Why the Marriott Bonvoy Program is an ideal choice for families

The Marriott Bonvoy program stands as one of the world's largest hotel rewards programs, boasting a diverse portfolio of 30 brands spanning various price points, from budget-friendly to opulent getaways worldwide. Its reliable reputation stems from conveniently located properties and a flexible rewards program.

Within the Marriott Bonvoy program, you'll discover over 7,000 participating hotels spread across these 30 brands:

1. AC Hotels

2. Aloft Hotels

3. Autograph Collection Hotels

4. Bulgari Resorts and Hotels

5. Courtyard by Marriott

6. Delta Hotels

7. Design Hotels

8. Edition Hotels

9. Element Hotels

10. Fairfield by Marriott

11. Four Points by Sheraton

12. Gaylord Hotels

13. JW Marriott

14. Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts

15. The Luxury Collection

16. Marriott

17. Marriott Executive Apartments

18. Marriott Vacation Club

19. Moxy Hotels

20. Protea Hotels

21. Renaissance Hotels

22. Residence Inn by Marriott

23. The Ritz-Carlton

24. Sheraton Hotels and Resorts

25. Springhill Suites by Marriott

26. St. Regis Hotels & Resorts

27. TownePlace Suites by Marriott

28. Tribute Portfolio

29. W Hotels Worldwide

30. Westin Hotels & Resorts

We've consistently observed that Marriott tends to offer one or more hotels or resorts strategically situated in the heart of a city or town, a feature we greatly appreciate, especially when traveling with children. This not only translates into potential savings for families by cutting down on transportation expenses but also affords the convenience of easy access to local businesses and attractions. The availability of multiple Marriott options within a specific location can provide a host of advantages, offering versatility and convenience for various needs and preferences.

Earning Marriott Bonvoy points is a breeze with over 15 methods at your disposal. These include hotel stays, one-off promotions, and even partnering with Marriott's travel partners such as Hertz and Disney Cruise Line. Dining at over 11,000 U.S. restaurants through "Eat Around Town by Marriott Bonvoy" also garners points. Referring friends can be rewarding, with up to 2,000 points for each of their paid stays. Moreover, co-branded Marriott credit cards offer an effective way to accumulate points.

Be mindful that Marriott Bonvoy points expire after 24 months of inactivity, so you want to stay engaged through various activities like credit card purchases, hotel stays, or partner transactions.

For maximum value, consider redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points for hotel stays. As of April 2022, Marriott utilizes dynamic awards pricing based on demand, with an average point value of 0.8 cents each according to the Points Guy. Although you won't earn more points when redeeming for hotel rooms, you still enjoy elite-level benefits within the program's five tiers: Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador. These perks, including late checkout, free breakfast, and lounge access, enhance your travel experience and can lead to significant savings for individuals and families. For example, automatic Platinum status is granted through the Marriott Brilliant credit card and can translate into complimentary suite upgrades allowing for more hotel room space for family stays.

Achieving elite status based on qualifying nights can be challenging for some members. Marriott credit cards offer a workaround, providing automatic status and elite night credits. These credits can help you meet the status requirements, especially if you have both personal and business Marriott credit cards. For a summary of the 6 Marriott co-branded credit cards and how to use them, be sure to check out our Marriott Credit Card guide.

When redeeming points, members should definitely take advantage of the PointSavers program, which offers awards at roughly 30% fewer points than standard rates. Additionally, for stays lasting five consecutive nights, the fifth night is free, providing more value for your points.

Another standout feature of Marriott Bonvoy is the ability to transfer points between members. Each member can transfer up to 100,000 points annually to another account, and each member can receive up to 500,000 points per year. Notably, these transfers are free, though certain restrictions apply to new members, necessitating a call to Marriott for assistance.

Lastly, Marriott Bonvoy offers benefits that are guaranteed, such as the "Ultimate Reservation Guarantee." Elite members receive compensation and alternative accommodation if they are "walked" from a Marriott hotel, making the program even more appealing.

In summary, Marriott Bonvoy shines as a versatile and rewarding hotel rewards program for families, with 30 brands and over 7,000 hotels worldwide. Earning points is effortless through various avenues, from stays to dining programs and credit cards, while redeeming offers flexibility and added value. The program's guaranteed benefits and accommodations like the "Ultimate Reservation Guarantee" provide members with peace of mind and enhanced travel experiences. Marriott Bonvoy stands out as a reliable choice, catering to both frequent travelers and occasional adventurers, making every journey more memorable and rewarding.