With all the rewards programs that have been around the past several years, traveling has never been easier. These programs allow the everyday person to travel without completely breaking the bank. Specifically, the Marriott Rewards Program is one of the longest standing hotel rewards program and it shows. Not only is their program incredibly user-friendly but they have locations all over the world so no matter where you go you can earn points!
So I sign up for the rewards program, now how do I earn points? Good question! You can earn points just by booking stays in a Marriott affiliated hotel. Just by signing up as a member you’ll get exclusive benefits like free wifi, exclusive member rates, and more. For every $1 USD you spend at a qualifying hotel, you will receive 10 points towards your rewards total. In addition to gaining points when staying at one of their hotels, they have over 40+ airlines like United, Delta, Air France, and Jet Blue they pair with to give users extra points. Marriott has also paired with third-party travel companies such as Hertz or Travelling Connect in order to maximize user’s points in all aspects of their vacation.
The rewards don’t stop there… take advantage of the holidays being just around the corner by getting the Marriott Rewards Premier Plus Card. It’s a VISA card where you’ll earn 75,000 reward points after spending just $3,000 in the first 3 months of opening the card. This may sound daunting at first but with Christmas coming up, it shouldn’t be a problem. As a cardholder, you’ll avoid foreign transaction fees, gain one night free every account anniversary, earn 2 points for every $1 spent, and earn 6X the points per $1 spent at participating Marriott and SPG hotels.
Within the rewards program, there are multiple tiers of members. First, you start off as a basic member and then after staying 10 or more nights you gain Silver Elite status. Silver Elite members gain rewards like 10% bonus points on stays, no blackout dates, and priority late checkout. The next level up is Gold status where for members who have stayed 25 eligible nights in a calendar year. The main perks that come with this status are 25% bonus points on visits, 2 p.m. late checkout, and enhanced room upgrades. The fun doesn’t stop there because after achieving 50 eligible nights, members can enjoy 50% bonus points on visits, 4 p.m. late checkout, lounge access, and a welcome choice gift. Lastly, the top tier of members gain Platinum Premier Elite status after 75 nights. As a Platinum Premier Elite Member, you earn 75% bonus points on stays, the fastest internet connection available, and a platinum welcome gift. With so many benefits, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t sign up for the program right now and start planning your next trip.