Cardholders carrying the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Credit Card* or Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card (Terms apply, see rates & fees) have the opportunity to earn a Free Night Award when spending $15,000 on their card in a calendar year. As the name implies, the award is valid for a free night at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program, costing up to 50,000 points. Marriott now uses flexible point redemption rates, but it’s safe to say this benefit can save you $200 or more compared to paying cash—and in some cases, significantly more. Cardholders may be subject to resort fees. Terms apply.
We’ve selected some of the best options for cardholders looking to redeem their certificates this year from Marriott’s over 8,500 participating hotels. Here are nine of our top picks.
This free night award can also be used to book our favorite Marriott hotels costing up to 35,000 points per night.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Up to 6X Reward Rate
Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program. 3Read More
Welcome Bonus
Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points
Annual Fee
$650
Regular APR
20.99%-29.99% Variable
Credit Score
Good,Excellent (700 - 749)
Though the Bonvoy Brilliant carries a hefty $650 annual fee, this card offers luxurious value to Marriott loyalists via an anniversary night (worth up to 85,000 points) after your card renewal month, complimentary Platinum Elite status, statement credits of up to $25 per month for dining purchases and a wide array of other perks.
- Free Night Award yearly after each card renewal month worth up to 85,000 points (resort fees may apply)
- Complimentary Bonvoy Platinum Elite status
- Increased earnings rate at Marriott hotels
- 25 annual Elite Night Credits
- The APR can be high, depending on your creditworthiness
- High annual fee
- No introductory APR offer
- Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card at restaurants worldwide.
- With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
- Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
- Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
- $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
- Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
- With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month’s wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
Getty The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta
The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta is an impressive mix of modern style and classic Southern comfort and hospitality. Located right in the heart of downtown Atlanta, the hotel offers its guests comfortable onsite amenities, including exquisite private rooms with uplifting views of the city, sophisticated and tasteful lounge areas, as well as an in-house bar and Southern steakhouse that also offers luxurious brunch experiences. Cash rates start around $240 per night but frequently can cost more.
Thanks to the Marta public transit system, guests have easy access to the entirety of this iconic city the minute they step out of the hotel. Popular attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and the College Football Hall of Fame are just moments away. An exciting dive into Atlanta’s history can begin at the nearby Margaret Mitchell House, where the author wrote much of her Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Gone with the Wind. For those in search of some wide open space, there are 22 sprawling green acres close by at Centennial Olympic Park.
Atlanta is a fantastic mix of history and modern advancements in art and culture. Known as the gateway to the New South, it is a lively, thriving urban center with something to offer for guests from around the globe.
Getty W New Orleans-French Quarter
At the W Hotel New Orleans, guests can enjoy the proximity to all of the French Quarter’s most sought-after attractions while relaxing in a quieter side of the neighborhood when needed. The surrounding cobblestone streets and traditional buildings add to the French Quarter experience, and the hotel itself offers design elements that honor historical architecture while spicing things up with a contemporary spin.
When not reclining in one of the hotel’s subtly themed modern jazz guest rooms, guests can enjoy public lounge areas, a fitness center and even move outside to the picturesque courtyard pool nestled beneath large Southern Magnolia trees.
Beyond the hotel, just up the road, are Jackson Square and Bourbon Street, as well as a handful of fun museums such as the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum or Mardi Gras World. Along the cobbled streets are also a wide variety of bars and restaurants that offer quintessential French Quarter cuisine with live shows and authentic Creole recipes. And if the food, music and art aren’t enough, New Orleans is also full of entertaining tours such as the Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours and the French Quarter Phantoms Tours.
Getty The LaSalle Chicago, Autograph Collection
In a city famous for its architecture, the LaSalle Chicago gives you an opportunity to stay where history meets modernity. The boutique property occupies five floors of the Continental and Commercial National Bank building, circa 1914, but leaves the 20th century far behind with smart features from lighting to TVs to Lavazza coffee in the rooms and Peloton bikes in the gym.
The hotel’s vibe is decidedly masculine with rooms decorated in gray with brass accents. Rooms feel cozy without being cute. The location—just blocks from the Magnificent Mile, the Art Institute of Chicago and Millennium Park—puts you in the center of the action, but once you walk through the doors, you feel like you’ve entered a members-only club. Luckily, a 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy certificate will grant you entry many nights of the year.
Getty Papaya Playa Project, Tulum, a Member of Design Hotels™
The city of Tulum, south of Cancun, has quickly gained attention for travelers seeking sun, warmth and stunning beaches with a different atmosphere from the hotel strip you may be used to. Compared to Cancun, Tulum has less of a party atmosphere and attracts those seeking wellness, creative outlets and a relaxed ambiance.
The Papaya Playa Project hits on all those aspects: you’ll find locally sourced meals at the on-site restaurant, yoga classes and a nod toward sustainability across the resort. Guests are also encouraged to unplug and unwind—making it a great use for a single free night if you’re just looking to break up a more traditional beachside vacation.
This property has grown in popularity but is frequently priced under 50,000 points, even on some peak nights. Still, be prepared for prices to rise if the trend continues, especially with the opening of Tulum International Airport in late 2023. Book early—Marriott free night awards are refundable if your plans change.
Getty Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, Autograph Collection
For some people, a trip to the mountains means roughing it. For others, it means an upscale stay in the Canadian Rockies at Kananaskis Mountain Lodge near the border of Banff National Park. The only thing rustic at this property is the decor: the rest is absolutely top-notch. And, except for July and August, you can almost always find a free night in a month using your credit card certificate.
