Comments on: Is Marriott Bonvoy the best hotel loyalty scheme? (Part 1) https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/02/04/is-marriott-bonvoy-the-best-hotel-loyalty-scheme-part-1/ Maximise your Avios points and frequent flyer miles Mon, 30 Oct 2023 13:25:03 +0000 hourly 1 By: <img src ="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/5798aae5d2edcb718bbe81fcb2441fad?s=96&d=mm&r=g" class="avatar" />Ian https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/02/04/is-marriott-bonvoy-the-best-hotel-loyalty-scheme-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-825749 Ian]]> https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=449901#comment-825749 In reply to RussellH.

You do not get any benefits or points as you didn’t book direct.

Same would be true of Hilton etc..

If you want points then book direct.

]]> By: <img src ="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1118f18558f88b3ea04927f83ae6a54f?s=96&d=mm&r=g" class="avatar" />polly https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/02/04/is-marriott-bonvoy-the-best-hotel-loyalty-scheme-part-1/comment-page-2/#comment-825741 polly]]> https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=449901#comment-825741 Save all our Bonvoy points for the W on Sentosa. 5n for 4. Real treat. Wish now l hadn’t moved so many to avios years ago….

]]> By: <img src ="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/46e000a59a33952507d0af3378802e84?s=96&d=mm&r=g" class="avatar" />TGLoyalty https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/02/04/is-marriott-bonvoy-the-best-hotel-loyalty-scheme-part-1/comment-page-2/#comment-825738 TGLoyalty]]> https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=449901#comment-825738 In reply to Jim Lovejoy.

Agree with this rare but happens and when it does that’s exactly what I do

]]> By: <img src ="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/themes/head-for-points/assets/images/HFP-insta-logo-blue-120x120.jpg" class="avatar" />Rob https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/02/04/is-marriott-bonvoy-the-best-hotel-loyalty-scheme-part-1/comment-page-2/#comment-825735 Rob]]> https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=449901#comment-825735 In reply to Adam.

Radisson is going to be fine. If you had a zero balance, as I did, I’ve been finding it ok. Turn on Discount Booster as Gold/Premium and you get a genuine extra 10% off which saves a lot.

Unfortunately the fact that it legged you over last year doesn’t actually impact – much – any discussion on the merits of the current programme.

]]> By: <img src ="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4fadfad20521f61ef0e15951c9811fb3?s=96&d=mm&r=g" class="avatar" />Adam https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/02/04/is-marriott-bonvoy-the-best-hotel-loyalty-scheme-part-1/comment-page-2/#comment-825734 Adam]]> https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=449901#comment-825734 Looking forward for a Radisson one :))).

]]> By: <img src ="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/5e0eb68b09614906593e169fabcdeb69?s=96&d=mm&r=g" class="avatar" />Eli https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/02/04/is-marriott-bonvoy-the-best-hotel-loyalty-scheme-part-1/comment-page-2/#comment-825732 Eli]]> https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=449901#comment-825732 I’ve always only used Hilton (from Amex Points) but on my trip last week to Miami it worked out better value to convert to Marriott. I was really impressed by their hotel rooms. I stayed at Residence Inn Aventura and at Eternity ar Miami airport. Both are geared towards longer stays and have kitchens in the room which I really like.
I am now a big Marriott fan

]]> By: <img src ="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ef55bebf579c5d167ca3aac18ed31893?s=96&d=mm&r=g" class="avatar" />Jim Lovejoy https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/02/04/is-marriott-bonvoy-the-best-hotel-loyalty-scheme-part-1/comment-page-2/#comment-825731 Jim Lovejoy]]> https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=449901#comment-825731 Re the points and cash booking, you are correct that generally it’s 50% of the cash price and 50% of the points cost, but it does vary and it’s worth looking at because sometimes the points and cash rate is better than either points or cash.
I’ve had times when I would have gotten over 0.6p actual value for points but for points and cash was the equivalent of ‘buying’ points for 0.4p.
An example in case I wasn’t clear: Cash price 180 pounds, Points price 30k pts., Points plus cash 60 pounds and 15k pts.
It’s rare, but worth looking out for.
The opposite also happens, when paying cash and points is worse than either alternative.

]]> By: <img src ="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/863ebb6c1c5b29b731c9243e60dceb6b?s=96&d=mm&r=g" class="avatar" />The Streets https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/02/04/is-marriott-bonvoy-the-best-hotel-loyalty-scheme-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-825725 The Streets]]> https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=449901#comment-825725 In reply to Harry T.

