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Marriott STARS and Marriott Luminous are the 2 benefits programs available to travel advisors and agencies and offer special perks to those who book through them.
Similar to Hyatt Privé, Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Hilton Impresario, and Virtuoso, Marriott STARS and Marriott Luminous offer elite-like benefits to travelers. In many cases, Marriott STARS and Marriott Luminous benefits actually outperform compared to those with Marriott Bonvoy elite status.
Just a heads up, though — Marriott STARS applies to a different set of hotels than Marriott Luminous, so these are 2 different programs.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through both Marriott STARS and Marriott Luminous and show you how you can get some amazing perks for no extra cost out of pocket!
Which Hotels Are Part of Marriott STARS?
Marriott STARS is Marriott’s flagship benefits program for travel agents and advisors and is available for several Marriott luxury brands.
Marriott Luminous is the “little sister” to Marriott STARS. Available at 1 luxury and several premium Marriott brands, Marriott Luminous is simply the benefits program for travel advisors and travelers interested in “lower tier” Marriott properties.
Also, while all of the hotels in Marriott STARS brands must participate in Marriott STARS, hotels that fall under Marriott Luminous are not required to participate, which presents an additional challenge.
What Benefits Do I Get When Booking Through Marriott STARS or Marriott Luminous?
All Marriott STARS bookings made through an eligible travel agent/advisor will get the following benefits:
Complimentary daily breakfast for up to 2 guests per room (usually full breakfast)
A $100 hotel credit once per stay
Room upgrades, subject to availability upon check-in
Complimentary basic Wi-Fi
In-person welcome from hotel management
A welcome amenity personalized to the guest
All Marriott Luminous bookings made through an eligible travel agent/advisor will get the following benefits:
Complimentary daily breakfast for up 2 guests per room (usually full breakfast)
A $100 hotel credit once per stay (only at select hotels)
Room upgrade, subject to availability upon check-in
Complimentary basic Wi-Fi
Welcome amenity and welcome note
Early check-in, subject to availability
Late checkout, subject to availability
On paper, Marriott Luminous has equal (if not more) benefits than Marriott STARS, but remember, participation in Marriott Luminous is not required. Additionally, the $100 hotel credit isn’t offered at all Marriott Luminous properties (which is a shame), so just be aware of that.
Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status vs. Marriott STARS and Marriott Luminous Benefits
You might be wondering what the difference between Marriott Bonvoy elite status and Marriott STARS and Marriott Luminous is.
There’s no catch-all answer. However, Marriott Bonvoy elite members can certainly double up on benefits by leveraging their elite status and booking with a Marriott STARS or Marriott Luminous travel agent or advisor!
When you look at Marriott STARS, there’s a huge added value because elite members are not entitled to complimentary breakfast at Bvlgari Hotels and Resorts, EDITION Hotels, The Ritz-Carlton, and Ritz-Carlton Reserve — no matter what elite status you hold.
Also, you’ll end up getting added value thanks to the $100 hotel credit, while your elite status will not entitle you to the same $100 hotel credit.
All that being said, you should compare the “opportunity cost” of booking Marriott STARS or Marriott Luminous rates. That is, you must book the best available flexible/standard rate — if you normally book prepaid, corporate, or member rates, you could potentially be paying a slightly higher hotel rate.
How To Book a Marriott STARS or Marriott Luminous Rate
Marriott STARS and Marriott Luminous stays can be booked by contacting your travel agent or advisor. While you can’t book a stay by yourself, your travel advisor can take care of it for you.
In the next sections, we’ll show you some important tidbits of knowledge, especially what rates to pay attention to in your marriott.com search before you reach out to your travel advisor or agent.
Is There a Minimum Stay Requirement?
There is no minimum stay requirement, which means you can get these benefits even with a 1-night stay.
What Rates Qualify for Marriott STARS or Marriott Luminous?
In general, you can get Marriott STARS and Marriott Luminous benefits if you book the best available flexible/standard rate on Marriott’s website.
That means that members-only rates, advance purchase/non-refundable rates, points bookings, corporate rates, and other promotional rates do not qualify for Marriott STARS or Marriott Luminous benefits.
