If you’re wondering how to save money at Marriott hotels, the answer starts with maximizing your Marriott Bonvoy benefits.
While millions of travelers stay at Marriott properties every year, many never take advantage of the discounts, rewards, and perks that come with the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. A few simple Marriott Bonvoy hacks can help you pay less for your room, earn more points, and even enjoy upgrades during your stay.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a business trip, these Marriott Bonvoy tips can help you get more value every time you book.
1. Join Marriott Bonvoy Before You Book
One of the easiest Marriott Bonvoy tips is also the most important: always join the program before making a reservation.
Marriott Bonvoy is completely free to join, and members receive exclusive member pricing when booking directly through Marriott. Even if you only stay once or twice a year, you’ll usually pay less than non-members while earning points toward future free nights.
It’s one of the simplest ways to save money at Marriott without changing anything about how you travel.
2. Email the Hotel Before You Arrive
Looking for one of the best Marriott Bonvoy hacks? Try sending a polite email to the hotel 24 to 48 hours before check-in.
Include your reservation number, mention that you’re a Marriott Bonvoy member, and let them know if you’re celebrating something special like an anniversary, birthday, honeymoon, or first visit.
While complimentary room upgrades are never guaranteed, many hotels appreciate the opportunity to recognize guests when upgraded rooms are available.
Here’s a simple template:
Hi! My name is [Name], and I’ll be checking in on [Date] for [Number] nights. My confirmation number is [Number]. I’m a Marriott Bonvoy member, and we’re celebrating [occasion]. If any complimentary room upgrades become available during our stay, we’d truly appreciate being considered. Thank you!
Sometimes, all you have to do is ask.
3. Use the Marriott Bonvoy Fifth Night Free Benefit
Among all Marriott Bonvoy benefits, this one offers some of the biggest savings. When you redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for five consecutive award nights, Marriott automatically gives you the fifth night free.
For example:
- Five nights at 40,000 points each would normally cost 200,000 points.
- With the Fifth Night Free benefit, you’ll only pay 160,000 points.
If you’re booking a longer vacation, this is one of the smartest ways to stretch your Marriott Bonvoy points.
4. Check Marriott’s Special Rates Before Booking
Another easy way to save money at Marriott is by exploring the Special Rates section before completing your reservation. Depending on your eligibility, you may qualify for discounts, including:
- AAA rates
- Senior discounts
- Government employee pricing
- Marriott Bonvoy Escapes promotions
These offers change throughout the year and can significantly reduce the cost of your stay. Even if you don’t qualify for every discount, it’s always worth checking before you book.
5. Earn Marriott Elite Status for Valuable Perks
Many travelers focus only on earning free nights, but Marriott Elite Status unlocks additional Marriott Bonvoy benefits that can make every trip more enjoyable. Depending on your status level, you may receive perks like:
- Late checkout
- Room upgrades (when available)
- Bonus points on stays
- Welcome gifts
- Lounge access at select hotels
If you travel regularly, earning Elite Status—or receiving it through a Marriott credit card—can add substantial value throughout the year.
6. Skip Housekeeping and Earn Bonus Points
Here’s one of the lesser-known Marriott Bonvoy hacks. At some participating hotels, guests who decline daily housekeeping during their stay can earn bonus Marriott Bonvoy points.
The exact number of points varies by hotel, but it’s an effortless way to increase your rewards if you don’t need fresh towels or daily room service. Check your Marriott Bonvoy app or ask the front desk to see if your hotel participates.
7. Use Marriott’s Best Rate Guarantee
If your goal is to save money at Marriott, never skip the Best Rate Guarantee. After booking directly with Marriott, compare your reservation with those on other major travel websites.
If you find the exact same room at a lower publicly available rate within Marriott’s qualifying window, you may be eligible for:
- A matched lower price
- An additional discount
- Or bonus Marriott Bonvoy points
The claims process takes only a few minutes and can result in meaningful savings.
8. Refer Friends and Earn More Marriott Bonvoy Points
One of the easiest ways to build your Marriott Bonvoy balance is through referrals. When eligible friends sign up through your referral link and complete qualifying stays, you both can earn bonus Marriott Bonvoy points.
If you have family members or friends who travel frequently, this is a simple way to boost your rewards without booking another hotel yourself.
9. Set Your Room Preferences Once
One Marriott Bonvoy benefit many members overlook is the ability to personalize future stays. Inside your Marriott Bonvoy account, you can choose preferences like:
- High floor
- King bed
- Feather-free pillows
- Non-smoking room
- Room away from elevators
- Extra pillows
Once saved, participating hotels can view these preferences before your arrival, making every stay a little more personalized.
10. Maximize Your Free Night Award
If you have a Marriott Bonvoy credit card, don’t forget about your annual Free Night Award. Many members use these certificates at lower-priced hotels, but Marriott now allows eligible certificates to be supplemented with additional Bonvoy points.
This means your certificate may be able to cover more upscale hotels than you originally thought, helping you enjoy luxury properties while paying little or nothing out of pocket.
Final Thoughts: Make the Most of Your Marriott Bonvoy Benefits
The best Marriott Bonvoy tips aren’t complicated—they’re simply features many travelers don’t know exist. From earning discounted member rates and free nights to requesting upgrades, using the Best Rate Guarantee, and taking advantage of Marriott Bonvoy benefits, there are countless opportunities to get more value from every stay.
Whether you’re a frequent traveler or only book a few hotel stays each year, these Marriott Bonvoy hacks can help you save money at Marriott while earning rewards that make your future vacations even more affordable.
The next time you’re planning a trip, spend a few extra minutes exploring your Marriott Bonvoy account before booking. Those small steps can lead to bigger savings, better rooms, and more rewarding travel experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best Marriott Bonvoy tips?
Some of the best Marriott Bonvoy tips include joining the free loyalty program, booking directly with Marriott, using the Fifth Night Free benefit, checking Special Rates, requesting room upgrades, and taking advantage of the Best Rate Guarantee.
How can I save money at Marriott hotels?
To save money at Marriott, join Marriott Bonvoy for member pricing, compare available discounts, redeem points strategically, and use Marriott’s Best Rate Guarantee when booking directly.
What are the best Marriott Bonvoy hacks?
Popular Marriott Bonvoy hacks include emailing the hotel before arrival for potential upgrades, booking five-night award stays, earning bonus points by referring friends, and customizing your room preferences.
Is Marriott Bonvoy worth joining?
Yes. Marriott Bonvoy is free to join and offers discounted member rates, points on eligible stays, free night rewards, Elite Status benefits, and exclusive member promotions.
What are the biggest Marriott Bonvoy benefits?
The most valuable Marriott Bonvoy benefits include member-only pricing, earning points toward free nights, Elite Status perks like late checkout and room upgrades, the Fifth Night Free award benefit, and annual Free Night Awards for eligible credit card holders.