Marriott Provides More Details on StudioRes Brand: Earn Fewer Points, No Elite Night Credits

Marriott announced its StudioRes brand in 2023 as a “digital-first” brand offering features like pay-and-go retail and digital check-in. Centered in the U.S. and Canada, it’s oriented toward those looking for long-term stays.

But now Marriott has released details on the rewards you can expect to earn when staying at one of these properties, and … it’s not looking good.

Let’s take a look at StudioRes, what to expect when staying at this type of hotel, and the rewards you’ll get as a guest.

StudioRes Rooms and Amenities

Although Marriott has broken ground on locations, no StudioRes properties are open yet. Marketed as a midscale property, the brand will focus on budget-conscious travelers looking for a long-term stay — 20 nights or more, Marriott says — who want to pay around $80 per night.

True to an extended-stay offering, the rooms are a good size and are pet-friendly. Shared areas include a covered porch, guest laundry, fitness center, and communal table.

This isn’t Marriott’s first foray into the extended-stay market. The chain has several longer-stay options in its Residence Inn by Marriott, Element by Westin, TownePlace Suites by Marriott, Marriott Executive Apartments, and Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy brands.

Earning Rewards on StudioRes Stays

We’ve long known that Marriott Bonvoy members will be able to earn and redeem points at StudioRes hotels, but the exact earning rate wasn’t known until now.

Marriott’s other extended-stay brands, including Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, Protea Hotels, City Express, Four Points Flex, Element, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Sonder Apartments, and Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy, all earn 5x points per $1 spent.

Unfortunately, Marriott has just released information about what you can expect to earn when staying at a StudioRes property. You may want to sit down.

Guests completing a StudioRes stay will earn just 4x Marriott Bonvoy points per $1 spent.

Even worse, guests won’t get any elite night credits toward Marriott status for staying at StudioRes. That’s abysmal. Honestly, what’s the point booking directly with a hotel chain if you aren’t even going to get the benefits for it?

If elite night credit isn’t an option, you might as well book with a program such as OneKey and at least stack your earnings to maximize your rewards. For example, Rakuten regularly earns 10% cash-back on Hotels.com bookings, which you can then convert into American Express Membership Rewards.

Combine that with earning at least 2% back in OneKeyCash and whatever rewards you get with your credit card and you’re doing far better than wasting your nights on a Marriott StudioRes booking. You won’t get elite night credits no matter how you book, so booking outside Marriott’s channels looks more rewarding.

Final Thoughts

We’ve just found out that Marriott’s new StudioRes brand, catering to long-term budget travelers, won’t earn elite night credits for stays. Members will also receive just 4x points per $1 spent. Rather than settling for such weak rewards, potential guests should look elsewhere if they care about rewards.