Marriott is the largest hotel group in the world in terms of number of rooms, so there’s value in having status in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. Marriott Bonvoy has five elite tiers — Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador — and I’d argue that Platinum status is where the benefits really start to be worthwhile.
In this post, I wanted to share an in-depth guide to Marriott Bonvoy Platinum status, including the best ways to earn it, and the most valuable perks that it offers. Is Bonvoy Platinum status worth it?
In this post:
How to earn Marriott Bonvoy Platinum status
There are several ways to earn Marriott Bonvoy Platinum status, as you can do so purely through hotel stays, or you can use Marriott’s co-branded credit cards. There’s a particularly good opportunity to earn Platinum status with credit cards, which will no doubt interest many.
Earning Marriott Platinum with hotel stays
To qualify for Marriott Platinum status through hotel stays you need to earn 50 elite nights in a calendar year. Qualifying elite nights include any paid stays or award stays booked directly with Marriott.
There’s no way to qualify for Platinum status based on stays or based on spending at Marriott hotels — it’s all about earning 50 elite nights. Fortunately, there are some good shortcuts, which I’ll discuss below.
Marriott Bonvoy does occasionally offer status challenges, which can be a way for elite members with other programs to earn Platinum status at an accelerated rate. However, at the moment there’s no such offer available.
Earning Marriott Platinum with a single credit card
There’s one credit card that lets you earn Marriott Platinum elite status, just by having the card — the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (review). Simply by being the primary cardmember, you’ll receive Platinum status for as long as you have the card, which is no doubt the easiest way to earn this status. This is a card that I generally find to be worthwhile.
Earning Marriott Platinum with credit card elite nights
Beyond either of the above ways to earn status through credit cards, there’s one more option. You can earn up to 40 Marriott Bonvoy elite nights per year with Marriott’s co-branded credit cards. Each of the following cards offers 15 elite nights per year as an ongoing perk:
- Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card (review)
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (review)
- Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card (review)
- Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card (review)
On top of that, the following card offers 25 elite nights per year as an ongoing perk:
Note that you can earn at most 25 elite nights per year from personal cards, and at most 15 elite nights per year from business cards, no matter how many cards you have. In other words, the best strategy is to have the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card and Marriott Bonvoy Business Card. Make sure you understand Marriott credit card eligibility rules, as there are some important details to be aware of.
Marriott Bonvoy Platinum status benefits
So, what are the actual perks of Marriott Platinum status? Full disclosure upfront:
- They can be kind of hard to understand, since Marriott has so many brands, and has inconsistent policies
- Don’t expect elite recognition to be as consistently good as with World of Hyatt Globalist status, for example
- Since the start of the pandemic, many hotels have been offering more limited service than before, and that has largely had negative implications for elite members
With that out of the way, below are the benefits of Marriott Platinum status, roughly in the order that I value them.
Room upgrades, up to standard suites
Marriott Platinum members receive complimentary room upgrades subject to availability at check-in, up to a standard suite:
- This is subject to the enhanced room being available for the entire length of your stay at the time of check-in
- You are entitled to the best available room (up to a standard suite), which is different than the Hilton Honors Diamond upgrade policy, where it’s up to the hotel to decide how far they want to upgrade you; that being said, some hotels still play games
- This benefit applies to all brands except Marriott Vacation Club, Marriott Grand Residence Club, Aloft, Element, and Vistana; at Ritz-Carlton properties, suite upgrades are only available for Titanium and Ambassador members
Just keep in mind that Marriott has a lot of Platinum members (and above), so there’s a ton of competition for these upgrades, especially in the United States, and in markets that are popular with elite members.
Hotel executive lounge access
Marriott Bonvoy Platinum members and one guest staying in the same room receive guaranteed lounge access at the following Marriott brands:
- Autograph Collection
- Delta
- JW Marriott
- Le Meridien
- Marriott
- Renaissance
- Sheraton
- Westin
In club lounges, you can expect to receive complimentary continental breakfast, evening snacks and drinks, and access to soft drinks and coffee throughout the day.
The quality of club lounges varies significantly around the globe, and in general, you’ll find that lounges in Asia are the best, while those in the USA are often the worst.
On top of that, many hotels closed their club lounges during the pandemic, and haven’t yet reopened them. Some hotels have created alternative options for their guests (like free drinks and snacks in the hotel bar), while other hotels haven’t. Always check with the hotel you’re considering staying at to get a sense of what to expect.
