The Best Marriott Bonvoy Hotels For Your Free Night Certificate
By: Benét J. Wilson
Updated on: Feb 25, 2019
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This article was last updated Feb 25, 2019, but some terms and conditions may have changed or are no longer available. For the most accurate and up to date information please consult the terms and conditions found on the issuer website.
One of the biggest changes under the new Marriott Bonvoy™ loyalty program is the addition of a previously announced eighth hotel reward category, setting off a wave of changes among the chain’s 6,700 hotels.
Under the newly released reward category chart, nearly 400 of the chain’s 6,700 hotels will change categories, with the vast majority at higher points per night, effective March 5, 2019.
Read The New Marriott Rewards Program: What You Need to Know.
This will affect the free night you earn every account anniversary of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card*, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card* and Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card. While that free night still covers properties in Categories 1 through 5 for up to 35,000 points, some hotels have moved up or down on the category chart.
But the good news is that even with this change, there are still plenty of great brands when it comes time to redeem your free night. Below is a list of awesome options from among the 1,135 Category 5 hotels around the world. We considered hotel location, room and property amenities, the cash value of rooms and access to local attractions when considering our hotel picks.
We also include the cash rate for Bonvoy and non-Bonvoy members during a mid-March stay for comparison. Finally, we link to some surprisingly good Category 4 and Category 3 hotel options.
Category 5 Hotels
United States
Marriott Marquis, Washington, D.C.
Image Source: Marriott.com
Located in the heart of downtown, the hotel’s rooms come with the deluxe amenities and premium bedding you’d expect with this premium Marriott brand. Take your pick from the hotel’s six restaurants or work out in the fitness center. You’re within walking distance of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, while the nearby Metro subway station can take you to attractions including the National Mall monuments and the Smithsonian Museums. A stay at this hotel runs between $275 and $283 a night.
Renaissance Austin Hotel, Austin, Texas
Image Source: Marriott.com
This hotel has rooms and suites that feature pillowtop bedding, sleek bathrooms and high-speed internet access. There are two on-site restaurants, a fitness center, an indoor and outdoor pool and a whirlpool. Nearby attractions include live music at the infamous Sixth Street, the state capitol building, the University of Texas at Austin and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. A king deluxe room ranges between $333 and $342 a night.
Asia
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, Vietnam
Image Source: Marriott.com
If you’re looking for luxury, the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa is the place. The hotel is located on Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island, off the country’s southern coast. The hotel has three restaurants and bars, along with its own private beachfront where you can escape. Rates here typically run between $413 and $426 a night.
The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali
Image Source: Marriott.com
Overlooking the Indian Ocean, this resort offers services and amenities designed to help you unwind and recharge, all in a gorgeous tropical setting. Rooms and suites feature pillowtop beds, separate showers and tubs and a mini-fridge. Choose from freshwater or saltwater swimming pools. Enjoy the resort’s white-sand beach or visit the Heavenly Spa by Westin™. Nearby is the Bali Water Park, the Bali National Golf Club and the Puja Mandala temple. A king deluxe room runs between $143 and $150 a night.
Caribbean/Mexico/Central America
St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino
Image Source: Marriott.com
This resort offers provides a plethora of luxury amenities and easy access to the island’s most exciting activities. Relax in spacious rooms and suites with mountain or beachfront views, enjoy dining in eight restaurants, do a therapeutic treatment at the spa or play 18 holes at the Royal St. Kitts Golf Club. A king or two double room with a garden view costs between $319 and $329 a night.
Sheraton Grand Los Cabos Hacienda del Mar, Mexico
Image Source: Marriott.com
Explore the 28 seaside acres that surround this 270-room Mexican colonial resort, 10 minutes from Cabo San Lucas. Enjoy an amazing meal in one of four restaurants, mix and mingle at two bars, swim in one of five pools or take advantage of the Cactus Spa and Sheraton Fitness. Local attractions include the Old Lighthouse, shopping in downtown Cabo or the celebrated Ocean Course, a golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus. A deluxe king room costs between $369 and $389 a night.
Europe
Renaissance Barcelona Fira Hotel, Spain
Image Source: Marriott.com
Be in the middle of the action in Catalan’s capital near Plaza Europa Square, the National Museum of Contemporary Art and the Fira Barcelona Gran Via. This 357-room hotel has a Mediterranean restaurant, a fitness center, an indoor pool and an outdoor pool with stunning views of Barcelona. A deluxe king or two twin room with a city view runs between $201 and $207 a night.
Riviera Marriott Hotel La Porte de Monaco, France
Image Source: Marriott.com
Located on the Cote d’Azur, this elegant hotel is right on the ocean with its own beach. Rooms or suites have deluxe bedding, a flat-screen TV, a mini-bar and high-speed Internet access. Many also have balconies with great views. The hotel has a fitness center and pool, as well as the Restaurant Le Cap, with its outdoor terrace. There’s a free shuttle to Monte Carlo where you can visit Monaco Palace, the Monte-Carlo Casino and Opera House, or the Monaco Cathedral. A king or two twin room with a balcony and sea view runs between $281 and $289 a night.
South America
Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Cusco, Peru
Image Source: Marriott.com
This 154-room hotel is housed in a mansion that dates back nearly five centuries. Directly across from the Koricancha (Temple of the Sun), it is a five-minute walk to the main square and less than a mile from museums, markets and restaurants. Relax in the Andes Spirit Spa with its indoor therapy pool. Dine on site at the Inti Raymi Restaurant, which features authentic Peruvian cuisine. A premium king room costs between $217 and $229 a night.
Image Source: Marriott.com
With views of the snow-capped Andes Mountains, this hotel is located in the city’s exclusive and trendy El Golf neighborhood, made up of cobblestone streets and glitzy skyscrapers. Dine at three restaurants, including Red2one on the hotel’s 21st floor, with its urban menu and 360-degree views of Santiago. There’s also a rooftop pool with the same views. A room with two double beds and a city view starts at $345 and $355 a night.
Category 4 Hotels
Marriott Bonvoy has 1,626 Category 4 hotels worldwide. Below are five that offer great value for anniversary nights that typically go for only 25,000 points.
The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, Tucson, Ariz.
Image Source: Marriott.com
Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach, Thailand
Image Source: Marriott.com
Boca Chica, Acapulco, a Member of Design Hotels™, Mexico
Image Source: Marriott.com
Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa, Italy
Image Source: Marriott.com
Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort, Brazil
Image Source: Marriott.com
Category 3 Hotels
Marriott Bonvoy has 2,038 Category 3 hotels worldwide. Below are five that offer great value for anniversary nights for only 17,500 points.
Image Source: Marriott.com
Image Source: Marriott.com
Renaissance Sanya Resort & Spa, China
Image Source: Marriott.com
Image Source: Marriott.com
The Artisan D.C. Hotel, Autograph Collection, Bogota, Colombia
Image Source: Marriott.com
Read How to Combine Cash and Points for Deals on Hotel Rooms and Best Hotel Credit Cards in 2019.
*The information related to the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card has been collected by CompareCards and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication.
