Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.

Marriott’s Nightly Upgrade Awards Now Live, Replaces Suite Night Awards

James Larounis's image
James Larounis
James Larounis's image

James Larounis

Senior Content Contributor

582 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 30U.S. States Visited: 35

James (Jamie) started The Forward Cabin blog to educate readers about points, miles, and loyalty programs. He’s spoken at Princeton University and The New York Times Travel Show and has been quoted in...
Edited by: Keri Stooksbury
Keri Stooksbury's image

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

52 Published Articles 3473 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 50U.S. States Visited: 28

With years of experience in corporate marketing and as the executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Keri is now editor-in-chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and r...
Jump to Section

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Marriott Bonvoy has officially revamped its Suite Night Award program for Platinum and Titanium Elite members.

On the plus side, the program has expanded to include more rooms. But there are some downsides, too, such as upgrades only clearing 3 days before check-in.

Here’s a summary of the changes you need to know.

Overview of Marriott Nightly Upgrade Awards

When you earn Marriott Bonvoy Platinum elite or Titanium elite status, you get to choose from several choice benefits — one of which is the former Suite Night Awards, now rebranded as Nightly Upgrade Awards.

Traditionally, these certificates upgraded you to a suite in advance of check-in, and were a carry-over from the old Starwood Preferred Guest program prior to the merger with Marriott Bonvoy. Now, these certificates work a bit differently.

How Marriott Nightly Upgrade Awards Work

The awards have changed to Nightly Upgrade Awards, which reflect the broad use of these certificates. They’re no longer meant for upgrading just into suites, but also preferred or larger rooms. This means there’s 20% more inventory to pull from for upgrades. If you want a better view room, for example, you can use a Nightly Upgrade Award on that better room.

Of course, you’re still eligible for on-arrival upgrades depending on your status, and these upgrades certainly could include those better rooms. The point of using a certificate is to guarantee the upgrades in advance.

Previously, you could not use a Suite Night Award at Aloft, EDITION, Element, Protea, and The Ritz-Carlton hotels. Now, you can use your Nightly Upgrade Award certificates at these brands, which is excellent news as premier rooms and suites are often notoriously pricey at EDITION and Ritz-Carlton hotels.

Finally, Nightly Upgrade Awards will now only clear 3 days in advance of check-in, a change from the 5 days that were allowed for Suite Night Awards. This means the hotel has a few more days to potentially sell these better rooms.

JW Marriott Bonnet Creek Orlando Executive Suite sofabed
JW Marriott Bonnet Creek Orlando Executive Suite. Image Credit: Chris Hassan

Unfortunately, the changes mean that there will be less standardization across the different brands as to what a hotel classes as an upgrade for these certificates. A room with a higher floor, for example, could be eligible under this program, whereas previously the certificates were designed for suites.

With these changes, it will ultimately depend on the property as to what upgrades might be on offer.

Hot Tip:

When using a Nightly Upgrade Award, you can select all of the room types you would accept for an upgrade. The more room categories you choose, the better chance you’ll receive an upgraded room.

Advertisement

Final Thoughts

The new Nightly Upgrade Awards bring a mixture of positives and negatives.

While more rooms will upgrade eligible, you’ll also see a shorter window in which they are cleared. That said, it will be nice to finally use these certificates at Aloft, EDITION, Element, Protea, and The Ritz-Carlton hotels.

If you’re a Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite or Titanium Elite member, you’ll want to consider whether choosing these certificates is right for you!

James Larounis's image

About James Larounis

James (Jamie) started The Forward Cabin blog to educate readers about points, miles, and loyalty programs. He’s spoken at Princeton University and The New York Times Travel Show and has been quoted in dozens of travel publications.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy  and terms of service  apply.

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse
DMCA.com Protection Status