Welcome gift choice (with breakfast as an option)
Marriott Platinum members receive a welcome gift when they arrive at a hotel, and this is also where the program gets ridiculously complicated, as there are well over 50 different policies depending on the brand, region, etc.
Generally speaking, Platinum members have a choice as to which gift they’d like to receive at check-in, and at many brands, one of those choices is complimentary breakfast (that’s not the case at all brands, though, like Ritz-Carlton — in those cases you’re best off booking through the Marriott STARS program).
To simplify this a bit, at the following brands Marriott Bonvoy Platinum members can choose to receive complimentary breakfast as their welcome amenity (you’ll notice the distinction between “hotels” and “resorts” for some of these brands):
- Aloft
- Autograph Collection Resorts
- Delta Resorts
- Four Points by Sheraton
- JW Marriott Resorts
- Le Meridien
- Marriott Resorts
- Protea
- Renaissance Resorts
- Sheraton
- St. Regis
- The Luxury Collection
- Westin
- W
This is understandably still quite confusing, so let me clarify that a bit further:
- Many of the above brands aren’t on the list because the hotels consistently have club lounges, so that’s where Platinum members can have breakfast
- Some brands have club lounges but still give members the option of selecting breakfast as their amenity (for example, Sheraton properties); the distinction is that at these hotels you could automatically have breakfast in the lounge, and if you select breakfast as your amenity, then you can have breakfast in the restaurant
Guaranteed 4PM late check-out
Marriott Bonvoy Platinum members receive guaranteed 4PM late check-out. The one exception is at resorts, where late check-out is subject to availability (resorts include all properties listed here).
Guaranteed late check-out is such a valuable perk, especially for a one-night stay, where it allows you stay in your room for 24+ hours.
50% Bonvoy bonus points
Marriott Platinum members receive 50% bonus points on eligible spending at Marriott properties. Ordinarily, Marriott Bonvoy members receive 10 points per dollar at most brands, meaning that Platinum members receive an additional five points per dollar spent.
Note that the 50% bonus applies to your base points earned, so you wouldn’t receive a 50% bonus on any points earned through a global promotion, for example.
Enhanced in-room internet access
As a Marriott Platinum member, you receive enhanced in-room internet access. This means you should expect Wi-Fi with the highest speeds by logging in with your credentials during your stay.
Ultimate Reservation Guarantee
Marriott has what’s known as the Ultimate Reservation Guarantee, whereby Platinum members receive compensation if the following benefits aren’t honored:
- If your reservation isn’t honored
- If you don’t receive your welcome gift
- If you don’t receive your preferred bed type
- If you don’t receive lounge access
In those situations, you’ll typically receive cash compensation (though actually requesting this can be awkward).
Marriott Platinum Choice Benefits
Marriott has what’s known as Choice Benefits, which are exclusively available to those who earn 50 elite nights in a year. These don’t automatically come with Platinum status, but rather are tied to having 50 elite nights in your account in a calendar year. In other words:
- If you earn Platinum status by any method than through elite nights, you couldn’t choose Choice Benefits
- If you earn up to 40 elite nights per year through Marriott co-branded credit cards, then those would count toward the 50 elite nights
What are the Choice Benefits you can choose from when you earn 50 elite nights?
- Five Suite Night Awards
- Five Elite Night Credits
- The ability to gift Silver Elite status
- 40% off a hotel bed
- A $100 WE donation
Personally, I think the Suite Night Awards (SNAs) are most valuable, since each lets you confirm a suite upgrade for up to a single night up to five days before arrival. This is a way to essentially be prioritized for upgrades on the stays that matter most to you.
How do you earn lifetime Marriott Platinum status?
Marriott gives members the opportunity to earn lifetime status in the Bonvoy program:
- Earn lifetime Silver status when you earn 250 lifetime nights plus have five years of elite status
- Earn lifetime Gold status when you earn 400 lifetime nights plus have seven years of Gold elite status or higher
- Earn lifetime Platinum status when you earn 600 elite nights plus have 10 years of Platinum status or higher
Note that:
- Elite status earned through credit cards does count toward the number of years of status
- Elite nights earned through credit cards also count toward the night requirement
What are the differences between Marriott Platinum & Titanium?
While Bonvoy Platinum is Marriott’s 50-night tier, Bonvoy Titanium is Marriott’s 75-night tier. What are the differences between the two levels?
