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Free night certificates are one of the best perks a hotel credit card can offer, and, like other hotel cards, several of Marriott’s credit cards offer this illustrious perk. Free night certificates can be valuable because they allow travelers the flexibility to add a night onto a booking for free or a free night’s stay on an otherwise potentially pricey getaway.
Marriott free night certificates are especially valuable considering Marriott’s huge portfolio. Their free nights can be redeemed with hotels like St Regis and Ritz Carlton, giving members a free night of luxury. Assuming you’re after a luxurious hotel stay, we believe redeeming this free perk with a luxury hotel is the best way to take advantage and get the most out of your free night.
Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Hotels and Resorts is one of the largest hotel chains in the world, with hundreds of properties dotted around the globe. As you may expect, their loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy, is the world’s largest hotel program boasting thousands of participating properties in over 100 countries. For travelers looking to focus on a loyalty program, Marriott is a great choice as it offers more choice in properties than any other.
How to Earn Free Nights
Marriott credit cards
Marriott offers credit cards through both Chase and Amex. Not all of the Marriott cards offer free night certificates, but Marriott offers free night certificates to cards from both Amex and Chase.
By holding the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card, Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card, Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card (no longer open for new applications), or the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Chase card you will automatically receive a free night certificate on your cardholder anniversary after renewal.
One of the best things about the Marriott free night certificate is that it is truly free because it includes the room plus all taxes and fees so there is absolutely nothing for you to pay.
For those who hold the Marriott Bonvoy Business card, the Marriott Bonvoy Amex card, or the Marriott Boundless Chase card, you can redeem your free night certificate for a redemption price of up to 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. Similarly, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex card holders can redeem their free night for a redemption price of up to 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
For those who hold the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful Chase card, a free night certificate will be awarded after spending $15,000 in a calendar year.
The following Chase cards are no longer open for new applications but also award free night certificates on the cardholder’s anniversary:
- Marriott Bonvoy Premier Credit Card — up to 25,000 points
- Marriott Bonvoy Premier Plus Business Credit Card — up to 35,000 points
- Ritz-Carlton Rewards Card — up to 50,000 points
Free night certificates are only awarded to the primary cardholder meaning authorized users will not be eligible to receive a free night. Also, the free night certificate is only valid for one year from when it’s issued so it must be used before the year is up.
Read More: New Marriott Bonvoy Welcome Offers – Get Up To 75K Points
Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Status
Another way to earn a free night certificate is by qualifying for Marriott Bonvoy’s highest status tier: Titanium Elite. You can do so by staying at least 75 eligible nights. Then you’ll be awarded what Bonvoy calls an annual choice benefit that allows you to choose from the options below of which one, as you can see, is a free night certificate. This is perhaps not the most alluring of the options below however so we would guess that many qualifying members don’t choose the free night.
- 5 Suite Night Awards
- 1 Free Night Award (valid for up to 40,000 points)
- The ability to gift Gold Elite status
- 40% off your favorite hotel bed
- 5 Elite Night Credits
- A $100 charity donation
New Member Promotions
Often, Marriott Bonvoy offers a promotion for a free night certificate to those who sign up for a new Marriott Bonvoy account. Of course, this only applies to new members, not existing members. It is usually good for up to 25,000 points and also has the same one-year validity as the others.
How to Use the Marriott Free Night Certificate
With the sheer number of Marriott properties, it really is hard to nail down a list of the best properties. Considering Marriott has properties in almost every major city around the world, there really is something for everyone. We’ve collected some of your best options to use your Marriott free night certificate on below. All of these Marriott properties offer the ultimate luxury.
We’ve broken down this list into redeemable point categories. Again, we recommend you get the most bang for your buck by maxing out what your free night certificate is worth. So if you have an 85,000-point free night certificate, you’ll want to choose a hotel that has rooms worth as close to 85,000 points per night as possible. Otherwise, you’ll be leaving money on the table, so to speak.
It’s also worth noting that the more flexible your travel plans can be, the further you can stretch your free night certificate. For example, a Saturday night at a hotel in central Paris during the busy summer months will be worth a lot more than it would be on a Tuesday in early February. Planning your free stay during an off-peak period can help you afford a nicer hotel in a more desirable area.
25,000 Points
While less common than some of the higher point awards, some free night certificates offer redemptions up to 25,000 points. This can still be redeemed for valuable free nights at some of the following options.
Luminary Hotel & Co., Autograph Collection, Fort Myers, Florida, U.S.A
Located on the Gulf Coast of South Florida, Luminary Hotel & Co., Autograph Collection in Fort Myers offers scenic bay views, beautiful weather, and interesting day excursions (like the Everglades!).
JW Marriott Houston by The Galleria, Houston, Texas, U.S.A
With its proximity to The Galleria shopping center in Houston, full of luxury stores, the JW Marriott Houston is a great option for a luxurious night away for those who love to shop till they drop.
The Ritz-Carlton, Nanjing, China
For those interested in venturing a bit further afield, the Ritz-Carlton, Nanjing, can be an intriguing option. Located just a few hours from Shanghai, the former national capital of Nanjing is a bustling Chinese city, and the Ritz-Carlton is a deliciously modern luxury stay.
Reges, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Cesme, Turkey
Tucked away in a bay off the Aegean Sea, Reges, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, boasts bright blue water views, luxurious over-water cabanas, and even a beach-side bar and restaurant.
