week while we were tehre.

From the pool deck looking up you realize just how well designed and positioned the hotel is into the mountain. The rows of rooms include an array of villas and standard rooms located closer to the top. The benefit of the base rooms are an elevated view as I felt some of the villas aren’t the most private with walkways of people passing by from time to time.

Did I mention a lot of stairs and paths? This hotel is full of them and is the only way to navigate the mountain. The hotel has about 4 of these stairs sections that bring you all the way from the lobby to the beach. However, if walking is not for you there is another option.

The hotel offers a 24/7 golf cart service that can bring you anywhere in the hotel. We utilized these many times and always found someone happily willing to take us up, down, or to any of the restaurants.

As you pass through the hotel grounds you will notice the cart paths that connected each room section to the staircases.

The hotel also has no shortage of activities with a ping pong table, full gym, water activities, and even a painting area. Given the closest town center is about a 10 minute drive you can easily spend a number of days just in the hotel without leaving.

The gym is actually much larger than most hotels and is located just off the beach. I didn’t spend much time in here but liked that it was empty for most of the stay incase I wanted a quick workout.

There were a few days where we noticed it a bit cloudy and this was very welcome. Bodrum tends to get much hotter than Istanbul with temperatures reaching the high 90’s. However, the shade didn’t last long and it was right back out to sun in no time.

A better look at the villas where you can notice the various pathways that pass by it. We didn’t notice these to be too crowded but if you are expecting full privacy on our outdoor space you won’t have it entirely.

The entrances to the villas were incredibly well designed and felt like you were in a different world, which is exactly what you want in a hotel.

Hotel Food

Now came one of the highlights of the hotel, complimentary breakfast. The breakfast was served daily in the hotel restaurant that was located just one level above the beach and pool.

When you are in Turkey you have to experience a Turkish breakfast, which is a variety of cheese, vegetables, jams, breads, and more. The hotel offered breakfast until 12:00 PM but we had no problem ordering a full breakfast spread even a bit after which really showed their hospitality.

The Turkish Breakfast is not something you can skip but they also had a number of made to order dishes on the menu.

I ordered Eggs Royale that was incredibly fresh and tasty. The breakfast dishes are available as much as you want so we helped ourselves to multiple some days.

I couldn’t go to a hotel and not order room service, which most of the times is a club sandwich.

The club sandwich at The Edition was large and had a number of different ingredients. A grilled chicken club came with lettuce, tomato, cheese, coleslaw, turkey bacon, and fried egg. This was a beast of a sandwich and a bit too many ingredients for me but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

Lastly, we tried one of the hotel restaurants and the night time vibe was even better than in the day.

I expect this area gets very lively on the weekends but on a weeknight it was quiet but still had a number of people enjoying dinner.

Summary & Takeaways

It wouldn’t be fair to call the Bodrum Edition a hotel since it is designed more like a resort. Easily one of the best places to stay in Bodrum, strategically located on the northern side of Bodrum giving easier access to the higher end restaurants around.

Since it was my honeymoon I tried not to capture too many photos but still had to share a bit about the experience. Given Marriott Bonvoy points rates are going up this is definitely a property you will want to check out soon and would even be worth the higher points rate I’m sure it will be asking.

The post Hotel Review: The Bodrum Edition appeared first on Travel Season.

On this trip I was checking into the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London and didn’t actually know they had an executive lounge in advance.

While I was hoping for a nice upgrade due to my status, I only received a slightly better room due to the hotel being full. I was however granted access to the executive lounge with my Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Status and it turned out to be hugely helpful throughout my stay.

I arrived to the hotel early in the morning and unfortunately my room wasn’t ready. However, I was allowed into the lounge and used it frequently throughout my stay.

The JW Grosvenor House is located on Park Lane in Mayfair, London making it one of the most desirable locations to stay in. I arrived at the hotel while skipping some of central London traffic.

Upon entering the lounge I was surprised at just how spacious it was. Another benefit was it was breakfast time and the lounge had a full spread available.

The lounge has multiple open spaces that have plenty of seating available. Even though the hotel was full I never really felt the lounge being overly crowded, another big benefit.

The areas of the lounge are divided into a few sections making it feel bigger than it was. The main entry way had formal tables where you can sit and have a meal while other areas have couches for you to relax.

The lounge also featured a TV room that was often empty throughout my visits there.

Now once I got settled I could see the breakfast spread being laid out and I was excited to check it out.

As you approach the breakfast area there is an island with all sorts of items. There was few types of muffins, pastries, fruit, and breads to choose from.

To the side of the island there was an assortment of cereals, nuts and cheeses available. I haven’t been to an executive lounge in a while but I was surprised at the amount of options they made available.

As you can see later in the stay they will adjust this island to include cheese, nuts, and a various assortment of breads.

The breakfast area also has a hot section located just behind the island.

The hot section included a buffet of eggs, sauces, bacon, and oatmeal. A big benefit I noticed was the frequency they changed them always making sure there was fresh food out for guests.

Come lunch time they would individually portion many items, taking a page out of Amex Centurion Lounge food that I like so much.

To the side of the island was a refrigerated that was also kept stocked throughout my time there.

This featured cold cuts, salmon, yogurt and other items that benefit from being refrigerated.

Another thing I noticed about this lounge is the amount of drinks they made available.

During breakfast time there was an assortment of juices and mile available as well as a few coffee machines located nearby.

The lounge also featured these drink fridges that were stocked all day with beer, soda, and other juices. I found these to be a great place to grab a bottle of water before heading out for the day.