Don’t be frustrated by the lack of summer availability under 50,000 points—shoulder season comes with fewer crowds and the same beautiful scenery. In fact, winter may even be the best time to visit: You can ski in the Nakiska Ski Area, try dog-sledding or go snowshoeing with the peaks in the distance.
Year-round, the hotel itself delights. There’s a stunning Nordic Spa for some extra TLC and an indoor pool if you’ve brought the family. You can also enjoy savory meals and craft cocktails without ever leaving the property and you’ll find scenic views no matter when you go.
Getty Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
About halfway between Cusco and Machu Picchu, Peru, sits the stunning Tambo del Inka. Though you can spend as little as one night here—the town of Urubamba doesn’t take long to explore—this property is an exceptional value that deserves a longer stay. Rooms can be booked with a free night certificate on various nights throughout the year, especially in late fall.
Travelers researching a trip to the region most likely already know that altitude sickness can be a common challenge: Luckily, the hotel sits about 2,000 feet lower than the main city of Cusco for easier acclimating. A night or two enjoying the spa, heated swimming pool and on-site cooking class is a good way to adjust.
When you’re ready to explore, there’s a private station right at the hotel, perfect for day trips to Machu Picchu. Or, take a few days to explore other Incan sites nearby, including Moray, Maras, Chincheros and Ollantaytambo. You’ll find hiking, markets and numerous historical and cultural sites.
Getty The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
If you’ve ever wanted to stay at a Ritz-Carlton, this is one of the best. Rooms at its Istanbul property are often around 50,000 points per night, so you’re able to redeem a certificate for a free night stay. That’ll save you roughly 350 euros per night and more on peak dates.
Admittedly, Istanbul is a huge city deserving of far more than a one-night stay. However, if time is short, make the most of your stay by visiting the glamorous Dolmabahce Palace, within walking distance from the hotel. Taksim Square and the shores of the Bosphorus are also an easy stroll away (though you’ll love the Bosphorus views from the hotel when you need a break).
What sets this hotel apart—aside from the unique blend of modern amenities and traditional elegance—is the Turkish hospitality. Service at this hotel is exceptional and staff will go out of their way to make your stay memorable, even if you didn’t pay a dime for the reservation.
Getty Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa
Located in North Male Atoll, this 5-star family resort and spa offers its guests a luxury experience in the Maldives. Not only is it conveniently located just 15 minutes away from the Velana International Airport, but it is also an optimal location for hundreds of outdoor activities along stunning beaches and close to the capital city of Male. Rooms at this hotel often cost over $270 per night. Though rates vary by night, beach-view rooms are less than 50,000 points per night in spring, summer and fall.
The Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is surrounded by a clear, turquoise lagoon, white sand beaches, and tall palms. Guests report loving the private plunge pools, full-service spa treatments, overwater bungalows and a wide range of cuisine options among seven onsite restaurants and bars.
Home to over 40 world-class diving points, North Male Atoll is a must-visit spot on the map for anyone who enjoys water recreation such as scuba diving, snorkeling and jet skiing. Perhaps the most unique aspect of this particular resort is its “Adopt a Coral” program, which invites guests to participate in hands-on local coral planting activities at one of the largest manmade coral structures in the Maldives as part of an ongoing effort to promote and reclaim reef habitats.
Getty JW Marriott Hotel Nara
On your next trip to Japan, try something different and add a day in Nara, an easy side trip from Osaka and Kyoto. At the JW Marriott Hotel Nara, you’ll find sophisticated rooms, an on-site spa and an indoor pool. Of course, if you’re only staying a single night you’ll also appreciate its convenient location for exploring the city.
Though overshadowed by Kyoto, Nara has plenty of history and culture to see. Nara Park is home to the largest Buddha statue in Japan at Todai-ji temple. Other temples, shrines and museums are also found in Nara Park. True to its name, the park is also a scenic delight with beautiful gardens and forests to explore.
Perhaps most famous of all, the Nara deer are an attraction themselves. Once thought to be sacred, they are still carefully protected and act as a symbol of the city. Contrast this to the modernity found in much of Japan for a trip with plenty of variation.
Marriott Credit Cards
You can earn a 50,000-point Free Night Award by spending $15,000 or more on qualifying purchases in a calendar year on the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Credit Card* or Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card. Despite being two different cards, both of these offer incredibly similar benefits, earning rates and annual fees. Among the benefits you’ll find are automatic Gold Elite status, which includes extra perks and elevated earnings when staying at Marriott-brand hotels.
Marriott has several other co-branded credit cards as well, including several that provide a free night award automatically after card renewal without a spending requirement (valid at hotels priced up to 30,000 or 85,000 points). If you’re interested, learn more about which Marriott card is best for you.
Certificate Top-Off
If you can’t find a night that matches your free night certificate, you can top off your certificate with up to 15,000 points, allowing you to use the 50,000-point certificate plus points for nights up to 65,000 points. This adds flexibility to your certificate and makes it easier to use.
Bottom Line
The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy and Bountiful cards offer a major benefit: The ability to earn an annual free night award valid at Marriott hotels costing up to 50,000 Bonvoy points per night—or more by topping off a certificate with points. This benefit is a great incentive for card members who spend $15,000 or more per year on their card.
While this free night award is pretty sweet, most cardholders aren’t going to stay at a hotel for just one night: Marriott expects anyone visiting a higher-end hotel will want to stay longer, which will require a separate points redemption (or cash rate) for additional nights.
Whether you choose to redeem your free nightaAward for a quick stopover or side trip of just one night, or if you use it in conjunction with a longer stay, these awards are great ways to save money on your travels and enjoy extra value from your Marriott credit card.
To view rates and fees for the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card please visit this page.