Can Existing Reservations Get Marriott STARS or Marriott Luminous Benefits?
In general, existing reservations cannot get Marriott STARS and Marriott Luminous benefits. However, in rare situations, your travel advisor may be able to confer these benefits on an existing reservation, assuming it’s booked at an eligible rate.
However, if your reservation is booked at an eligible rate, you can just cancel your reservation and rebook it with your travel advisor to get these benefits!
What Credit Card Should I Use?
Unlike bookings made with Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts, you are not required to use a specific credit card to book your hotel stays.
If you want to maximize the number of Marriott Bonvoy points you earn on your hotel stay, you can use any of the following cards that earn bonus points for Marriott stays.
As we mentioned earlier, Marriott STARS is reserved for the most luxurious brands in Marriott’s portfolio.
Regardless of which rate and hotel you book, you should always compare the prepaid rate to the best available flexible rate. You should then try to decide if any price differences are worth the benefits you’d get.
In an extreme example, if a prepaid rate is $200 per night and the best available flexible rate is $500 per night, it probably doesn’t make sense to book the flexible rate just so you can get Marriott STARS benefits.
Remember, neither of these programs confer benefits for award stays booked with points — only paid stays are eligible to get these benefits.
Let’s take a look at some of our choices of the best Marriott STARS properties in the world!
The Ritz-Carlton Bali is an über-attractive resort to use Marriott STARS at because cash rates are almost unbelievable at this property, meaning you could potentially access a massive amount of added value with Marriott STARS benefits on a reasonably-priced hotel booking.
Located in the upscale Nusa Dua area, the Ritz-Carlton Bali showcases suites and villas, each of which is a minimum of 1,070 square feet large.
Featuring either 1 king or 2 queen beds, the oversized suites have a large bedroom with local décor, a walk-in closet, an oversized balcony with a daybed and dining table, a flat-screen TV, a full honor bar, coffee and tea facilities, as well as childproofing services on request.
The large marble bathroom has a separate rain shower, soaking tub, an in-wall TV, a lighted make-up mirror, double vanities, and a separate toilet.
There are 3 restaurants, 2 lounge bars, private dining, a full spa, an infinity pool, a 24/7 gym, and private beach access.
Average room rates are around $200 during the low season, $250 during the standard season, and $400 during the high season.
The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale. Image Credit: Marriott
The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale is one of our favorite Florida resorts in Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio thanks to a casual setting, understated opulence, and lower-than-South Beach prices.
Every room has a plush bed with royal bedding, separate sitting area, furnished balcony, flat-screen TV, full bar, free Wi-Fi, and coffee and tea facilities.
The full marble bathroom has a separate bathtub and shower, double vanities, a lighted make-up mirror, bathrobes, slippers, and bath amenities by Asprey.
You’ll find 1 full restaurant, a poolside cafe, and private dining available. The resort has a 24/7 gym, a spa, a business center, event space, and more.
Although cash rates can fluctuate wildly, low season rates are usually around $400 per night, standard season rates are around $600 per night, and high season rates can go as high as $1,200 per night!
One of the most culturally rich hotels in this guide, The Barcelona EDITION in Spain offers a unique, quintessential Spanish experience coupled with the timeless design of an EDITION Hotel!
This property is situated in Barcelona’s city center and is near the Picasso Museum and the Barcelona Gothic Cathedral and just steps away from Barceloneta Beach and Plaça de Catalunya. There’s a long list of attractions and landmarks within walking distance, so this is truly a prime location.
Every room has at least 258 square feet of space and classic mid-century modern décor, as well as a luxe king bed, Italian linens, a minibar, a Nespresso machine, blackout drapes, a flat-screen smart TV, and Bang & Olufsen speakers.
The marble bathroom has a walk-in rain shower, a single vanity, a lighted make-up mirror, plush robes and slippers, and Le Labo amenities.
As far as dining venues go, you’ll find an iconic rooftop restaurant, an all-day bar and lounge, and a speakeasy-style lounge. There’s also a gym and event space.
On average, room rates are between $400 and $450 nightly, though, during the low season, you might find rates of $350 nightly. During the high season, nightly rates are around $600.