The lounge tended to rotate food offerings while I was there but there was always some snacks on hand. Fresh fruit was available in the mornings and a great way to have a light breakfast.

I spent a lot of time in the lounge throughout my stay and regularly visited for breakfast. Many times in the past I skip hotel breakfast simply due to the common overcrowding in the dining room.

On this stay I would say the executive lounge actually made my stay and I was regularly in and out like it was a private club.

While many hotels have done away with executive lounges I actually think it provides an incredible amount of value. Since I travel to London often and this was my first stay in the JW, I would stay here again just for the benefit of having the lounge.

The post Review: JW Marriott Grosvenor House London Executive Lounge appeared first on Travel Season.

It’s easy to see why. Marriott has properties everywhere and the quality of brands under their umbrella is top tier.

Marriott Gold and above are offered room upgrades with Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador members are eligible select suites, available at the time of checking in for the duration of their stay.

Have you ever wondered how often this happens? In our experience it can vary greatly and also how you ask for an upgrade will have a huge impact.

Marriott Elite Tiers

As a reminder, Marriott has 5 elite tiers with Platinum being the most common breakthrough tier that starts to get you the best room upgrades. Often time tiers such as Gold Elite can be offered complementary with premium travel credit cards.

Of course the higher tier you are on Marriott the more likely you are to get upgraded. If you are traveling to a business city and a prime hotel they will most likely have many elite memberships checking in on any given night, making upgrades awarded in priority order.

More Info: Our Guide To Marriott Hotels and Loyalty Program

How Members Can Get Upgrades

Marriott has an official policy on upgrades and maintain the following statement regarding offering a better room.

We’ll do our best to upgrade your room (including Select Suites), based on availability at check-in. Upgrades are subject to availability identified by each hotel and limited to your personal guest room.

The good news is upgrades to rooms is available to all members Gold and above. The downside is it is totally up to the hotel’s discretion on whether to offer an upgrade.

Here are the official ways you can be upgraded at a Marriott property.

Complimentary Upgrades

Complimentary upgrades are entirely at a hotels discretion and a lot of factors play into whether they grant it or not. This includes but not limited to your status level, hotel capacity, and how many higher tier members are checking in. In fact some hotels also consider their house keeping capacity since a larger room will require more cleaning time upon check out.

A complimentary upgrade is what most people bank on when traveling to a property to keep their suite night awards and points save for a future trip.

• Here are some tips to consider to give you the best chance at getting an upgrade upon check in.
• Check the hotel capacity about a day or so from arrival to determine if higher rooms are available. This will help you understand if the hotel is full or if there are even rooms available to be upgraded into.
• Do not use the mobile check in feature on Marriott Bonvoy App. In our experience once you check in this will assign you a room in the hotels system making it much more difficult to change your room upon checkin.
• Consider asking the hotel in advance via the Marriott Bonvoy App chat feature and remember to be nice. Mention you noticed the space available and would like to be considered for an upgrade.
• Don’t forget to ask politely upon check in. Consider asking your check in agent if there is any chance for an upgrade and they will surely check the system.
• The last tip and by far the most important, be nice! Many times an upgrade is at the discretion of the check in agent and being nice goes a long way.

Lastly, consider the number of days you are planning to stay at a particular hotel. If it is a short stay you are much more likely to get an upgrade so you are not occupying a better room for a long period of time.

Suite Night Awards

A Suite Night Award is a one-night confirmable upgrade to a standard suite or select premium room, depending on the hotel’s availability of those rooms. These are available as your choice benefit if you reach Platinum tier or higher and will be decided upon starting 5 days prior to check in.

Note if you are within 24 hours of your check in time you will no longer be able to request a suite night award upgrade.

Many Marriott Bonvoy members have had a hard time getting upgraded using this method but we had a great experience getting one of the best suites at the JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus.

You can always check in with the hotel with a simple email in advance but if you absolutely need a bigger room don’t always bank that a suite night award will clear.

Points Upgrade

You can also use your Marriott points to upgrade a paid or award stay rather than paying cash. Upgrades are charged in blocks of 5,000 points, subject to hotel availability, with some properties and rooms requiring multiple upgrade blocks.

In our experience we haven’t seen this offered much in advance and will usually be at the time of check in.

Travel Agent Rate Upgrades

Specifically for travel advisors Marriott has two programs, known as Marriott STARS and Marriott Luminous, which offer additional perks for stays at various Marriott-family properties.

When booking through a certified travel advisor, your chances of being upgraded are significantly greater. Complimentary upgrades are just one of the benefits you can receive, whether you have status or not. See our full breakdown of travel agent benefits for Marriott hotels.

Why do travel agent rates get qualified for upgrades? Hotels look at travel agents as part of their loyalty program to encourage them to recommend a particular property to all their clients.

Even if you have Marriott status it does benefit you to book with a travel agent and you will still retain your benefits and earn points for the stay.

Need a travel agent? Submit a booking request with Travel Season and we will pair you with a certified concierge

Summary & Takeaways

So exactly how often do Marriott Elite Members get upgraded? Frankly, it depends. But if you follow the steps above you can increase your chance of scoring a complimentary upgrade on your next visit.

If you have found a strategy that works feel free to share with us in the comments and we will add it to the list.

The post How To Get Upgraded At Marriott Hotels appeared first on Travel Season.

There were plenty of options to consider such as The Ritz Carlton, St Regis, W, and lastly JW Marriott.

It was my first time in Istanbul and I wanted to stay somewhere nice but also close to the action. I also hadn’t used any Suite Upgrade Certificates for the year that I get for being a Marriott Platinum member, I wanted to find a way to maximize my experience by also getting upgraded.

