Generally speaking hotel elite status becomes most valuable when you get toward the higher tiers, as that’s when you start getting benefits like suite upgrades and breakfast. Admittedly many people end up with lower elite status as well, so I think it’s worth covering what that offers.
While my focus with Marriott Bonvoy is generally on the perks associated with Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador status, in this post I wanted to take a look at Gold status. How do you earn it, and what are the perks?
In this post:
How to earn Marriott Bonvoy Gold status
You can earn Marriott Bonvoy Gold status through hotel stays, by having certain credit cards, or through a combination of both. Let’s take a look at what’s required.
Earning Marriott Gold status with hotel stays
Marriott Bonvoy Gold status requires earning 25 elite nights in a calendar year. Both paid and award nights count toward this total, as long as you booked directly with Marriott.
Earning Marriott Gold status with credit cards
Credit cards can help you earn hotel elite status, and that’s the case with Marriott Bonvoy Gold as well. The following three credit cards offer Marriott Bonvoy Gold status just for being a cardmember:
- The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card (review)
- The Platinum Card® from American Express (review) — enrollment required
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (review) — enrollment required
A special mention has to go to the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card (review), which offers Marriott Bonvoy Platinum status just for being a cardmember
Beyond that, you can earn Marriott Bonvoy elite nights with credit cards. Specifically, you earn 15 elite nights toward status annually just for having one of the following cards:
- The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card
- The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card (review)
- The Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ credit card
- The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (review)
- The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card (review)
Again a special mention for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card, which offers 25 elite nights towards status — if you’re looking to reach Titanium status, this card will get you 1/3 of the way there.
Except for the Brilliant card, you can earn at most 15 elite nights per year from personal cards, and at most 15 elite nights per year from business cards, for a total of up to 30 elite nights per year just from having credit cards. Grab the Brilliant as one of your personal cards and you’ll top off at 40 nights.
Marriott Bonvoy Gold status perks & benefits
With the requirements to earn status out of the way, what are the benefits of Marriott Bonvoy Gold status? Below are the perks, roughly in the order that I value them.
Room upgrades, subject to availability
Marriott Bonvoy Gold members are entitled to room upgrades subject to availability at check-in. Upgrades are to “enhanced rooms,” which could include rooms with desirable views, rooms on high floors, corner rooms, rooms with special amenities, and rooms on executive floors.
Don’t expect suite upgrades or club access rooms as a Bonvoy Gold member, but hopefully you get some sort of an upgraded room.
25% Marriott Bonvoy bonus points
Marriott Bonvoy Gold members earn 25% bonus points on hotel stays. Since Bonvoy members ordinarily earn 10x points per dollar spent, that’s an extra 2.5x points per dollar spent. I value Bonvoy points at 0.7 cents each, so to me that’s like a 1.75% incremental return on Marriott spending.
Premium internet access
While all Marriott Bonvoy members receive free internet at Marriott properties, Bonvoy Gold members and above receive premium in-room internet. This could come in handy, given the slow Wi-Fi speeds at some hotels for the basic plans, as well as how much some hotels try to charge extra if you want faster Wi-Fi.
Bonus points as a welcome gift
At check-in Marriott Bonvoy Gold members receive a welcome gift consisting of points. This will be 250-500 points, depending on the brand. That’s better than nothing, though nothing too exciting — I value those points at $1.75-3.50.
2PM late check-out, subject to availability
Marriott Bonvoy Gold members receive 2PM late check-out subject to availability. Unfortunately unlike the 4PM late check-out that Platinum members and above receive, this isn’t a guaranteed perk, so the hotel can reject this request.
Is Marriott Bonvoy Gold status worth it?
Is it worth being loyal to Marriott in order to earn Bonvoy Gold status? Probably not. I’d argue status with Marriott really gets valuable at the Platinum tier, where you’re potentially eligible for suite upgrades, complimentary breakfast, guaranteed late check-out, and more bonus points.
That being said, if you stay at Marriotts with any frequency, then getting Bonvoy Gold status just for having the Amex Platinum (or another credit card) is certainly worth it.