The Bvlgari Hotel Beijing is an elite destination in the capital of China. With an impeccable Embassy District location, this soaring urban resort is truly an enviable property to leverage Marriott STARS perks at.
Each room starts at 624 square feet and comes with either a king bed or 2 queen beds. With ostentatious Italian design throughout, you’ll find a walk-in closet, a desk, a flat-screen TV, and a full marble bathroom with double vanities, a separate black granite soaking tub, a separate toilet room. Throughout your stay, you can leverage the 24-hour butler service, complimentary shoe shine by Berluti, and much more.
There’s a fine-dining Italian restaurant, a cocktail bar, and a lobby lounge with a pasticceria.
Perhaps most impressive of all, the Bvlgari Hotel Beijing boasts a 16,000+ square foot spa with an indoor heated lap pool, a Technogym studio, a steam room, a sauna, and wellness shopping. There’s also event and meeting space.
The room rates hover around $540 to $900 per night, but the average is usually around $650 per night.
Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Image Credit: Marriott
Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a property you might never have heard of before. As part of the exclusive Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand, this glorious property provides a secluded luxury oasis in the Krabi province in Southern Thailand.
The entry-level garden-view pavilion is an incredibly spacious 1,926 square feet and all of the rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, a walk-in closet, an outdoor terrace, an oversized king bed, a plug-in high-tech build, coffee and tea facilities, and a separate sitting area.
The full marble bathroom contains a rain shower, a separate soaking tub, a separate toilet with bidet, double vanities, a lighted make-up mirror, cotton and Thai silk bathrobes with slippers, and outdoor bath facilities.
On the premises, you’ll enjoy 3 full-service restaurants, a poolside eatery, and a casual sunset lounge, as well as private dining.
Immerse yourself in luxury with spa treatments, a wellness studio for yoga and Pilates, vitality pools, steam rooms, saunas, and numerous cultural activities.
In general, the lowest room rates you’d find are around $400 per night, while the highest rates hover around $1,500 per night during the holiday season. On average, expect room rates of around $600 per night.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi. Image Credit: Marriott
As one of the largest, most breathtaking resorts in this list, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi is a monstrous, palatial complex just miles from the Abu Dhabi Mall, 10 miles from Emirates Palace, and around 17 miles from Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Furnished with either a king bed or 2 queen beds, each standard room has marble floors, a desk, a flat-screen TV, butler service, a separate sitting area with a chaise lounge, a full bar, and a furnished balcony.
The marble bathroom has dual vanities, stone sinks, a sunken bathtub, a separate walk-in rain shower, Remède bath amenities, bathrobes, and slippers.
This resort houses the most exclusive restaurants, including a Southeast Asian floating restaurant, a Mediterranean spot, a Greek restaurant, an alfresco beach bar, a lobby lounge, and a nighttime cocktail lounge.
The hotel has a signature St. Regis Athletic Club, an Iridium Spa, outdoor hard tennis courts, indoor and outdoor heated pools, and more than 5 miles of private, white sand beach. There’s even the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club nearby!
To access these amenities during the low season, you can pay as little as $200 per night, but the high season rates can reach an astonishing $1,300 per night. On average, though, you’ll see rates closer to around $350 per night.
Blue Palace Elounda, a Luxury Collection Resort, Crete. Image Credit: Marriott
Crete is one of the top destinations to visit in Greece, and this fantastic resort, set on Elounda’s coast, offers a welcome 5-star respite with a convenient location. It’s just 2 miles from the Elounda town center and 10 miles from Areti Monastery.
To start, this welcoming resort offers guest rooms that are at least 430 square feet large. All of them have a furnished balcony, floor-to-ceiling windows, a plush bed with cotton sateen sheets, a separate sitting area, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, and a set of coffee and tea facilities.
The large bathrooms have separate tubs, showers, and toilets, along with bathrobes, slippers, and a lighted make-up mirror for your convenience.
In total, you’ll find 6 restaurants, a lounge and bar, and private dining options. Most of the restaurants serve local Greek cuisine with a focus on Cretan delicacies.
Check out any of the stunning outdoor and indoor pools, the 24-room spa, the gym, or even indulge in a wellness experience like sunrise yoga. There’s also tennis and other activities available.