So how did I decide on the JW Marriott? It hit nearly every box I was looking for. The newest of the higher end Marriotts in Istanbul I had a great stay at the JW and wanted to share more about this hotel.

About a week prior to traveling to Istanbul I made my suite upgrade request. To my surprise there was a 1 bedroom suite with a view of the Bosphorus available. I really wanted this suite and nothing else so I took the risk of only requesting this one room.

According to Marriott, the best practice is to select as many rooms as possible to increase your chance of getting upgraded. I didn’t care so much for an upgrade as wanting the best upgrade so I took my shot.

Lucky for me it paid off. At exactly 5 days out of my reservation, the earliest hotels upgrade using suite night awards, I received a notification that my upgrade had cleared.

Hurray! If I wasn’t already over the top excited for my trip to Istanbul I definitely was now.

I arrived at the hotel after a long but smooth flight on Turkish Airlines business class from Newark to be greated by an incredibly friendly staff at the JW.

The first thing I noticed is that the hotel was right over the bridge in the Galata neighborhood of Istanbul. This neighborhood is known for its shopping, restaurants, and nightlife. It is also located close to major tourist attractions such as Galata Tower and Taksim square.

The streets around the hotel are very busy however upon entering the lobby you are greeted by a picturesque annex that is elegant and classy.

A small check in desk is off to the side where staff is located 24 hours a day. After a brief chat with the staff they mentioned the room I was in was “one of the nicest in the entire hotel”. I couldn’t wait to see it.

Many of the rooms in the hotel face inwards towards this annex. What you’ll want to request are ones that face outwards with many towards the top having a view of the river.

The lobby also had a few areas to hang out in with couches and tables.

Throughout my entire stay these were mostly empty so it’s a great place to relax if you are waiting for your room.

Saying the room was amazing is an understatement. 

The first thing I noticed was a hallway. A hallway inside the room. This was going to be good.

As you round the corner of the room you are led into a spacious living room and captivated by an amazing view of the Bosphorus right out the windows. We arrived just as the sun was setting making the view that much better.

As you enter the bedroom you also notice just how much space there is. A king bed in the center of the room with ample closet space leading to the bathroom.

The view from the room couldn’t be better and was even more captivating at night. I found it to be very quiet facing the river with no major noise issues as side from minor construction going on a block away.

I didn’t get a chance to eat too much at the hotel but the breakfast had all the Turkish essentials.

Breakfast was set up as a buffet style with the option to order a la cart. Istanbul is known for great food so I didn’t fill up too much at breakfast opting for a few different dishes and a simit bread.

An underrated part of the hotel is definitely the rooftop bar.

The view from the room was incredible at sunset and there was ample space to have a drink. Just like the rest of the hotel the rooftop was rather quiet so you can choose any seating you may like.

All in the JW Marriott Istanbul exceeded my expectations. The comfort of the room, location, and hotel amenities provided the perfect escape from the bustling city.

The entire area had a lot of construction going on so I can only expect it to get even better. If you are planning a trip to Istanbul I would highly recommend staying here and suggest using your Suit Night Awards to get a great upgrade.

The post Hotel Review: JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus appeared first on Travel Season.

Marriott has an extensive list of brands under their umbrella and typically offer corporate benefits and other perks to loyal travelers. Residence Inn effectively extends benefits such as cheaper rates, in room kitchens, gyms, and laundry but for all travelers not just corporate.

Locations of Marriott Residence Inn can be close to city centers but often in less busy (and less expensive) parts of a location. In London, there are 3 Residence Inn’s around the city, with 2 funny enough almost right next door to each other.

I was planning to head to London on an extended trip of 6 weeks and the Residence Inn was the perfect place to set up shop. After doing a quick rate search you can see both properties are about the same nightly rate.

I decided to go with the Residence Inn London Bridge for my stay and was eager to see what the experience will be like.

The hotel is located just 10 minute walk south of the London Bridge tube station. I found the area to have plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, and many food stalls to choose from. It is also located a short walk from the famed Borough Market that I frequented often.

Upon check in the desk seemed pretty normal. I arrived early but just after breakfast time so the hotel wasn’t too busy.

What I really liked about the lobby area was the amount of open table space. There was plenty of room to sit and even get some work done.

Throughout this stay I would be in two different rooms, both 1 bedrooms but technically were studios with alcoves since there was no door.

Upon entering my first room the bed was directly by the door. From what I read online this led others to hear noises from the hallway but I didn’t seem to have this issue.

The living area was pretty spacious and although there wasn’t a door separating the two rooms it still felt like two completely different areas.

The kitchen in these rooms come stocked with the basics. Think pans, cups, plates, silverware, which was adequate to get you by. Since I was here for a while I decided to buy a few items of my own including a spatula, extra cups, and a better knife.

The bathroom was a decent size and very modern. I found this to be plenty nice for a long stay and is actually much better than many other Marriott property bathrooms I’ve seen.

The next room I checked into was a bit similar with the major difference being the ceiling height and the bed layout. Since this room was located on the top floor it offered a bit more space and way more natural light.

The one odd down side of the bed placement was the curtains needed to be completely shut otherwise you will get light directly on you. I found a few streetlights on at night that shined through but it didn’t bother me too much.

The bathroom in this room had a slightly different layout but comfortable nonetheless.

Now came the real highlight of this hotel, the massive and well equipped gym. Now I knew the gym would be decent in a long stay hotel but this far exceeded my expectations.

What I really liked most about it was the amount of space. It was usually pretty quiet but even if others were in there it didn’t feel crowded.