How does Marriott Bonvoy Gold status compare to other mid-tier hotel status?
- Hilton Honors Gold status can also be earned just by having a credit card, and offers stronger perks, including complimentary breakfast or a food & beverage credit
- IHG One Rewards Platinum status can also be earned just by having a credit card; while there’s not much in the way of guaranteed benefits, I’d say the potential benefits are still a bit stronger
- World of Hyatt Explorist status can’t be earned just by having a credit card, but offers better room upgrades, and also gives you access to the Milestone Rewards program, where perks start to become more valuable
Bottom line
Understandably the Marriott Bonvoy program is most widely discussed when talking about Platinum status and above, since that’s where the program becomes really valuable. That being said, Gold status can be attained just by having the Amex Platinum, so it’s a status that many probably have (or are eligible for).
Marriott Bonvoy Gold status offers complimentary room upgrades, 25% bonus points, premium internet, late check-out subject to availability, and a welcome gift of points. It’s better than nothing, but also probably not a reason to be loyal to Marriott.
If you’re a Marriott Bonvoy Gold member, what has your experience been like?
I've had a much different experience than many of the posters here. I have Gold status and receive an upgrade nearly every time I stay. Now I typically only choose Westin, Marriot, or Sheraton, but even with Gold status I was upgraded to a really nice suite with my family at Westin Cincinnati (which was most welcome). I've always found Westin service to be quite good all around the world.
My Marriott Bonvoy card gives me one free night a year worth a hotel category of 25,000 points. It is pretty much of a wash because of the $95 yearly fee. I was not able to use my free night this past year because of the pandemic and illness. Marriott does not give you any flexibility and it was lost as the timeframe expired. Marriott does not bend and let you take an expired day no matter what. Not a great program.
@Eskimo I understand what you said but in reality the old Gold had what are now the Platinum benefits. The concern is by the time I earn lifetime Platinum then you will need Titanium for the same benefits as Platinum today (which you used to get for gold status)
Yes, there are not much benefits with this status. You also did not list other credit cards that give you Gold status; however, if you have 25 nights just based on the credit card, then you're at least on your way to 50.
I have Gold status - what does it get me? Jack-S|-|!T; couldn't even get 1pm check out at springhill suites last week.
TPG values Marriott Gold status at $800 USD
I am Titanium Elite with Bonvoy. I had over 100 nights in 2021, but didn't meet the $20K spend limit to maintain Ambassador in 2022. In 2022 I am Titanium Elite. Sitting at 78 nights in 2022. I can honestly say I have probably only received a room upgrade about 30% of the time. I've experienced employees who SHOULDN'T be working directly with customers. I had the worst "free breakfasts" ever. Cheap, sometimes 30 minutes...
I am Titanium Elite with Bonvoy. I had over 100 nights in 2021, but didn't meet the $20K spend limit to maintain Ambassador in 2022. In 2022 I am Titanium Elite. Sitting at 78 nights in 2022. I can honestly say I have probably only received a room upgrade about 30% of the time. I've experienced employees who SHOULDN'T be working directly with customers. I had the worst "free breakfasts" ever. Cheap, sometimes 30 minutes late, one place running out of EVERYTHING. I used to think Marriott and I were partners. NOT ANY MORE. Rates have gone up 19% (2021) and 23% (2022). Service has gone down, with Marriott hiding behind "COVID" to cut housekeeping services and closing amenities (pool, fitness rooms). Pay more....get less with really bad breakfasts and less than enjoyable employee interactions. I doubt I'll get over 80 nights this year as I now have an IHG membership/ card.
I work for Marriott. Been with them for a short time. I've read your article and was happy with the knowledge that you put out to the world. The one thing I have to say is, rewards program are pretty much the same everywhere. You're rewarded for staying with your brand. The real difference in your rewards program should be how the staff treats you. Outstanding service, dedication to the guest, willingness to go above...
