Unlocking Luxury: My 5 Best Uses of Marriott Bonvoy Free Night Certificates

I love hotels. A simple hotel room can offer an escape from my daily duties, a base camp for an adventure, or a relaxing oasis.

It’s a real treat when I secure a free hotel night, especially at a luxury hotel. Expensive destinations become less so when I offset my lodging costs with free night certificates.

Fortunately, each year, the certificates I receive with my Marriott Bonvoy cards allow me to book several free hotel nights. Depending on the card, I receive the associated free night certificates with maximum point values of 35,000, 50,000, or 85,000. I can add up to 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy points to the certificate to redeem for a higher-value hotel night.

Here, I’ll share some of my favorite Marriott properties where I’ve utilized this benefit and found good value using my certificates. I’ll also discuss which cards I hold that offer this perk and details on how I redeem them at each property.

How I Earn Marriott Bonvoy Free Night Certificates

Several Marriott cards can offer a free night certificate at card renewal, provide a way to earn free nights by spending on my card, or both. Here are the cards I carry in my wallet:

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

Welcome Offer

Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you spend $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

85,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$595

Annual Fee

$250

APR

19.99%-28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card, the latest mid-tier offering in the Marriott Bonvoy lineup of cards, offers cardholders automatic elite status and ways to earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on each of their stays and daily purchases.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
• 4x points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per calendar year, then 2x points)
• 2x points per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $250 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Free Night Award certificate is not an automatic benefit

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Card Highlights

• Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy^® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
• Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points).
• Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases with the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ Card.
• Marriott Bonvoy 1K Bonus Points Per Stay: Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
• With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elites status, earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy^® on eligible hotel purchases with the 25% Bonus Points on stays benefit, available for Qualifying Rates.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Free Night Award: Earn 1 Free Night Award after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® points) at a hotel participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• 15 Elite Night Credits: Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express Card^® you can receive 15 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.
• Plan It^® is a payment option that lets you split up purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee. Plus, you'll still earn rewards the way you usually do.
• $250 Annual Fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99%-28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card earns a free night certificate worth up to 50,000 points after I spend $15,000 on the card in a calendar year. This one is easy for me, as the card earns 4x points at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. restaurants on up to $15,000 in spending each year.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual Free Night Award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card

Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual Free Night Award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.

Welcome Offer

Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening.

125,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$875

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.74% - 27.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

If you’re a frequent traveler and a Marriott loyalist, there’s a lot to love about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card. The card comes packed with several great benefits like a free hotel night once a year, automatic Silver Elite status (with a fast-track to Gold Elite status), and multiple options for redeeming points.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Earn big when you use your card at thousands of participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
• Earn big at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
• Automatic Silver Elite Status

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• Marriott Silver Elite Status is the lowest status tier

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Card Highlights

• Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases.
• Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
• Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
• 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
• Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Card.
• Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite status, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees. Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.74% - 27.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

The Marriott Boundless card earns a complimentary 35,000-point free night certificate after each card anniversary renewal. I like that the card earns 3x points at grocery stores, up to $6,000 each calendar year.

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Business^® American Express^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A great option for business owners who stay in Marriott hotels and want automatic elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Marriott Bonvoy Business^® American Express^® Card

A great option for business owners who stay in Marriott hotels and want automatic elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 3 Free Night Awards, valued up to 50k points each for a total value of 150k points, after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

3 Free Night Awards

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,050

Annual Fee

$125

APR

19.99% - 28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

Business travelers who opt for Marriott as their hotel chain of choice will definitely want to consider the Marriott Bonvoy Business^® American Express^® Card. The card offers great benefits to cardholders like a complimentary hotel night once a year, complimentary Gold Elite status, and multiple point redemption options.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 6x Marriott Bonvoy points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy^® program.
• 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
• 2x points per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• Moderate annual fee of $125 (rates and fees)
• No premium perks like airport lounge access

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Card Highlights

• WELCOME OFFER: Earn 3 Free Night Awards after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Each Free Night Award has a redemption level up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® points, for a total potential value of up to 150,000 points, at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. Certain hotels have resort fees. Terms apply.
• Receive a 7% discount on eligible bookings as a benefit of being both a Marriott Bonvoy^® member & a Marriott Bonvoy Business^® American Express^® Card Member when you book directly with Marriott through an eligible channel for a participating property under the Amex Business Card Rate.
• 6x Marriott Bonvoy points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy^® program.
• 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
• 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
• Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Marriott Bonvoy Business^® American Express^® Card.
• Terms apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

The Marriott Bonvoy Business card earns a free night certificate, worth up to 35,000 points, after each card renewal. After spending $60,000 on the card in a calendar year, I earn an additional free night certificate.

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

Welcome 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.

95,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$665

Annual Fee

$650

APR

19.99%-28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card is a premium card designed with road warriors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists in mind.

So is the card a worthwhile addition to your wallet?

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy program
• 3x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines and restaurants worldwide
• 2x points per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• Steep annual fee of $650 (rates & fees)
• 6x points per $1 is the same earn rate offered with lower annual fee alternatives like the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• 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^®. Earn 3X Marriott Bonvoy^® points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2X Marriott Bonvoy^® points on all other eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card.
• 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 ($120) 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.
• 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.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99%-28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

After the first card anniversary renewal, I earned an 85,000-point free night certificate on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card. I then downgraded my credit card to the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card.