A huge plus was the gym was open 24 hours a day.

Right by the gym was the laundry machines. Unlike the gym these were very crowded but I leaned on using them later at night and never seemed to have an issue finding space.

The hotel also offers free breakfast everyday from 6:30am – 9:30am. I’m not a huge breakfast person so throughout my stay I never actually ate anything here.

I did find it odd that breakfast ended so early. I think 11am would be the optimal time for all hotel breakfast but given its a long stay property I expect they don’t want people over relying on it.

Breakfast offered a range of pastries, bread, cereal, as well as a hot bar.

On the day I checked it out it looked like eggs, hash browns, sausage, and bacon. While I didn’t taste it the offering was more than I expected and I even spotted some takeaway containers that you can take back to your room.

All in I found the Residence Inn to be a very comfortable stay in London providing me with everything I needed. It actually had me questioning why I don’t stay at Residence Inn more often even if it was a shorter trip.

Having access to a larger room, kitchen, gym, and other amenities really goes a long way. Especially for a fraction of the price as other prime Marriott hotels where the rooms can be really small (I’m looking at you London Edition).

The Residence Inn really put in perspective what can be important in a hotel stay and I will definitely be staying in one again.

The post Hotel Review: Marriott Residence Inn London Bridge appeared first on Travel Season.

Typically Marriott corporate benefits are only available when the employee is actually traveling on business. However, this new program is designed to build on it even further. Introducing the Marriott BreakAway Program, designed for employees of businesses when they travel for leisure.

Marriott BreakAway Program Benefits

With this new program Marriott is offering substantial discounts on leisure travel to top global partners. Most notably Marriott is offering 30% off standard rates as the main benefit to the BreakAway program. Here are all the benefits Marriott is offering.

• Up to 30% off standard rates
• Rates good for travel between Thursdays and Sundays
• Friday or Saturday night stay required
• Some resorts offer discounts midweek without weekend stay restrictions
• Choose from participating hotels across our portfolio of 30 brands and 7,200 hotels around the world
• Hotels stays are eligible for Marriott Bonvoy™ points and Elite status

Marriott BreakAway Program Code

In order to receive the rate you will need to search with the code “XML” on Marriott Bonvoy website.

Here are some of the rates we found when searching with the code.

At the W London we found a rate of £445 compared to the normal of £470. Not exactly that great of a discount at a mere 6%.

At the Westin Rome we found a similar discount with the BreakAway Program offering €279 compared to average of €295.

While we didn’t have great luck finding discounts the dates you travel will make the most impact. Also note some hotels require you to stay on a Friday or Saturday so make sure to alter your dates if you are not finding availability.

Marriott BreakAway Participating Companies

Not all companies that have corporate rates with Marriott participate in the Breakaway program. However, a substantial number of them do. We have listed all companies in the list below.

Summary & Takeaways

It’s nice to see Marriott continue to reward business travelers even when they are not traveling for business. It shows the brands commitment to their business partners and we expect this was asked for by many travelers that want a corporate rate when traveling for leisure.

We will continue to keep an eye on Marriott’s business traveler offering for changes and improvements. This is a good start to still getting a better rate if you work for an affiliated company.

The post A Guide To Marriott BreakAway Program appeared first on Travel Season.

It’s not surprise that the Marriott Bonvoy rewards program is also one of the most popular loyalty programs in the hotel industry. The program allows visitors of all types to earn various benefits including free nights, late check out, free breakfast and more at hotels across the world.

Whether you are looking to build loyalty with Marriott hotels or just simply planning to stay in one on vacation we’ll tell you everything you need to know about this hotel group.

Marriott Bonvoy Hotel Types and Brands

Marriott Bonvoy has one of the largest portfolios of hotels amongst any group. With over 7,000 hotels in its portfolio there is no shortage of options when it comes to picking a hotel. Whether you are traveling to New York City, London, or Rome, there is a Marriott property for every type of traveler.

Here are the latest brands that make up the Marriott group.

Luxury Brands

The reason many people choose to give their loyalty to Marriott is for their top tier luxury brands notably The Ritz-Carlton, St Regis, JW Marriott, and more recently The Edition. Not only are these properties rated some of the best hotels in the world but the amount of locations is what truly makes them special.

The luxury Marriott brands can compete with any of the best hotels in the world but what sets them apart is benefiting from the Marriott Bonvoy program. Having the ability to redeem points for free nights, upgrades, and even breakfast keeps travelers coming back for more.

Note on the downside, some properties like Ritz-Carlton and Edition don’t participate in all Marriott Bonvoy member benefits like room upgrades, free breakfast, or suite night awards. However, the St Regis, JW Marriott, and W Hotels do making them well worth the reason to get status with Marriott.

Premium Brands

Marriott has a huge collection of premium brands, which are the core to their hotel portfolio. This includes notable hotels such as Westin, Le Meridian, Renaissance, Sheraton, and the signature Autograph Collection. You can find these hotels in almost all major cities as well as throughout the world offering an elevated travel experience for an affordable price.

In our experience these hotel brands can sometimes compete with the Luxury tier amenities including pools, spa, and fitness centers and even offer better rewards for Marriott Bonvoy loyalty. Hotels in this tier are also great about room upgrades often making suites available to members that are Platinum and up.

Select Brands

Marriott Select Brands are a tier of hotels that vary great in design but are all at extremely affordable price point. These brands include Moxy, Courtyard, Springhill Suites, AC Hotels, Aloft, and Fairfield. The best part of this tier is the amount of cities and towns you can find these hotels in all throughout the USA and world.