I work for Marriott. Been with them for a short time. I've read your article and was happy with the knowledge that you put out to the world. The one thing I have to say is, rewards program are pretty much the same everywhere. You're rewarded for staying with your brand. The real difference in your rewards program should be how the staff treats you. Outstanding service, dedication to the guest, willingness to go above and beyond, that's the true reward program. I'm excited to say that every single day I come to work is like the best feeling a person can have. I get to help someone. I get to show people that someone does care and even if I don't know the answer I'll find one. Thank you for your input on this, I am curious about the other programs too. However I'll prove to be the best agent the guest and employer can have.
I’ve had it with Bonvoy. Only perk I’ve gotten from gold in past couple of yrs is late checkout. My gold status is via Amex plat and I also have a Chase Bonvoy Visa which gives me 1 free night a year. Problem with that is that the free night is limited to 17,000 points which means I can maybe get a “free” night at a Fairfield on a weekday night in Camden NJ. For...
I’ve had it with Bonvoy. Only perk I’ve gotten from gold in past couple of yrs is late checkout. My gold status is via Amex plat and I also have a Chase Bonvoy Visa which gives me 1 free night a year. Problem with that is that the free night is limited to 17,000 points which means I can maybe get a “free” night at a Fairfield on a weekday night in Camden NJ. For those unfamiliar with Camden - it is an absolute slum where no right minded person would visit. I’ve had it with Bonvoy. Just got Hilton and Wyndham. No great shakes, but WAY better than Marriott
Fact. The Chase Bonvoy Credit Card gives you one free night worth 35,000 points and you can add an additional 15000 for a total of 50,000!!
Gold used to give you complimentary breakfast. Guess I see how far down these statuses have gotten. Haven't traveled in a while though. Things sure have changed.
Platinum used to be called Gold.
But that metal name got Bonvoyed and become less valuable.
Who cares. This is a benefit most people are getting through credit cards nowadays, not actual spend. Stop whining about the room upgrade you didn't get. Status doesn't entitle you to anything. Don't like it? Go rent an Airbnb. Donkeys.
Airbnb? You are a donkey if you think that's a better option. So many misleading descriptions and fake reviews and ridiculous cleaning fees. Don't be such a donkey Alonzo.
I don't do Airbnb's, but donkeys like you should.
With the Amex Platinum Card, if you book a Marriott via the FHR platform, you get Marriott Platinum-like benefits. And, you still earn Bonvoy credit.
Nothing！Who aren't a Marriott plat nowadays?
And wait till China open it's borders. Probably another few million Plats dying to occupy club lounges outside China.
Enjoy being Bonvoyed while it lasts. It's just going to get worse.
In the past four months I’ve stayed at five Marriott properties. The good news is that I had a lot of luck with the 2pm late check out, every property gave me the late check out, which is probably the best benefit of Gold status. Room upgrades are a joke as a Gold member and I have never received a real room upgrade(only a move to a higher floor). As far as welcome gifts go, I got a bottle of hand sanitizer when I stayed at a Sheraton. . .
Basically useless. Hotels don't honor the benefits you have earned and Marriott does not care. They should just get rid of the mid tier levels. As a lifetime platinum, I get Bonvoyed every time. Last week in Chicago, the Westin Michigan Ave said no breakfast. They felt they were entitled to cut the benefit unilaterally becasue of the "pandemic." BS . I spent 2.5 years of my life in Marriott properties. These benefits are earned,...
Basically useless. Hotels don't honor the benefits you have earned and Marriott does not care. They should just get rid of the mid tier levels. As a lifetime platinum, I get Bonvoyed every time. Last week in Chicago, the Westin Michigan Ave said no breakfast. They felt they were entitled to cut the benefit unilaterally becasue of the "pandemic." BS . I spent 2.5 years of my life in Marriott properties. These benefits are earned, not given. if they dont want to honor it, they should change the terms.
Agree. Stayed at Marriott Frankfurt Airport. No recognition of status at all. Zero. Ditto at Marriotts in Newark, Seattle, Nairobi. This program isn't worth it.
You basically get a better room (maybe) in the category you book. And possibly they honor the late check out but in my experience, not often. That’s it.
As a European, I am really jealous of all the Marriott branded credit cards you have over in the US. Here it's basically the AMEX Platinum (at 660€ per year!) for the Gold Status or nothing.