Marriott has been offering bonus promotions on purchasing points since travel restrictions eased. I avoided covering them initially because demand was uncertain and few people were traveling. Now that travel is picking up and some hotels are filling up, these offers are worth revisiting for anyone planning trips during the pandemic.
Table of Contents
- 50% Bonus Points Offer
- Off-Peak Redemption Rate
- Maximising the Marriott Offers
- Should you grab these deals?
- Bottomline
50% Bonus Points Offer
- Offer: 50% bonus when purchasing Marriott Bonvoy points
- Minimum purchase: 2,000 points
- Maximum: 150,000 points
- Annual limit: 150,000 points per year (temporarily increased from the usual 50,000)
- Offer period: Valid through 22 December 2020
With this promotion, the effective cost works out to roughly 60 paise per Marriott Bonvoy point. I generally value Marriott Bonvoy points conservatively at 50 paise each, though some redemptions can deliver much higher value.
Off-Peak Redemption Rate
- Offer: Redeem points at off-peak rates (about 33% fewer points)
- Booking period: Through 14 December
- Stay period: Through 28 February
Although Marriott highlights this as a special discount, the off-peak redemption rate is part of the existing award calendar. Properties are assigned off-peak, standard, or peak award pricing based on the hotel’s discretion and demand. Many hotels appear to be showing more off-peak availability now, likely due to softer demand.
I’ve made off-peak redemptions before the pandemic, and it seems several properties have more off-peak dates available at the moment.
Maximising the Marriott Offers
- Paying in USD with an Amex Platinum Charge card can yield 3X rewards on the transaction.
- Premium cards like Infinia or Diners Black can give about 3.3% back plus the global value program cashback.
- You can transfer a welcome bonus from an Amex Platinum Charge to Marriott and redeem at off-peak rates where available.
- Marriott Bonvoy points transfer to many airline programs at 3:1; there’s often a 5,000-point bonus when transferring 60,000 points.
Should you grab these deals?
Whether to buy points depends on several factors. One clear test is whether the hotel you want shows off-peak award availability during your desired dates. If it does and you plan to travel in that window, buying points can be attractive.
Keep in mind this is peak travel season in many places, yet Marriott is offering off-peak redemptions in many markets. That situation may persist into early 2021 if demand remains weak, which could keep award and revenue rates lower than usual.
As an example, Sheraton Grand Mahabalipuram previously sold rooms for around INR 8,000 or 30,000 points in November 2020. More recently, rates showed about INR 12,000 or 20,000 points — a situation where using points plus elite benefits like upgrades from Marriott Gold (earned via Amex Platinum) can make awards appealing. Rates may revert back later, so timing matters.
Bottomline
If you’re planning travel in December or January, purchasing Marriott Bonvoy points during this promotion can be a good deal for certain properties. Check the specific hotel’s award calendar for off-peak availability and compare the cash rate versus the effective cost of buying points.
One added advantage: cancellations on Marriott point redemptions are generally quick and straightforward, which gives flexibility when plans are uncertain.
Are you buying or redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points? Let me know in the comments below.