Review of Marriott Rewards ProgramThis page reviews the Marriott Rewards program provides tips for optimizing earnings. Program terms of many loyalty programs change frequently, so there is no assurance that the information provided here is still current. Additionally, most programs reservie the right to change terms with little or no notice. Where appropriate, I have noted the date that the information was last verified.Important FactsAccount ExpirationMarriott may close an account if no points are accrued during a 24 month period [terms last checked 12/05/2007].Base Point earningsEarn 10 point per dollar spent on the room rate [5 at Residence Inn and TownePlace] at the participating hotels listed below. Some but noit all, of the hotels credit points on incidental charges as well. [terms last checked 12/05/2007]Applicable BonusesOther than elite bonuses (described below), none presently offered on a consistent basis.Special PromotionsOccasionally special promotions result in bonus Marriott Reward Points, including a regularly recurring MegaBonus offer. These special promotions usually require advance registration for the bonus and might require that payment be made by certain methods (e.g. with a Visa card). Check the Marriott Rewards web site, and your email for details. Certain promotions are targeted to specific members and are only available by direct invitation from Marriott.Covered Hotel Brands
Elite StatusThe following are the elite tiers for the Marriott program, listed with selected benefits. Additional benefits apply, and you can check the Marriott Rewards site for the specific details of such awards. [terms last checked 12/05/2007]
Alternate EarningsMembers may choose to earn miles in certain frequent flyer programs instead of earning Marriott Rewards Points. This review focues on earnings of Marriott Rewards Points and does not describe the alternate mileage program in detail. These alternate mileage program is useful for frequent flyers that do not stay frequently at Marriott hotels and who might find their Marriott accounts expiring. If you stay regularly at Marriott Hotels, the value of the rewards earned is better in the points program than it is for the alternate miles program.PartnersOther ways to earn points - these methods may require that you follow a special link to the site through the Marriott Rewards site, that you provide your Marriott Rewards number at time of purchase, or that you use special rates or discount codes at the time of purchase. This is not a complete list. [terms last checked 12/05/2007]
Review of ProgramI have found Marriott Rewards to be a good program. I am usually able to reserve rewards stays when I want them and have not run into problems with capacity controls. Marriott has a large number of hotels, in various price ranges, that participate in the program, so I am usually able to find suitable Marriot Hotels in most places where I travel, and at reasonable prices for my paid stays.Historical information - changes to program - discountinued benefitsMarriott used to offer a 25% bonus on Marriott Rewards points for travel on participating airlines in conjunction with a Marriott stay. This was in addition the airline frequent flyer miles you would get for the flight directly from the airline. This bonus seems to have been discontinued. |
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