Marriott Bonvoy puts on rotating promotions throughout the year. The promotions usually appear quarterly, and are either targeted or non-targeted.
This winter, Marriott has put on a global promotion in which all members can participate. It’s better than some of the most recent promotions, as it offers a shortcut to obtaining or renewing elite status this year.
Between February 7 and April 23, 2023, members can earn up to 1,000 points and one bonus elite qualifying night per paid stay.
Earn 1,000 Bonvoy Points and One Bonus Elite Night
After registration, members can earn 1,000 Bonvoy points and one extra elite qualifying night on each eligible paid night this winter and spring. There is a maximum of 75 nights in this offer, which would result in 75,000 Bonvoy points and 75 extra nights.
Simply by registering, you’ll earn 1,000 points per paid night, beginning with the first stay. You’ll also earn an extra elite qualifying night, which will help you obtain or renew your status in 2023.
If you also happen to have a Marriott co-branded credit card, such as the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card or the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card, keep in mind that you’ll earn 5 Bonvoy points per dollar spent at Marriott properties.
You’ll need to be on a qualifying rate to be eligible for this promotion, which is defined as any paid rate. Unfortunately, bookings made with points or Free Night Awards aren’t eligible for this promotion.
Keep in mind that you must register by April 9, 2023 prior to the first qualifying stay, even if the stay was booked before the promotion was announced.
The stay itself must take place within the eligibility period of between February 7 and April 23, 2023.
Almost hotel under the Marriott umbrella qualifies for this promotion, and if you were to stay the full 75 nights of the promotion, you’d earn 75,000 bonus points and 75 extra elite qualifying nights. Bookings at Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott Executive Apartments, and owner-occupied weeks at Marriott Vacation Club, Marriott Grand Residence Club, Sheraton Vacation Club, Westin Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Club, St. Regis Residence Club and Luxury Collection Residence Club aren’t eligible under this promotion.
The fine print states that the 1,000 points and extra nights earned by stays will post within seven business days of checkout.
We’d value 1,000 Bonvoy points at $9 (CAD), so there’s not really any potential to get a meaningful return in points. The more exciting part of this promotion is the extra elite qualifying nights, which will help you earn or renew your elite status for next year.
How to Maximize Double Elite Nights
As we’ve seen in the past, Marriott has released an offer early in the year for double elite qualifying nights. If you happen to find yourself in a part of the world with very affordable Marriott properties, you’re certainly in luck.
If you hold the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card or the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card, you should have 15 elite qualifying nights already deposited into your account. With this promotion, this means that you only need to stay 18 nights to reach or renew Platinum status, instead of 35.
Furthermore, if you hold a combination of a personal and business US-issued Marriott Bonvoy cards, the elite qualifying nights from the cards stack, which means that you only need to stay 10 nights or three nights, depending on your combination.
One strategy for this promotion would be to book at the least costly hotel you can find in order to rack up two elite qualifying nights per paid night.
As long as you can physically check in at the hotel, you should otherwise be set for earning the elite qualifying nights, and therefore having a shortcut to status.
Alternatively, there are currently some great hotel offers available through Edmonton’s Best Hotels, Stay Vancouver, and Visit Richmond.
Through these programs, you earn a prepaid credit card when you make a booking through one of the portals, which can then be used against the cost of your stay. It’s a great way to save money and earn double elite qualifying nights through Marriott’s current promotion and the concurrent hotel offers.
Unlike booking through other online travel agencies, these bookings appear to be made directly with the hotel, which means that they’re considered eligible rates. Simply contact the hotel once you’ve made your booking and ask them to attach your Bonvoy number, and then make use of the benefits you enjoy through your status.
For stays at higher-end properties, consider booking through Marriott Luminous or Marriott STARS. The bookings are made directly with the hotel, which means that they qualify under this promotion.
You won’t pay more than the best available refundable rate, but you’ll enjoy a suite of extra perks on top of your status benefits, including free breakfast, a property credit (varies by property), priority for room upgrades, and more.
Book with Prince of Travel and Marriott STARS
Book a hotel stay with Prince of Travel through Marriott STARS and enjoy exclusive additional benefits at no cost to you, including:
- Daily breakfast for two guests
- Room upgrade, subject to availability at check-in
- $100 (USD) property credit
- In-person welcome and personalized welcome amenity and note
- Third, Fourth, or Fifth Night Free at select properties
Book with Prince of Travel and Marriott Luminous
Book a hotel stay with Prince of Travel through Marriott Luminous and enjoy exclusive additional benefits at no cost to you, including:
- Daily breakfast for two guests
- Room upgrade, subject to availability at check-in
- Early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability
- Welcome amenity
- $100 (USD) property credit at select properties
- Third, Fourth, or Fifth Night Free at select properties
Conclusion
Marriott Bonvoy’s promotion for Winter 2023 allows members to earn up to 1,000 bonus points and an extra elite qualifying night for each paid night.
If you’re able to make use of the promotion, it represents a shortcut to obtaining or renewing your elite status this year, as well as padding your balance with some extra points.
Registration is required by April 9, 2023, as only stays completed after registration will qualify towards this promotion. Be sure to register and complete your stays during the promotional period to enjoy a shortcut to status for the rest of 2023 and through 2024.
