Marriott Bonvoy has increased award redemption rates across its portfolio, with some properties now requiring up to 16% more points for stays. The changes took effect quietly, without formal announcement to members, marking a devaluation that particularly impacts those relying on free night certificates.
Hotels across multiple categories saw price jumps. Premium properties in major markets experienced the largest increases. Members planning redemptions at luxury resorts and five-star urban hotels face the steepest point inflation. The shift affects both standard award nights and elite night certificates that status members earn annually.
This move reflects a broader industry trend. Loyalty programs consistently devalue their currencies to drive engagement with paid stays. Marriott Bonvoy, one of travel's largest programs with properties under Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, W, JW Marriott, Marriott, and other brands, now makes point accumulation require longer timelines for the same room categories.
Members holding free night certificates face particular pressure. These certificates typically unlock rooms up to a specific point threshold. When award prices rise 16%, a certificate that previously covered a full stay at a property now covers only a partial redemption. Many members must now supplement certificates with additional points or cash at the end of their stays.
The timing matters for travelers planning 2025 trips. Those considering Marriott redemptions should book sooner rather than later if they've accumulated substantial point balances. Credit card sign-up bonuses and earning rates remain unchanged, but their actual value diminishes.
Frequent travelers should reassess redemption strategies. Properties in secondary markets show smaller increases, offering better point value. Short stays require fewer total points, reducing the impact of percentage-based increases. Combining points with cash options sometimes delivers better value than pure award nights at inflated rates.
Marriott hasn't addressed the changes publicly,