- Titanium members get suite upgrades (subject to availability) when staying at Ritz-Carltons, while Platinum members don’t
- Titanium members receive a 75% points bonus, rather than a 50% points bonus
- Titanium members who earn 75 elite nights in a year can choose a second set of Choice Benefits
- Titanium members receive complimentary United MileagePlus Premier Silver status, while Platinum members don’t
You might find that some hotels will upgrade Titanium members before Platinum members, but on paper, both levels offer the same type of upgrades aside from at Ritz-Carlton properties.
Is Marriott Platinum status worth it?
Let me share my brutally honest take on whether I think Marriott Platinum status is worth it. For context on my hotel status strategy:
- I’m currently a Bonvoy Titanium member
- I was a Bonvoy Ambassador member until 2019
- I’m also a lifetime Bonvoy Platinum member
Personally, I have a strong preference for World of Hyatt over Marriott Bonvoy, as far as hotel loyalty programs go. That being said, there are still lots of situations where staying at a Marriott is the best option for me:
- Marriott has some truly phenomenal resorts that I want to stay at, ranging from the Bodrum EDITION, to the St. Regis Maldives, to Mystique Santorini, to Blue Palace Elounda, to Cala di Volpe, to Al Maha Dubai, just to name a few
- As someone who loves the Mediterranean, Marriott has an incredible footprint there, and redeeming points in high season is an incredible deal… well, except at the Aegon Mykonos
- Even beyond Marriott’s exceptional properties, there are lots of situations where staying at a Marriott is the best option, ranging from airport hotels, to hotels near national parks, to city hotels
In light of that, you’re always better off having status than not when staying at a hotel, whether you care about late check-out, complimentary breakfast, lounge access, room upgrades, or bonus points.
While Marriott Platinum isn’t my favorite hotel status, ultimately I find it to be extremely worthwhile thanks to the perks it gets me at Marriott properties. Furthermore, the fact that you can have the status nowadays just for holding onto a credit card makes it all the more compelling.
Bottom line
Marriott Bonvoy isn’t my favorite hotel loyalty program, and for that matter, I think Marriott sometimes isn’t great with managing expectations. But that doesn’t change the fact that Marriott has a massive global footprint, and also has some truly great hotels. For situations where you do stay at Marriotts, Platinum status makes a difference, from room upgrades, to breakfast, to late check-out, to bonus points.
Long term, it shouldn’t be too hard for those in the United States to maintain Platinum status. You can earn the status just by having a premium credit card. Furthermore, holding onto two cards could earn you 30-40 elite nights per year, getting you very close to earning Choice Benefits.
If you’re a Marriott Platinum member, what has your experience been like?
Do ritz. Biz bonvoy, and brilliant cards stack points/nights toward Titanium?
I have been Marriott platinum for 8 years I only got a SNA one time out of 6 request. Not complaining but I don't trust them to be honest when it comes to upgrades. And just this past Monday I requested a late check out in San Antonio Marriott River Walk and was the told the latest I could have was 1:00 pm., which the people I was traveling with also got and they are Gold Status. The Lounge was closed and we received no compensation for it.
Im Out getting the American Express Marriott brilliant card. It gives you automatic platinum status. Can you use that status every year to count towards your years for platinum elite lifetime please let me know. Thank you.
So to confirm, getting platinum status with
the brilliant card will count towards lifetime? I’m two years away from lifetime plat and already have the nights, just not the years.
Yes.
But, remember, partial years don't count. If you're a Platinum for all of 2023, that year will credit towards lifetime status on 1/31/2024. If you're a Platinum for all of 2024, that year will credit towards lifetime status on 1/31/2025. Assuming both of the foregoing, Lifetime Platinum would attach on 1/31/2025.
Been an Ambassador for 3 years now. I find the program to be very inconsistent, more often than not, no 4pm checkout available, rarely do I get room upgrades etc. I just reset my expectations. I get the room I paid for, I'll take breakfast over points if its available and in 2023, I'm not chasing status with any airline or hotel chain.
I had been an Ambassador for a few years. Got off the hamster wheel a few years ago and went free agent . . . haven't missed a thing. My wife and I are regulars at specific hotels in specific cities . . . tremendous service and perks. And, that's the key: irrespective of which hotel loyalty program, the property owners do not care about the guest's loyalty to the network . . . they...