Obviously but think you get my point

]]> By: <img src ="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ab269bd811ee11f9dd583ab1ae6ff538?s=96&d=mm&r=g" class="avatar" />Hardpack https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/02/04/is-marriott-bonvoy-the-best-hotel-loyalty-scheme-part-1/comment-page-2/#comment-825718 Hardpack]]> https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=449901#comment-825718 I’m a newish Ambassador and got a message that the personal concierge will be coming soon rather than the generic email or phone number. I’ve used the current service a couple of times and they have fixed things whilst I was on the phone.

]]> By: <img src ="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d9a36cc5587f339916f82e0b2e334a59?s=96&d=mm&r=g" class="avatar" />RussellH https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/02/04/is-marriott-bonvoy-the-best-hotel-loyalty-scheme-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-825712 RussellH]]> https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=449901#comment-825712 In reply to RussellH.

PS – The told us about the high speed internet before they got my Bonvoy number, and in any case, as silver I do not “qualify” for high speed internet anyway.
No idea if everyone got it or not.

]]> By: <img src ="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d9a36cc5587f339916f82e0b2e334a59?s=96&d=mm&r=g" class="avatar" />RussellH https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/02/04/is-marriott-bonvoy-the-best-hotel-loyalty-scheme-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-825711 RussellH]]> https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=449901#comment-825711 “High Speed Internet” – we received that included at AC Colon Valencia on a BA Hols booking.

They promised on check out that I would get Bonvoy points, but nothing has happened. Might be worth a very polite nudge, I suppose, particularly as we had to change room at 1700 before our last night as the door lock on our room stopped working, and the repair man had finished for the day.
I asked for Bonvoy points as compensation for that too, but we got a plate of sweeties…
Still, a pleasant enough place to stay and an excellent location, and would definitely go back.

]]> By: <img src ="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/76fe807a79aa89641f999bab77b6f7a7?s=96&d=mm&r=g" class="avatar" />Harry T https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/02/04/is-marriott-bonvoy-the-best-hotel-loyalty-scheme-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-825709 Harry T]]> https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=449901#comment-825709 In reply to Rob.

You’re welcome.

]]> By: <img src ="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/653e9944280a0b15533b3ac5fb16850f?s=96&d=mm&r=g" class="avatar" />Dominic https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/02/04/is-marriott-bonvoy-the-best-hotel-loyalty-scheme-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-825707 Dominic]]> https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=449901#comment-825707 Worth noting Marriott benefits for breakfast are very dependent on which brand you stay at – quite a few (at least outside Europe) give credit or don’t offer breakfast at all for Plats.

]]> By: <img src ="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/362270406fa5cab6e2895d5510f03ffe?s=96&d=mm&r=g" class="avatar" />Jonathan https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/02/04/is-marriott-bonvoy-the-best-hotel-loyalty-scheme-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-825704 Jonathan]]> https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=449901#comment-825704 If collecting points to transfer to the airlines where there’s no other options for earning via UK credit card spending, which would be better, Amex Gold (assuming of course you earn some of the bonuses, which means you’ll generally earn approximately 1.5 MR points per pound) or Amex Marriott (this is assuming you don’t really use Marriott hotels and let’s try to avoid looking at the extra in annual fees Amex Gold charges over Amex Marriott, since the bonus on spending directly with an airline and airport lounge (selected lounges only) access 4x times is reason enough for many to take out Amex Gold alone

What would everyone reading this go for when earning for an airline program where the Marriott route is the only feasible way of earning (apart from crediting cash flight tickets to their program

]]> By: <img src ="https://www.headforpoints.com/wp-content/themes/head-for-points/assets/images/HFP-insta-logo-blue-120x120.jpg" class="avatar" />Rob https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/02/04/is-marriott-bonvoy-the-best-hotel-loyalty-scheme-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-825675 Rob]]> https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=449901#comment-825675 In reply to Harry T.

Thanks, forgot.

]]> By: <img src ="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/76fe807a79aa89641f999bab77b6f7a7?s=96&d=mm&r=g" class="avatar" />Harry T https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/02/04/is-marriott-bonvoy-the-best-hotel-loyalty-scheme-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-825673 Harry T]]> https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=449901#comment-825673 In reply to NorthernLass.

Thanks, I will try again in a few months, although I can’t see what will change in that time! It’s all a mystery.

I currently hold the Bonvoy card but thanks for the heads up. I keep it long term for the 15 nights.