Nothing beats getting a cheap deal on a hotel but that doesn’t mean the select brands lack quality. Hotels like the AC and Moxy are some of the most modern and stylish you can find with many being in the sub $100 price point per night. Added benefits at these hotels typically include a bar, lounge, or nightlife as part of the hotel making the property a scene to have a great time in.

Longer Stay Brands

Marriott has a number of properties that are designed for extended stays by offering larger rooms, kitchens, and amenities designed to make it comfortable enough to be an apartment. Brands that offer this include Residence Inn, Towneplace Suites, and Marriott Executive Apartments, among others.

One thing to note is that because these properties are designed for longer stays, and generally offer cheaper nightly rates, Marriott does not provide full bonus points on each night stay. However, you will receive credit for each night that can put you on a faster track to higher status.

For your stay at each of these brands, you can earn Marriott Bonvoy points. In addition, you can use the points you earn to get free nights at Marriott hotels. Don’t be put off if you haven’t stayed in a Marriott property before. Apart from hotel stays, there are various more ways to earn Marriott Bonvoy points.

Overview of Marriott Bonvoy Loyalty Program

This Marriott Bonvoy program is one of the world’s most extensive rewards programs, with 30 brands and price points ranging from budget-friendly hotels to opulent retreats all over the world. Yet, despite its scale, the Bonvoy program is simple. Marriott has simplified most aspects of the program, from earning points to obtaining elite status. We’ll go over each one separately here.

Marriott Elite Status Levels

Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador are the five elite status levels in the Marriott Bonvoy program.

At comparable status levels, Marriott Bonvoy is typically regarded as providing fewer advantages than competitors. Because the Marriott Bonvoy elite qualification requirements are the most difficult to meet, many people use the program out of need rather than preference.

However, this doesn’t mean status doesn’t come with some perks for frequent travelers. Think free breakfast, late checkout, suite upgrades, and points that can be redeemed for some incredible experiences.

Marriott Bonvoy elite levels vary greatly and we will break down everything you need to know about each status level.

Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite

The first tier of status is unfortunately a virtually non-status and comes with few perks. Members can achieve this status after staying 10 nights in a calendar year. Benefits include 10% more points on stays, priority late checkout, and free wifi. While silver status is nothing to aspire for, the Marriott Bonvoy credit cards include it complimentary as a perk.

Here are the cobranded Marriott cards that include Silver Elite status:

• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card

Marriott also offers Lifetime Silver Elite status after you stay 250 nights and have earned Marriott silver status for at least five years.

Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite

The second tier of Marriott Bonvoy status does come with a few perks making it somewhat valuable. Members can achieve this status after staying 25 nights in a calendar year. Benefits include 25% more points on stays, enhanced room upgrades, and 2pm late checkout. However, on the down side members no longer have access to main lounges or breakfast privileges, making it harder to justify pursuing this status level through hotel stays or cobranded credit card spending under the new program.

You can obtain Marriott Gold Elite status with the following cards:

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card (after spending $35,000 on purchases each year)
• Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card (after spending $35,000 on purchases each year)
• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Marriott also offers Lifetime Gold Elite status after you stay 400 nights and have earned Marriott gold status for at least seven years.

Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite

At the third tier of Marriott Bonvoy status the benefits start to get a lot more compelling. Members can achieve this status after staying 50 nights in a calendar year. Benefits include 50% bonus points on stays, enhanced room upgrades including select suites, 4pm late checkout, and a welcome gift upon checkin. Additional perks include access to a lounge, free breakfast where offered, and an annual gift choice.

The annual gift allows members to choice from one of the following: five Suite Night Awards, give the gift of Silver Elite status, 40% off your favorite mattress, five Elite Night Credits or a $100 charity donation.

We find the Platinum Elite level to be worth shooting for with our favorite gift selection being the five Suite Night Awards.

Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite

The fourth tier of Marriott Bonvoy status offers a number of great benefits for frequent travelers. Members achieve this status after staying 75 nights in a calendar year. The benefits include 75% bonus points on stays, enhanced room upgrades prioritized over platinum, 4pm late checkout, and welcome gift upon checkin.

The main difference between Titanium and Platinum is the priority in which you get upgraded and the chance to choose 2 of the annual gifts. This means you can select up to 10 suite night awards or mix and match different selections.

The Titatnium level is also the last Marriott Bonvoy elite level that does not require a spend threshold making it much easier to achieve by using branded credit cards to increase your nightly credits.

Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite

Marriott Ambassador Elite is their publisher top tier level that comes with many of the benefits of Titanium with a few added perks. Members achieve this stats after staying 100 eligible nights and meeting a spend requirement of $20,000. The benefits for this status include all of the Titanium benefits plus notably Ambassador Service and Your24.

Ambassador Service is effectively a personal Marriott assistant that can help you with booking stays or anything related to your Marriott property. Often times you will receive a dedicated person that will help you with all your travel needs. We’ve heard from Ambassadors that they have kept the same assistant for a number of years, developing a relationship that can help them out with any of their travel needs.

Your24 by Marriott gives you the flexibility to choose the 24 hours of your stay. For example you can check in to a property at 9 p.m and have your check out at 9 p.m. — it’s up to you. This is a nice perk for those that arrive late into cities and gives you an extended period of time in your room.

Marriott Ambassador Service is the only status tier that includes a spend requirement, making it the hardest to achieve. Travelers have shared mixed reviews on if they think its worth extending for but for those that are extremely frequent travelers the benefits do make a difference.