The Ritz-Carlton, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Located in the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains in Almaty, Kazakhstan, the Ritz-Carlton, Almaty, gives guests stunning views and access to Kazakhstan’s largest city.
35,000 Points
This is the most common redemption price point for free night certificates and can be used for so many amazing properties!
Domes Miramare, a Luxury Collection Resort, Corfu, Greece
With its renowned bright blue waters, it doesn’t get much more luxurious than a beach holiday in Greece. An island off the coast of Greece, Corfu hosts Domes Miramare, an adults-only resort with a private, white-sand beach.
JW Marriott Miami, Florida, U.S.A
Located in the heart of Miami, the JW Marriott Miami means guests have all the best that Miami has to offer right at their doorstep. Minutes from Miami Beach, guests can enjoy the sand and surf or can choose to lounge at the JW’s upscale rooftop pool.
Penha Longa Resort, Lisbon, Portugal
Located just outside of Lisbon on the Penha Longa Atlantico Golf Course, Penha Longa Resort is a 5-star golf lodge where even non-golfers can enjoy the fine dining, pools, and gorgeous mountain views.
The St. Anthony, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.A
Mere steps from the famous Alamo and San Antonio Riverwalk, The St. Anthony treats guests to luxurious old-world decor and a rooftop terrace complete with a pool and bar.
Courtyard by Marriott Aruba Resort, Aruba
Steps from the beach and surrounded by greenery, the Courtyard Marriott Aruba offers guests stunning amenities like a large outdoor pool area with cozy cabanas and a swim-up bar.
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, Vietnam
Located along the stunning Emerald Bay off the Gulf of Thailand, boasts stunning decor, beachfront views, beautiful outdoor pools, and more.
JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus, Turkey
With views of the Bosphorus Strait and steps away from the famous Galata Tower, the JW Marriott Instabul Bosphorus offers amenities like fine dining, a tapas bar, a wine cellar, a tea lounge, a spa, and a rooftop pool.
Marriott Mena House, Cairo
With unobstructed views of the legendary Pyramids of Giza, the Marriott Mean House greets guests with stunning Egyptian decor and offers amenities like fine dining, a resort-style pool, and an 18-hole golf course.
Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing Hotel, Beijing, China
Located steps away from famous sites such as the Forbidden City palace complex and Tiananmen Square, the Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing Hotel treats guests to modern decor and amenities like an indoor pool.
40,000 to 50,000 Points
With a free night certificate at this redemption price point, the options to elevate your stays really open up!
Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel, Amsterdam, Netherlands
This popular location treats guests to grand decor in the heart of the Netherlands’ capital city.
Castillo Hotel Son Vida, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Mallorca, Spain
Located in a 13th-century hillside castle overlooking the Bay of Palma, guests of the Castillo Hotel Son Vida are minutes away from the Castell de Bellver and Cala Major Beach.
JW Marriott Hotel Nara, Japan
Just outside of Osaka, the JW Marriott Nara treats guests to Japanese modern decor, luxury amenities, and is conveniently located near famous sites like Nara Park (where tame deer often mimic visitors and bow).
Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Valle Sagrado, Peru
Set at the base of Ch’iqun mountain and overlooking the Vilcanota River, Tambo del Inka feels like an elegant mountain lodge and offers visitors stunning views of the Peruvian mountains.
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, California, U.S.A
Seemingly isolated along the gorgeous cliffs of Santa Barbara, the Spanish colonial-style Ritz-Carlton Bacara offers guests elegant amenities and stunning ocean views.
The New York EDITION, New York, New York, U.S.A
Overlooking Madison Square Park and around the corner from the famous Flatiron building, this iconic skyscraper dating back to 1909, treats guests to stylish, modern rooms and elegant amenities.
Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa, Maldives
Located on a private island in the famous Maldives, the Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa boasts expansive resort-style amenities and, perhaps most intriguingly, ideally over-water bungalows.
85,000 Points
Finally, if you hold a free night certificate with a redemption price point of up to 85,000 points, you really can have it all with some of the most luxurious properties Marriott has to offer.
The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, Miami Beach, Florida, U.S.A
Arguably the best luxury Marriott resort in the Miami market, a stay at the beachfront St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort will be a stay like no other.
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, Hawaii, U.S.A
A short walk from Kapalua Bay Beach, guests of the Ritz-Carlton Maui can enjoy any of the six restaurants, the large outdoor pool, and the stunning Maui views.
The St. Regis New York, Manhattan, New York, U.S.A
Located steps from the famous central park in the heart of Manhattan, this landmark luxury hotel treats its guests to old-world glamour along with amenities like fine dining.
The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui, Thailand
This beautifully decorated property located on an island in the Gulf of Thailand offers guests luxuries like private beaches, swim reefs, fine dining, and more.
To redeem these certificates, you can log into your Marriott Bonvoy account and apply your e-certificate during booking. Again, they must be redeemed within a year of issue otherwise they will have expired. This means you cannot double up on free nights.
Our Thoughts
It’s also worth noting that free night certificates can be used in conjunction with points to up the price for which the certificate can be used for. So a free night certificate for a stay up to 50,000 points can be combined with 15,000 points to be used for a stay up to 65,000 points.
Free night certificates can be a wonderful perk for those investing in a hotel loyalty program. With so many properties to choose from, we’d argue that Marriott Bonvoy is one of, if not the best hotel loyalty program.
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