]]> By: <img src ="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/76fe807a79aa89641f999bab77b6f7a7?s=96&d=mm&r=g" class="avatar" />Harry T https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/02/04/is-marriott-bonvoy-the-best-hotel-loyalty-scheme-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-825671 Harry T]]> https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=449901#comment-825671 In reply to NorthernLass.

Yep, worth checking at least one a week if it’s far out, and once a day if close in.

]]> By: <img src ="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/76fe807a79aa89641f999bab77b6f7a7?s=96&d=mm&r=g" class="avatar" />Harry T https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/02/04/is-marriott-bonvoy-the-best-hotel-loyalty-scheme-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-825670 Harry T]]> https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=449901#comment-825670 In reply to The Streets.

You don’t earn 0.5 elite night credits per night, you earn 1 elite night credit per 2 nights. A one night stay would earn nothing.

]]> By: <img src ="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7b0616c40fe8ad3205859b6b29e95518?s=96&d=mm&r=g" class="avatar" />NorthernLass https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/02/04/is-marriott-bonvoy-the-best-hotel-loyalty-scheme-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-825669 NorthernLass]]> https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=449901#comment-825669 Worth checking for changes in award prices. I was 12k short for a 5 night booking in a club room at the RC Doha next December so did a “points advance” reservation while I considered how to get the extra points without buying them. Checked back the other day and the price had gone down by 28k points, result!

]]> By: <img src ="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/7b0616c40fe8ad3205859b6b29e95518?s=96&d=mm&r=g" class="avatar" />NorthernLass https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/02/04/is-marriott-bonvoy-the-best-hotel-loyalty-scheme-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-825668 NorthernLass]]> https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=449901#comment-825668 In reply to Harry T.

I was rejected for the BAPP last September but they told me to reapply in 3 months and I was then accepted, no change in circs so who knows why?
Remember you won’t be eligible for the SUB on the Bonvoy card unless you’ve had no personal Amex for 2 years …

]]> By: <img src ="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/863ebb6c1c5b29b731c9243e60dceb6b?s=96&d=mm&r=g" class="avatar" />The Streets https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/02/04/is-marriott-bonvoy-the-best-hotel-loyalty-scheme-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-825662 The Streets]]> https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=449901#comment-825662 There was an article floating around how you now earn 0.5 elite nights credit per night when staying in a Protea.. hope this is not a sign of things to come with six years left until I get lifetime Platinum

]]> By: <img src ="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/09287a5864437f709b9462ae535c694f?s=96&d=mm&r=g" class="avatar" />Tracey https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/02/04/is-marriott-bonvoy-the-best-hotel-loyalty-scheme-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-825658 Tracey]]> https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=449901#comment-825658 In reply to Tracey.

“ Marriott Bonvoy® qualifying rates booked on royaltonresorts.com are eligible to earn Points for your stay and receive Membership tier benefits. Members can add their Membership number, in the free-form comments section, at the time of booking or at the front desk during check-in.”

]]> By: <img src ="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/09287a5864437f709b9462ae535c694f?s=96&d=mm&r=g" class="avatar" />Tracey https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/02/04/is-marriott-bonvoy-the-best-hotel-loyalty-scheme-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-825657 Tracey]]> https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=449901#comment-825657 Royalton brand also part of Marriott. You can earn and spend points. https://www.royaltonresorts.com/frequently-asked-questions

]]> By: <img src ="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/76fe807a79aa89641f999bab77b6f7a7?s=96&d=mm&r=g" class="avatar" />Harry T https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/02/04/is-marriott-bonvoy-the-best-hotel-loyalty-scheme-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-825652 Harry T]]> https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=449901#comment-825652 In reply to Ian.

They rejected me for the BAPP recently – first rejection by Amex in over a decade. Can’t really explain it either.

]]> By: <img src ="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/5798aae5d2edcb718bbe81fcb2441fad?s=96&d=mm&r=g" class="avatar" />Ian https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/02/04/is-marriott-bonvoy-the-best-hotel-loyalty-scheme-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-825651 Ian]]> https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=449901#comment-825651 Looked at getting the Amex (already have the BAPP) but it did a soft check and reckoned I had a 2 out of 10 chance 😂

So I guess I will be skipping that for now.

Probably too many hotel and airline cards!

]]> By: <img src ="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/76fe807a79aa89641f999bab77b6f7a7?s=96&d=mm&r=g" class="avatar" />Harry T https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/02/04/is-marriott-bonvoy-the-best-hotel-loyalty-scheme-part-1/comment-page-1/#comment-825646 Harry T]]> https://www.headforpoints.com/?p=449901#comment-825646 Rob, ambassador now requires 23k spend

]]>