It takes a lot of effort to any Marriott Bonvoy elite level that offers noticeable benefits. To achieve status, you’ll need a lot of stays and brand loyalty. If you are a less frequent traveler you may benefit from looking at other hotel groups since Marriott Bonvoy is known for their heavy usage amongst business travelers.

An added bonus is Marriott Bonvoy has been helping their elite travelers to keep their status in the slow down of 2020 and 2021. They are giving all members 50 percent of the Elite Night Credits they earned in 2020 for 2021. As a result, in 2021, the expenditure required for the Ambassador Elite level will be cut by 30%, from $20,000 to $14,000 making it easier to achieve.

An easy way to gain nights is by owning and using a Marriott Bonvoy credit card. Every year, Marriott Bonvoy credit cards are given 15 free qualifying nights. While possessing multiple personal Marriott Bonvoy credit cards does not get you double Elite Night Credits, holding one personal and one business Marriott Bonvoy card does. So each year, you’ll receive a bonus of 30 Elite Night Credits, automatically putting you in Gold Status.

Other credit cards also offer elite status automatically such as the American Express Platinum gifting gold status to all members. Keep an eye out for these perks as you can sometimes get great benefits at hotels just by having the right credit card.

If you acquire status by staying at Marriott properties, your status will last until the end of the calendar year.

Marriott Award Rates

Marriott Bonvoy points aren’t precious but if you plan your trip correctly you can get some great value out of them. On average Marriott Bonvoy Points are usually worth 0.77 cents per point. While this is a low value compared to certain rewards programs, it is pretty common pricing for hotel incentives, with Hilton Honors and IHG Rewards points valued equally.

The low value is due to the fact that hotel awards are considerably easier to come by. With so many hotel credit cards and options to earn hotel points, the value of each point is dwindling.

However, you may boost the value of Marriott Bonvoy points by searching for better than normal redemptions.

Take the example above where you are receiving more than double the average value of Marriott Points at 1.7 cents per point. This is well above the norm but redemptions like this can come around more often then you would think.

To get a great redemption like this you will want to look at high profile properties that typically go for over $1,000 a night.

Some properties include The Bodrum Edition, St Regis Maldives, and the St Regis Bora Bora. These properties are well worth saving up your Marriott points for but be careful of saving for too long as points can be devalued at any time.

How To Earn Marriott Points

Marriott Bonvoy points can be earned in number of different ways, mainly including stays at Marriott locations and spending on Marriott branded credit cards. Here is every way you can earn Marriott points.

Staying at Marriotts

Marriott members will get a base of 10 award points per dollar spent on eligible charges for stays at most Marriott hotel brands. However, to that general rule, there are a few exceptions. For example, element, Residence Inn, as well as, TownePlace Suites receive five Marriott points for every dollar spent. In addition, while Marriott Executive Apartments and ExecuStay earn 2.5 Marriott points per dollar spent on qualifying hotel rates, Marriott Executive Apartments and ExecuStay do not.

Furthermore, your elite status and current hotel promos would further enhance your earnings: 2,250 points ($225 qualifying spend multiplied by 10 points per dollar spent) from base earnings. As an elite bonus, you’ll get 1,125 points (50 percent bonus as a Platinum Elite). As a welcome gift, you will have 500 points. For completing five stays with the Unlock More program, you’ll receive 12,000 bonus points. For ignoring housekeeping for two days, you get 500 points.

To earn points for a stay, however, you must book directly with Marriott. Rooms booked through online travel agencies (such as Expedia, Hotwire, and Priceline), as part of an event, through a tour operator, or as a comped stay do not earn points.

Spending On Marriott Credit Cards

Marriott has four credit cards available from Chase and American Express that allow cardholders to earn extra Marriott points. All of your credit card purchases will earn you Marriott points, and you’ll also be eligible for a hefty welcome bonus.

Make sure you keep an eye on the rules and eligibility of each credit card as they can have a big impact on how many rewards you can earn.

Note: Credit card terms and details are subject to frequent change and are written when this article is published. Please visit the credit card providers site to get the latest details on the credit card offer.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

The only personal Marriott cobranded card available through Amex is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card. The current welcome bonus earns 75,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in purchases within the first three months of card membership. Plus, for the first six months of card membership, collect up to $200 in statement credits for qualified purchases made on your new card at U.S. restaurants. This card has a steep annual cost of $450, but it comes with many benefits.

Another benefit is you can earn up to $300 in statement credits each year of card membership when you make qualified purchases at Marriott Bonvoy hotels. In addition, every year on the anniversary of your card account, they’ll give you a free night at a Marriott Bonvoy hotel with a redemption level of up to 50,000 points (certain hotels have resort fees). And TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit of up to $100 (once every 4 years for Global Entry or else every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck) will be offered. Also, you’ll receive Priority Pass Select Membership (enrollment required)

If you spend $75,000 on the card in a calendar year, you will receive automatic Gold Elite level or Platinum Elite status. And you’ll receive 15 elite qualifying nights to help you reach Platinum Elite or higher level. Also, you’ll get 6 points per dollar spent on qualifying purchases at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 3 points per dollar spent on buying at U.S. restaurants and flights booked directly with airlines, and 2 points per dollar used up on all other eligible purchases.

Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card

Business owners can apply for the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card, which now features a welcome bonus of 75,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy points once you spend $3,000 in the initial 3 months on your new card. Plus, throughout the first three months of card membership, you can earn up to $150 in statement credits on qualified purchases made on your new Card. This card has a $125 annual charge (see rates and fees), but it compensates for it with a 35,000-point certificate awarded each year on your card account anniversary.