Of course, you’ll have private beach access, plus a variety of activities uniquely reserved for guests.
During the low season, you might see rates as low as $300 per night, compared to the average of around $500 per night. However, if you visit during the peak summer season, expect room rates to shoot up to $700 per night.
Pine Cliffs Hotel, a Luxury Collection Resort Algarve. Image Credit: Marriott
Algarve is Portugal’s most celebrated resort town. With an abundance of luxury hotels everywhere, the Pine Cliffs Hotel, a Luxury Collection Resort, Algarve is a venerable paradise.
Located a short 7-minute walk from Barranco das Belharucas Beach, 8 miles from Museum Cerro da Vila, and less than 4 miles from 6 other beaches, this cliff-top retreat has an abundance of privacy with none of the drawbacks.
Pick between 1 queen bed or 2 twin beds — regardless, you’ll have at least 366 square feet of space all to yourself. What you’ll find in your room are a plush bed, a separate sitting area with an armchair-ottoman combo, a desk with 2 chairs, a furnished terrace/balcony, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, and in-room coffee and tea facilities.
The recently redesigned bathroom boasts a separate soaking tub, a walk-in shower, and a separate toilet room. You can also revel in the plush bathrobes and slippers.
In total, its property has a whopping 9 restaurants and 2 bars with a variety of cuisines, including local Portuguese flavors, steak, and more.
There’s a spa, a 2,000-square feet health club with Technogym machines, an indoor heated pool, 2 clay tennis courts, 3 hard courts, a 9-hole golf course and academy, and even event space.
You can enjoy a stay here for as little as $175 per night during the low season! If you happen to visit during the summer season, paid room rates will skyrocket to nearly triple at $500 per night. Average room rates sit at around $350 per night.
6 Best Marriott Luminous Properties in the World
So what if you liked the idea of enjoying elite-like benefits with Marriott without wanting to book its most expensive hotels?
If that’s the case, Marriott Luminous is probably more your style.
In the next section, we’ll show you our top picks of the best Marriott Luminous properties in the world.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection is one of Marriott’s most desirable hotels in Hawaii. Set on Mauna Kea Beach on the Big Island, this legendary property boasts oceanfront accommodations in a sophisticated setting.
Each standard room has either 1 king bed or 2 twin beds, a separate sitting area, a desk, a furnished patio/balcony, and at least 589 square feet of space. You’ll also find a flat-screen TV, local furnishings, a mini-fridge, coffee and tea facilities, as well as a plug-in high-tech room.
The bathroom features a shower-tub combination, L’Occitane amenities, bathrobes, and more.
Pick between a continental farm-to-table restaurant, a contemporary restaurant, beachside American dining, a lū‘au, and a golf clubhouse restaurant.
This property shines with its amenities, including an 18-hole golf course, outdoor pool, 11 tennis courts, a gym, a full spa, and event space.
In general, you’ll never find all-in rates cheaper than $800 per night; the average sits at $1,000 per night, though high season rates can go as high as $1,300 per night!
African Pride Irene Country Lodge, Autograph Collection. Image Credit: Marriott
Looking to escape to South Africa for an experience that’s not a safari? The African Pride Irene Country Lodge, Autograph Collection is an incredible property to savor!
Just over a mile from the Centurion Golf Estate and next to a lake, this stylish hotel in Pretoria features some amazing 5-star luxuries without a huge price tag.
Each room is appointed with a king bed, a desk, a flat-screen TV, a sitting area with 2 armchairs, coffee and tea facilities, a minibar, and a minifridge.
The large bathroom houses an oversized soaking tub, a separate shower, a single vanity, bathrobes, and much more.
This lakeside hotel has a full-service restaurant, a day spa restaurant, and a bar with lakeside views.
There’s also a 24/7 gym, an outdoor children’s pool, a whirlpool, a spa with a sauna and steam room, and event space.
Rooms at this 5-star hotel can be booked for as little as $100 to $150 per night with the average being around $130 per night!
Cabo is home to some of the most expensive resorts in the Western hemisphere. Luckily, it’s possible to savor luxury without liquidating your wallet. With Marriott Luminous, you can even access added perks!
The JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa is a sprawling 4-star luxury resort with all the beach amenities you’re looking for.
