Here's a Q&A topic I'll throw out there, and maybe it's also an idea for a future blog post. At the moment, some Marriott Bonvoy credit cards have increased welcome bonuses. The topic of special offers on Marriott cards often leads to (largely warranted) shade about the value of the Bonvoy program, etc.
There's no denying that there are many aspects of the Bonvoy program that can be frustrating. Personally, I value Bonvoy points at 0.7 cents each, and despite my frustration with devaluations over the years, I still do pretty regularly get outsized value with my points.
For example, I recently booked a night at the St. Regis Venice for 132,000 Bonvoy points (worth $924 by my valuation), while the cash price was an offensive $3,200. Admittedly I would never pay that much cash to stay there, but still, it was quite a redemption. Or looking less high end properties, I also recently had a stay at the AC Hotel Innsbruck, where peak season rates were $400, and I redeemed just 30,000 Bonvoy points (worth $210 by my valuation).
With that in mind, I'd love to hear from others about some of the best uses of Bonvoy points that you've found in recent times? And even better, any particularly good uses of free night awards, whether 35K, 50K, or 85K?
Just as a reminder, here are the current offers:
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card offer
- Marriott Bonvoy Business Card offer
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card offer
My best was 5 nights at Mandapa for 414,000 points last year (buy 4, get 1 free obviously). Around $6,500 cash value for the 5 nights. Amazing stay!
Best 85k cert redemptions were W South Beach (RIP :() with a suite upgrade, and NY Edition
I don't look a lot for sweet spots in themselves but rather when I want or need to go somewhere and I find a useful value for me. I took the family to Ritz in Laguna Niguel over 4th of July weekend, rates were starting at $1200 a night and I booked a redemption rate at 90 000 points a night. The NUAs got me a suite to boot. Steep in pure points terms if you have been around for a while, on the other hand the family got to experience an amazing property, great service, top notch beach and amenities. I value those kinds of redemptions.