In addition, you’ll earn 6x points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 4x points at U.S. restaurants and gas stations, 4x points on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, and 2x points per dollar used up on all other eligible purchases in the United States, and 2x points per dollar used up on all other eligible purchases in the United States.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

After spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, Chase’s Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card is presently offering three free nights (each worth up to 50,000 points). Furthermore, within six months of account opening, earn 10X total points per dollar spent on up to $2,500 in combined buying at gas stations, eateries, and grocery shops. In addition, this card offers benefits such as automatic Silver Elite status and a path to Gold Elite status after spending $35,000 on purchases in a single account year.

Furthermore, the card earns up to 17x Bonvoy points each $1 spent at over 7,000 Marriott Bonvoy hotels, and also 2x points on all other purchases. In addition, every year after the account anniversary, you’ll receive a one-night hotel stay at a property with a redemption worth up to 35,000 points as a free night award.

Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card

Chase offers the Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card with no annual fee for people looking for a no-fee credit card. Despite the lack of an annual charge, you’ll get 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the initial 3 months after opening your account. This card also comes with 15 elite night credits, giving the cardholder Silver Elite rank and a head start on moving up the elite status.

Only 3x points are earned in participating Marriott hotels (half the rate of other Bonvoy credit cards), 2x points are earned on travel expenditures, and 1x points are earned on all other purchases.

Spending On Premium Credit Cards

Marriott Bonvoy is also affiliated with credit card programs beyond their cobranded ones mentioned above. This can be an easy way for you to top up your points if you are short on a redemption.

You can transfer points from either American Express or Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Hosting Events

Marriott provides an incentive to host events by providing points bonuses based on your status. A bonus for event planners will earn two points per dollar for any qualifying event held at a Marriott property, up to a maximum base earning of 60,000 points per event for non members. However, if you are Titanium Elite or higher you can earn up to 105,000 per event.

Here is the current benefits chart for hosting events:

Marriott has a dedicated section of their website for event planners that can help you plan and book events are various properties.

If you are planning to host an event in the future make sure you are receiving Marriott points as part of your package.

Referring Friends To Marriott

Marriott has a referral system where you can get points for referral friends and family to open an account. You can do so by filling out the Refer a Friend form that will send a unique link to your referal.

You can refer up to five new members each calendar year, and you’ll earn 2,000 points for each of up to five of their paid stays.

Dining at Select Restaurants

Marriott launched their Eat Around Town program that rewards you for dining at select restaurants, bars, and clubs. The program has over 11,000 restaurants to choose from, it’s easy to earn Marriott Bonvoy points.

The way the program works is you link your credit card to your Marriott account and when you dine at select restaurants you earn points. Currently you will earn 6 points for every dollar you spend, which is a great way to accumulate additional points.

Buying A Mattress

Marriott gives members 10,000 bonus points for buying a mattress from a select brand.

Points will be awarded on the purchase of a mattress on any of Marriott International’s thirteen online retail websites including: Shop EDITION, The Ritz-Carlton Shops, The Luxury Collection Store, St. Regis Boutique, W Hotels The Store, Curated by JW, Shop Marriott, Sheraton Store, Westin Store, Collect Renaissance, Gaylord Hotels The Store, Shop Courtyard, Fairfield Store.

Buying or Gifting Points

Marriott makes points available to buy or gift up to a maximum of 50,000 points annually. The purchase rate is generally $12.50 per 1,000 points, which is not a great deal but Marriott is known to run promotions from time to time.

Combing Points With Another Member

Marriott Bonvoy gives you the ability to combine your points with another Marriott Bonvoy member. A member can transfer up to 100,000 points to another account, and each member can receive up to a total of 500,000 points per year. An added perk is these transfers are completely free, making them an easy way to top up your account for a redemption.

How To Use Marriott Bonvoy Awards

Marriott Bonvoy points can be redeemed in a variety of ways. Marriott points are worth 0.8 cents each, according to TPG, which is roughly the value you’ll get from hotel stays or airline transfers. The majority of other redemption choices, on the other hand, do not provide a good return on your Marriott Bonvoy points.

Redeem For Free nights

Marriott points are straightforward to use because the company has a standardized award system that shows you how many points you’ll need for a free stay. Dynamic pricing is used by loyalty programs like Hilton Honors, which isn’t ideal for members because award fees fluctuate dramatically depending on demand. When it comes to Marriott, the price of a room is fairly apparent.

Depending on the hotel category and if the date is off-peak, standard, or peak, a free night with Marriott will cost anywhere from 5,000 to 100,000 points.

Note: Marriott has announced that as of March 2022 hotels will be switching to dynamic pricing rather than an award chart. For the remainder of 2022 we expect many hotels to still follow the below award chart but rates are subject to change by property.

Here is the official award chart for Marriott hotels:

Keep in mind Marriott includes a 5th night free making the rates a bit better.

The above is the standard rate chart but it’s possible to book properties for cheaper by using Marriott PointsSavers.

The PointSavers program allows you to book stays at participating Marriott properties while saving up to 20% on points redemptions.

Here is the PointSavers award chart:

If you are able to get a hotel stay under the PointSaver discount you can save thousands of points off your redemption.

If you don’t have enough points to cover an entire night then Marriott still lets you use lets points by combing it with cash. They also have a standard rate chart that can tell you how much you expect to pay.

While the cash option is nice to have we typically don’t find it to be that attractive of an option. Use cash if you have to but otherwise we think saving up points is a better redemption value.