In addition to the 85,000-point certificate at each card renewal, I could have spent $60,000 on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card in a calendar year to qualify for an Earned Choice Award and then selected to receive an additional 85,000-point certificate.

1. Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera Hotel in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Just outside Dubrovnik, Croatia, is one of my favorite Sheraton resorts. This quiet resort in Mlini, Croatia, has Srebreno Bay views, a lovely pool, and beachfront access. Between the airport and Dubrovnik city, the hotel has water taxi and bus access to Old Town.

The Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera is a welcome retreat from the busy city, and it’s easy to take the 20-minute water taxi into town and back. Plus, the views from the water are extraordinary.

My favorite part of the resort is not the property but the incredible paved path along the water that leads through a park to the small town nearby. A simple waterside restaurant, the Bistro G Caffee, is at the end of my walk. I watch the sunset, enjoy a glass of wine, savor chargrilled squid, and let myself be grateful for the moment.

Using the Free Hotel Night Certificate

While summer rates can reach 59,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, the pleasant months of May and September offer the opportunity to book nights for as low as 45,000 points. I can use a low-level 35,000-point free night award and top the certificate off with 10,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

2. The Inn at Bay Harbor in Petoskey, Michigan

Next is my favorite staycation property. The Inn at Bay Harbor, also shown in this article’s featured image, is my new go-to spot for an enjoyable staycation. I grew up near the hotel so I love that the property is just over an hour’s drive from my current home in Traverse City, Michigan.

This luxury hotel, with old-world charm, is beautifully positioned on the shores of Lake Michigan and Little Traverse Bay.

Using the Free Hotel Night Certificate

The hotel can cost more than $700 per night during the peak summer season. While using a free night certificate during that time is unlikely, the hotel is occasionally available for a bargain of 54,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. Off-season award rates can be as low as 34,000 points, making the hotel perfect for my 35,000-point free night certificate.

My favorite redemptions are in the fall and Christmas, when the hotel and adjacent village are decorated for the holidays.

3. The Reykjavik EDITION in Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland is known to be an expensive country, and lodging can be especially pricey during the peak summer season. Although booking in advance is critical, I’ve found plenty of good value using my Marriott Bonvoy free night certificates in Iceland.

The Reykjavik EDITION Hotel is probably one of the best hotels I’ve stayed in the city. It’s central to everything the capital city has to offer. Plus, the service and ambience are stellar.

Using the Free Hotel Night Certificate

Award night prices range from 54,000 in the shoulder seasons to 75,000 in the summer. The 85,000-point free night certificate earned on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card easily secures a free night at this extraordinary property.

For my lower-level 35,000-point free night certificate, I often redeem for the Courtyard by Marriott Keflavlik Airport. The hotel is one of my favorite last-night places to stay before leaving Iceland.

4. Sheraton Buganvilias Resort in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Though it’s not the most luxurious resort, I enjoy my time each year at the Sheraton Buganvilias Resort and Convention Center in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

The atmosphere is friendly, the activities endless, and there are many places to eat. The hotel has an executive lounge that serves breakfast, midday light lunches, and hot and cold appetizers in the evening. Beer and wine are also included in the evening service. With Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite status, I have full access to the lounge.

The resort is a 20-minute walk to town or an inexpensive bus ride. The bus picks up outside the hotel.

Using the Free Hotel Night Certificate

During the peak winter months, the resort can be 50,000 points per night on the weekend and 40,000 points during the week. I use the fifth-night free benefit to book 5 consecutive award nights for the price of 4. Since I like to stay an entire week, I use free night certificates for 2 additional nights. The cash price per night for peak season is close to $300.

5. Budapest Marriott in Budapest, Hungary

The Budapest Marriott is centrally located and perfect for exploring the city. The hotel is on the Danube River and within walking distance of thermal baths, tour boats, ruin bars, markets, shopping, and restaurants. The executive lounge offers a complimentary evening buffet and generous breakfast each morning with delicious choices.

I enjoy the hotel for its proximity to everything, dining, service, and good value.

Using the Free Hotel Night Certificate

Pricing at the Budapest Marriott can be erratic. It’s common to find 46,000-point award nights and 70,000-point nights in the same month. While cash rates can reach $500, rates can also be under $200 per night.

Of course, redeeming free night certificates works best when cash rates are high and point rates are not. That’s when I use my free night certificate for the Budapest Marriott. I use a 35,000-point certificate and add points or a 50,000-point certificate if needed.

Final Thoughts

We value Marriott Bonvoy points at roughly 0.7 cents each. This translates to a 35,000-point free night certificate being worth approximately $245, a 50,000-point cert around $350, and an 85,000-point cert about $595. By using those valuations as a guideline, I always try to redeem my free night certificates for a value higher than those numbers.

Finally, in addition to earning free night certificates with my Marriott Bonvoy-branded cards, I watch for special promotions offering additional free night certificates and bonus Marriott Bonvoy points for spending on my cards.