79. Maximize Your Marriott Bonvoy Points (And Get Free Stays!)

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Learn how to maximize your Marriott Bonvoy points for free stays! Start earning more points and get the most out of your rewards.

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ON TODAY'S SHOW:
0:00 Opening
3:54 Marriott Bonvoy Program
5:23 The Marriott Bonvoy Brands
6:03 Luxury Collection: Ritz Carlton and St Regis
11:58 Premium Collection: Autograph Collection and Westin
17:14 Select and Longer Stay: Residence Inn and Moxy
19:10 Earning Marriott Points
30:16 The Travel Freely App for Credit Card Organization
30:53 Redeeming and Maximizing Your Marriott Points
35:23 Best Uses of Marriott Free Night Certificates
39:10 Marriott Moments Tips
42:52 Marriott Elite Status

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[Skye]

I miss the old SPG days but since I’m already 8/10 years into earning lifetime platinum, I figured I need to finish that milestone before I jump over to Hyatt. With my luck, Hyatt will have moved to dynamic pricing by then 😩 I feel like I’m forever a step or two behind.. just like when I got the CSR card in June and the restaurant credit went away in July 😭 Thanks for the comprehensive overview. I love how much research you guys put into these episodes. Can’t wait to see what’s next 🎉

[CarlosHdz-rmsg]

Since Nicole started the show with a Hyatt mention, I will do so in the comments section. I would rather stay at a Marriott location and probably IHG before I even consider a Hyatt.

I’ve stayed at the Ritz Carlton Okinawa and it’s a luxury location. Had a pleasant stay and would stay there again for a date night with my wife (excellent spa btw); kinda pricey but worth it.

I mainly stay at Marriott’s for business when I travel opting for Fairfield’s or Residence Inn as the CSR has 10% cash back offers all the time for those properties.

Not a popular option but I transfer my points to United all the time as I don’t have a need for them in Marriott. I hold the United Club card so I get 15% off my domestic award travel on top of reaching United Gold this year in the next 2 weeks.

Kyoto trip for the family and I for Thanksgiving and a business trip to NOLA the week after.

Phenomenal show as always.

[hotarutomoe]

I love the information and experiences shared on your podcast. Such a gift for someone like me who is just at the beginning of their travel hobby journey. Most of all, I love the respect each of you show to one another. I so appreciate the pace, curiosity and pleasant humor of your conversations together.

[abspasadena]

Your shows are fast paced, but very pleasant to listen to. You all complement each other and the editing is phenomenal. Thank you. 🙏 😊

[BT-Bill-]

Hi Mitch. I'm staying at the Westin in Singapore next October for 5 nights. Thanks for the info about the market behind the Westin. Then, we head to Bali for 10 nights and stay at 2 Hyatt properties. Then, head to Thailand for 4 months. I have a few Hyatt, IHG, and Marriott properties booked. I will have to check out the Renaissance Bangkok.
Thanks.

[Raybreeezy]

One of my first real jobs was as a Front Desk Supervisor at Marriott, where I’d take full advantage of my discount across many many properties (the discounts were HUGE)! While those days are behind me, I’m definitely team HYATT now. That said, I do plan on dabbling into some of the 5-night free cards to expand my footprint when traveling.

[phyllisa]

WOW & WOW! Great deep dive into the Marriott program! First off, I was already laughing at only 13 seconds into this episode! I love to start my Friday off with you guys! 😂
I need help. I have the Chase Bonvoy Boundless. It was my 1st travel card when I decided to start this miles and points journey in Aug 2023. I got it only because they were the 1st to send me an offer with a SUB. Today, I am at 23 stays. Should I book 2 more stays to reach Gold status by the end of the year, or reach out to Marriott to upgrade to the Ritz-Carlton card now. OR, don't worry about reaching Gold Status now and just upgrade to the Ritz-Carlton card in January 2025?
Thanks LGTTP Dream Team, you guys are the GOAT to me!

[TAIMAO-pw]

We're stayed at St. Regis Bora Bora for our honeymoon 17 yrs it!

[monkeyfamilyadventures]

Haven't stayed at too many Marriotts but so far no bad experiences. Our favorite is Le Meridien Maldives (truly amazing service). Would love to try St Regis Bora Bora or a St Regis somewhere.

[TheStallion]

We stayed at the St. Regis in Deer Valley, Utah and it was wonderful. They do the same champagne toast Miguel mentioned and they also do a daily make your own S’mores cart around the outdoor fireplace

[khairain]

I noticed that being Titanium status is much better if traveling around Asia and some Europe countries. I’ve been upgraded from standard room to suites and later to villa for whole stay in W bali. Same experience in Marriott Tangs Singapore and Westin Grande Bangkok. In some properties even during breakfast they come and greet you at your table.

[yvjyang]

Great episode and review of the Bonvoy Marriott program! I hold the Brilliant and I’ll be staying at the NEW Ritz-Carlton Bangkok this summer 2025!

[cameronwaterman]

I just stayed at the new St. Regis in chicago. 52k points a night, sooo worth it. St. Regis is much better than ritz carlton.

The rooms are much cheaper in winter than summer. But 52k points is a good deal for a St. regis

[ryanccc]

Great overview!!! Caveat first, personal thoughts on Marriott knowing there definite outliers which I have personally stayed at. Hyatt has the best program, Hilton has the best cards but Marriott overall has my favorite properties. I have had phenomenal stays at both Hilton and Hyatt so this is more of a generalization.

[StephenMoore-mzjh]

I am little confused about the Bonboy Brillant card. He said he uses his 25$ month credit on chick fil a so the 300$ credit isn't wasted. So that 300$ credit can be for any place that sells food?

[noblegirl]

Yep. Ritz Carlton is a bit oldish. Stayed at the one in New Orleans. However, service was amazing

[bt]

Thumbs up, Marriott would not be my first choice, some are owned by third party, been told on few occasions to book directly with property instead of online to get better rate... I have gold status from my Amex Platinum card but the FHR gives me a lot of the benefits that higher status offers

[davidmaib]

Hi! Thank you for a great video. There is also Lifetime Titanium. I just received a free night choice award after 75 nights which I did not hear mentioned.

[MyPassportMyLife]

Awesome episode. During my time in the military, I deployed to Qatar a couple of times and we always said "Cutter." 😂

[americantarmacker]

I’m new to the game if money is not a option and I want to go first class all the way and you guys have been In The game a while what first 5/24 credit cards would use go with what 5 credit cards yearly fee does not matter ???? Thanks