It’s best to estimate your favorite hotel during peak pricing for your stay when planning your points and miles strategy. You’ll have enough points regardless of demand if you do it this way. Likewise, when reserving an award night, it’s crucial to keep in mind the value of your Marriott points.

Get A Free 5th night at Marriott

When you book a four-night stay with Marriott Bonvoy points, you’ll earn a free fifth night at any Marriott Bonvoy location. This is a good approach to get extra points for the same amount of money spent. This offer is also valid for stays of four nights or more. For example, you’ll get two free nights if you stay for eight nights, three free nights if you stay for twelve nights, and so on.

Avoid using points for stays of 3 nights or less, keeping this in mind. If you want to conserve your points for a five-night stay, pay cash instead of using points.

Use Points To Upgrade Rooms

Members of Marriott Bonvoy can upgrade a paid or award reservation to a higher category, like an ocean view room or a suite, by using their points.

These Upgrade Awards do not have a published chart, and they are not available at all properties. As a result, for your specific stay, you’ll need to look for these upgrades.

Book Marriott Moments

Consider checking out the Marriott Bonvoy Moments program if you’re searching for a different form of redemption. You may use your points to purchase unique experiences such as concert tickets, culinary events, seats to see your desired sports team and even attend the TPG Awards by redeeming Marriott points.

Redeemable for a hotel and airfare

Your points can be exchanged for airline miles and a seven-night stay at any Marriott Category 1-8 hotel. This program used to be a good deal, but it was devalued in July 2018 and now offers a poor return on your Marriott points.

Packages start at 255,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for seven nights in Category 1–4 hotels and 50,000 miles in your preferred airline program. The price of the packages varies depending on the hotel type and the number of miles you choose to acquire. The Category 8 and 100,000-mile option, which costs 750,000 points, is the most expensive.

These packages change on a regular basis, and while some are auctioned, others have set prices. As a result, it isn’t easy to put a monetary value on items because many aren’t simply replicated with cash.

Transfers between airlines and travel redemptions

There are several ways to use your Marriott Bonvoy points to earn free travel.

Marriott points can be exchanged for airline miles on 44 different airlines. The majority of these airlines have a 3:1 transfer ratio. Air New Zealand Airpoints (200:1), JetBlue TrueBlue (6:1), and United’s MileagePlus, which offers a slightly better 3:1.1 ratio, are the exceptions to this norm.

Here are all of Marriott airline transfer partners currently.

Transferring at least 60,000 Marriott points earns you 5,000 additional miles. For transferring 60,000 points to most airline partners, you’ll receive a total of 25,000 airline miles. Keep in mind that flight timings differ depending on the carrier.

You can use your points to purchase air tickets or rental cars through Marriott’s Air and Car program, but these redemptions are worth less than 0.4 cents per point.

Marriott Program for Travel Agents

Similar to many luxury hotel groups that provide exclusive benefits for bookings via a travel agent, Marriott has two programs, known as Marriott STARS and Marriott Luminous, which offer additional perks for stays at various Marriott-family properties.

Hotels that qualify for Marriott STARS include: EDITION, BVLGARI, Luxury Collection, Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and St. Regis. The benefits that are offered at these hotels include:

• Complimentary full or continental breakfast daily for up to two people per room
• Hotel credit valued at 100 USD once per stay
• Room upgrade, subject to availability at check-in
• Complimentary basic Wi-Fi daily
• In-person welcome
• Personalized welcome amenity and note

Hotels that qualify for Marriott Luminous include: Autograph Collection, JW Marriott, Le Meridien, Marriott, Renaissance, Tribute Portfolio, W Hotels, and Westin. The benefits that are offered at these hotels include:

• Complimentary daily breakfast for two people per room
• Complimentary basic Wi-Fi daily
• Early check-in & late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary room upgrade, subject to availability at check-in
• Local welcome amenity and note
• Hotel credit valued at 100USD once per stay, but only at select hotels

You may notice many of these perks are similar to those of the regular Marriott Bonvoy program but it is a great way to get the benefits if you do not have status.

The program benefits will only qualify for rate that are the “Standard Rate” and do not qualify for special rates, advanced paid rates, or points rates. You will also still receive points and elite night credit when booking with a travel agent making them good benefits even if you have status.

If you are a business traveler you may be getting benefits through Marriott corporate rates but if you are looking to travel for leisure then going through a travel agent will give you the most benefits.

What type of travelers are best suited for Marriott?

Marriott Rewards is committed to finding a brand that can fit almost every type of traveler. Across their portfolio there is a brand for everyone, whether you are searching for luxury travel, adventure travel, family vacation, or an urban escape.

Specifically for business travelers Marriott is one of the most popular programs offering corporate discounts that come with many perks to employees from companies such as Deloitte, IBM, Accenture, and many more.

Marriott is also keen on offering discounts to friends and family with a dedicated program provided even steeper discounts. This program known as the Marriott Explore Program gives discounts to both employees direct family and friends of employees. Only select locations apply but if you know a Marriott employee and are able to find a deal you can save significant money on a booking.

Summary and Takeaways

Marriott Bonvoy is a program that is well worth signing up for. Even if you only stay at Marriott hotels occasionally, you can earn points redeemed for free hotel nights. You have many options for using points and elite level advantages because many Marriott hotels to choose from.

Make sure you don’t hoard Marriott Bonvoy points if you have a large number of them. Because rewards points are constantly devalued, redeeming travel miles as often as possible is a good strategy. When points are devalued, they become less effective for achieving your trip objectives right away.

The purpose of earning Marriott Bonvoy points is to save money on travel, so make the most of them. The best feature is that you don’t need a million points to begin.

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