Each room either has 1 king bed or 2 double beds, but all of them have comfortable bedding, a separate sitting area with a sofa, a desk, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, coffee and tea facilities, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
The spa bathroom boasts edge lighting, a walk-in shower, double vanities, a separate toilet room, a separate soaking bathtub, and Aromatherapy Associates bath products.
Here, you’ll find 3 sit-down restaurants, a poolside grill and bar restaurant, a poolside cocktail bar, and a grab-and-go deli.
In epic JW fashion, there’s also a 27-hole golf resort featuring 3 courses designed by Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus, a spa, and a gym. Go for a swim at the saltwater pool, waterfall, children’s pool, family pool, or adults-only pool, all of which are heated.
The resort also has outdoor tennis courts, hiking trails, and meeting space.
To book a stay here, you can pay as little as $265 per night, an average of $325 per night, and a high season rate of $900 per night.
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort. Image Credit: Marriott
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort doesn’t get as much coverage as the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort or the JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, due to the fact that the Westin is in a “lower tier.” However, if you’re a nature lover and plan on using cash to book a Marriott staying in the Maldives, staying at this property can be a value-packed blast!
To start, this property is located within a famous biosphere reserve, making it an amazing spot to go snorkeling and see marine life.
Each room is at least 1,506 square feet large, has a plush king bed, and all the classic 5-star amenities in your room. Additionally, you’ll find a private pool, beachfront access, and a large outdoor terrace area with living and sitting areas.
The marble bathroom highlights the separate bathtub and showers, double vanities, bathrobes, slippers, and separate toilet room.
On the premises, there are 3 restaurants and 1 bar, as well as barbecues, a PADI watersports center, a kids’ club, a tennis court, and a spa. Numerous activities are available for all age groups, in addition to the event space.
Room rates can be found for as little as $500 per night, while the average is around $700 per night and the high season rate is around $1,000 per night. Remember, there’s also a seaplane transfer, which costs around $475 per adult round-trip.
Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe Hotel. Image Credit: Marriott
The Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe Hotel is impeccably located in the French capital city, just steps away from Champs Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe.
This 5-star hotel in the heart of Paris has a minimum of 344 square feet of space, plus soundproof floor-to-ceiling windows and luxurious bedding.
You can enjoy top-notch amenities, including a plush king bed or 2 double beds, a separate sitting area with a loveseat, a desk, a Nespresso machine, tea facilities, and a sleek bathroom.
The bathroom has a walk-in shower, a single vanity, a backlit LED mirror, a closet, bathrobes, and slippers.
There’s a signature restaurant with a cocktail bar, a 24/7 gym, and event space.
Average room rates are around $450 per night, but you might find room rates as low as $425 per night or as high as $525 per night.
The JW Marriott Mauritius Resort, formerly The St. Regis Mauritius Resort, is an exotic Indian Ocean honeymoon hotel situated along Le Morne Beach. As one of the country’s premier resorts, you’ll certainly be satisfied in any of the 172 rooms and suites available.
All of the rooms are suites in this property — the standard rooms toggle between 2 twins and 1 king bed. All rooms contain a flat-screen TV, a minibar, coffee/tea services, a separate sitting area with a couch, and a furnished terrace or balcony.
The impressive marble bathroom has a bathtub, a separate rain shower, twin vanities, bathrobes, slippers, and a separate toilet room.
There are also 5 unique restaurants serving up different cuisines, plus private dining. Enjoy a spa treatment at Pure Spa or a workout at the fitness center, too!
This resort has a watersports center, a kids’ club, a movie theater, a games room, event space, and so much more.
Low-season room rates are around $575 per night, while high season rates can go as high as $1,600 per night. However, the average is going to be closer to $670 per night.
Final Thoughts
Marriott STARS and Marriott Luminous are 2 of the best-kept secrets about the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio.
With these 2 programs, there’s a real question about whether you even need to pursue elite status anymore.
As long as you’re booking paid stays at the best available flexible/standard rate through an eligible travel advisor or agent, you can access amazing benefits like free breakfast, room upgrades, a welcome amenity, and so much more.
The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® card, click here. For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card, click here. For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, click here.
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