I had been an Ambassador for a few years. Got off the hamster wheel a few years ago and went free agent . . . haven't missed a thing. My wife and I are regulars at specific hotels in specific cities . . . tremendous service and perks. And, that's the key: irrespective of which hotel loyalty program, the property owners do not care about the guest's loyalty to the network . . . they only care about the guest's loyalty to their own hotels. If your circumstances allow repeat stays at specific properties, try it.
The problem with room upgrades is that a hotel will suite upgrades you regardless of what the hotel is branded as, I have spoken with an operation director at a newly open Element, and she commented that although they don't have to upgrade elite, for the sake of Rating on Marriott's site, which is apart of her KPI, she is more than happy to upgrade any plat elite+ to any suite/room when there's availability.
The problem that you don't mention is that Platinum is now easier than ever to get. Those who are lifetime members are annoyed that they made it so easy to get. As soon as you become lifetime platinum you don't need the expensive Amex card anymore. The problem with so many people having this status is the hotels can't accommodate the "if available" issues anymore such as room upgrades and other benefits. I have often...
The problem that you don't mention is that Platinum is now easier than ever to get. Those who are lifetime members are annoyed that they made it so easy to get. As soon as you become lifetime platinum you don't need the expensive Amex card anymore. The problem with so many people having this status is the hotels can't accommodate the "if available" issues anymore such as room upgrades and other benefits. I have often encountered overcrowded breakfast, lounges, etc and poorly managed regarding food replacement. Also the quality of various brands differ around the world too. It would be interesting to see why a particular brand is chosen for a particular specific location.
Suite upgrades, even if available, are a fantasy with Marriott. Consider this scenario. You're an Ambassador. When checking in, you're told that a standard suite is available for your entire stay and is available for an upgrade. Oh, a PAID upgrade. But, as an Ambassador, you're supposed to receive that standard suite upgrade as a tier benefit. But, the manager says to you, "We're simply not going to give you a suite." And, the Ambassador...
Suite upgrades, even if available, are a fantasy with Marriott. Consider this scenario. You're an Ambassador. When checking in, you're told that a standard suite is available for your entire stay and is available for an upgrade. Oh, a PAID upgrade. But, as an Ambassador, you're supposed to receive that standard suite upgrade as a tier benefit. But, the manager says to you, "We're simply not going to give you a suite." And, the Ambassador Team doesn't lift a finger to enforce your benefit. Adios Marriott.
I'm lifetime Titanium. Here's my experience for hotel in the US (overseas is a bit different).
You will almost never be offered an upgrade. If you check and rooms are available, the hotel will frequently claim they don't know what you are talking about. If you push the matter they may give you the room begrudgingly or refuse depending on, we'll depending.
Breakfast is hit or miss. I've stayed at full service Marriotts where...
I'm lifetime Titanium. Here's my experience for hotel in the US (overseas is a bit different).
You will almost never be offered an upgrade. If you check and rooms are available, the hotel will frequently claim they don't know what you are talking about. If you push the matter they may give you the room begrudgingly or refuse depending on, we'll depending.
Breakfast is hit or miss. I've stayed at full service Marriotts where it was a muffin, some cut up fruit that was highly suspect and coffee.
You will generally be offered your welcome gift however if you aren't don't expect to be compensated as required. If you push they'll generally whine and/or give the excuse that you selected points even though you didn't.
Guaranteed 4pm checkout is anything but. When properties are full they'll simply refuse. Like room upgrades it become a fight. Who needs this?
And all this was before people had to earn Platinum not just get if for having a credit.
There's a reason Lucky says he has a strong preference for World of Hyatt.
Spot on. But, you know, it's management by numbers. And, until the revenue needle moves, their bad behavior will not change. Currently, revenues are at record levels.
Ben, missing are the Bountiful and Bevy under the 15 elite night credits list.
Design Hotels is pretty much no benefits except 1000 points. No breakfast or $10 credit.
Ben, Would you have any input/comments on the 55-elite-night phenomenon/mystery referred to in the link below? (I called Marriott Customer Service and they were clueless, referring me back to the credit card issuers.) Thanks.
https://frequentmiler.com/marriott-gives-55-elite-night-credits-to-those-with-the-right-card-combination/
@Ben: Please clarify when the elite night credits earned from opening a card will post.
I opened a Boundless card over 3 years ago, expecting the nights to post as soon as I started using the card, which would have carried me over the threshold for Plat status during that year. Instead, the points didn't post until Jan 1 2020.
If I open a new account today, do I have to wait till Jan 1...
@Ben: Please clarify when the elite night credits earned from opening a card will post.
I opened a Boundless card over 3 years ago, expecting the nights to post as soon as I started using the card, which would have carried me over the threshold for Plat status during that year. Instead, the points didn't post until Jan 1 2020.
If I open a new account today, do I have to wait till Jan 1 2024 for the elite nights to post, or is there a mid-year cutoff point (allowing them to post for the 2023 calendar year)?
Question on upgrades: If they don't say anything about upgrading my room and just state the room type, I assume it makes sense to ask whether the room type reflects the upgrade one is supposed to receive as a Platinum member.
But if they do mention "we've upgraded you to a corner room as a result of your Platinum" status, where it is clear you haven't been upgraded to a standard suite when that...
Question on upgrades: If they don't say anything about upgrading my room and just state the room type, I assume it makes sense to ask whether the room type reflects the upgrade one is supposed to receive as a Platinum member.
But if they do mention "we've upgraded you to a corner room as a result of your Platinum" status, where it is clear you haven't been upgraded to a standard suite when that or an otherwise better room is likely available, is it worthwhile to say something like, "My understanding is I'm entitled to the best available room up to a standard suite, is there a better room available?" Basically, curious about whether properties often don't upgrade you to what you're supposed to get but may do better if prompted.
The upgrade game 101:
Any change to your original room is an upgrade. We moved you to 3rd floor from 2nd floor; upgraded. We moved you 1 room further from the elevator; upgraded. We gave you a garden view room; upgraded. We gave you a city view room; upgraded.
When you call bluff, play the sold out card. When you pull up online it's still available, blame IT but insist no room available.
...
The upgrade game 101:
Any change to your original room is an upgrade. We moved you to 3rd floor from 2nd floor; upgraded. We moved you 1 room further from the elevator; upgraded. We gave you a garden view room; upgraded. We gave you a city view room; upgraded.
When you call bluff, play the sold out card. When you pull up online it's still available, blame IT but insist no room available.
Only when service recovery is required. Tell you to wait 10 mins for housekeeping to check a 'dirty' room. Magically a vacant room will appear, lots of them, even up to standard suites.
A 'standard suite' is just a made up category that is always sold out. Whenever you request, play the sold out card, then follow the above procedure. But if you request to buy up there is always a 'deluxe' or 'premium' suites available.
Your entitlement is just something that makes you feel good but look like a fool.
After we understand the rules, now we go to execution.
You play it like the 'chicken game' but the property is driving a semi truck head to head with you on a unicycle.
On rare occasions you actually get the truck to crash and burn. Soak up the victorious feeling.
Properties outside USA does play this game, but a lot less often and will be wiling to meet you half way.
Enjoy the upgrade game,
"There’s one credit card that lets you earn Marriott Platinum elite status, just by having the card" - I'm not sure we think the word 'earn' means the same thing...
I'm sure all the risk of being Bonvoyed and the nerve to spend money on a card that does little more than guarantee you will get Bonvoyed.
Yes, maybe it's the easy least effort way, it is still earned.
Every bloggers who got Royal Ambassador from another chain, and LOL, all of them seem to lost it, isn't earned.
Everything here is as described, except I still get pushback on late checkout. I was at a W recently, upgraded to a suite, but the hotel wanted 1 PM checkout instead of 4. Not a big deal, but annoying
Good program with a lot of good hotels. Will remain my main program until something changes. Hyatt doesn't have enough properties in general, Hilton lacks enough cool properties. I think I will do a 40/30/20/10 split...
Everything here is as described, except I still get pushback on late checkout. I was at a W recently, upgraded to a suite, but the hotel wanted 1 PM checkout instead of 4. Not a big deal, but annoying
Good program with a lot of good hotels. Will remain my main program until something changes. Hyatt doesn't have enough properties in general, Hilton lacks enough cool properties. I think I will do a 40/30/20/10 split this year (Marriott, Hyatt, Boutique/IHG/etc, Hilton).
As a platinum I've had a lot of pushback on the 4pm late check-out from non-resort hotels. I think part of the issue is understaffing so that they don't have as many cleaners working, particularly in the late afternoons to facilitate a turn-over in the evenings. Hopefully this changes soon.
Also, the Autograph at Kyoto argues that when they upgrade you to another room, even if it's just symbolic upgrade(Higher floor with the same view of nothing), they don't have to honor your 4PM guarantee.
Some insist that 4PM late check-out is "if available."