13 top ways to utilize Marriott's 50,000-point certificates for family vacations

As part of the Marriott Bonvoy program, you can reserve hotels (or even Marriott home rentals) using points, along with award night certificates that generally come in two tiers: 35,000 points or 50,000 points. An up to 50,000-point certificate is usually issued each year following your card renewal month via the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. With every renewal, you receive another certificate valid at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels that charge up to 50,000 points per night (note that some hotels may impose resort fees).

Currently, the 50k certificates are more accessible than usual due to an enhanced welcome bonus offered by the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card, which provides three certificates worth up to 50,000 points each after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months of opening a new account. Additionally, you'll earn 10 points for every dollar spent on up to $2,500 at grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations during the first 6 months of account activation.

This means you can enjoy three nights at Marriott properties costing up to 50,000 points per night using just one card bonus, which is quite generous for this card.

Enhanced bonus: Receive three 50,000-point Marriott award certificates after spending $3,000 upon opening a new Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card

Ways to typically earn 50k certificates

Apart from the enhanced welcome bonus on the Marriott Boundless card, the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program includes several cobranded credit cards that grant a complimentary award night valued at either 35k or 50k Marriott points each year on your anniversary. These certificates can help mitigate the annual fees of the cards—if utilized effectively. Each card renewal month, you can receive a certificate worth up to 35,000 Marriott points (some legacy SPG/Marriott cards also provide a 35k certificate):

• Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

While a 35,000-point Marriott certificate is great, the annual up to 50,000-point certificate you receive after your card renewal month with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card is even better. (The Ritz-Carlton Rewards card also provides a similar 50,000-point certificate, but that card is no longer available for new applicants).

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex carries a $450 annual fee (See Rates & Fees), but the annual 50,000-point award night, along with up to $300 in annual statement credits for eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, helps offset this cost. If you value the $300 statement credit at its full amount, and can derive more than $150 in value from your annual free night certificate, this card quickly becomes a worthwhile long-term investment.

How to utilize your 50k Marriott certificates

These 50,000-point Marriott certificates can be redeemed at any Category 1–6 Marriott hotel that has standard award availability during standard and off-peak periods. The introduction of peak and off-peak pricing has added a bit of complexity to their usage.

While you cannot use a 50k certificate for peak dates at Category 6 properties, you can now redeem them for off-peak dates at Category 7 locations. Essentially, these certificates are valid whenever a property shows a price of 50k Marriott points per night or less, regardless of its category. Furthermore, an off-peak Category 6 date might provide better value if it costs 40k Marriott points per night rather than using a 50k certificate.

TPG has an article on excellent ways to redeem Marriott's 50,000-point free night certificates, showcasing fantastic options for these annual free nights. However, not all are practical for families. With spring breaks, winter vacations, summer trips, and long weekends in mind, here are some of the best ways for traveling families to use their Marriott 50,000-point certificates.

Note: Be aware that many of these resorts may impose additional resort fees on top of the annual award certificate.

JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa

Standard points rate: Category 6 -- 50,000 points per night

For families seeking a sunny Arizona retreat, the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort features five pools (many heated to 82 degrees), a lazy river, a waterslide, and a splash pad. Poolside suites and cabana cottages are available for those wanting to indulge in a perfect pool day.

Once you arrive in the Phoenix area, you'll find yourself just a short drive from stunning natural landscapes and hiking trails if you wish to take a break from resort life. When it's time to return, the resort offers plenty of tennis, golf, and spa activities to diversify your poolside experience.

JW Marriott Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa

Standard points rate: Category 6 -- 50,000 points per night

One of the thrilling new upscale hotels for families that opened in 2020 is just a stone's throw from Disney World. The JW Marriott Bonnet Creek features a shuttle service to the nearby Disney theme parks, offering a pleasant escape from the hustle and bustle of Disney itself.

Here, you'll discover not only a pool area complete with cabanas, but also an impressive rock-climbing wall, mini-golf, and an indoor activity center for kids. Additionally, there's a rooftop terrace that provides views of fireworks from the nearby Disney theme parks (when they're occurring).

JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa

Standard points rate: Category 6 -- 50,000 points per night

True to the JW resorts theme in sunny destinations, the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry is a fantastic choice. While there are golf courses and upscale steak restaurants, children will particularly enjoy the Tidal Cove Water Park. This attraction features seven water slides, a splash zone, a lazy river, and several pools, all of which are accessible for resort guests. In fact, this location receives top ratings in our local guide for visiting the Miami area with kids.

The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas and Spa, Cancun

Standard points rate: Category 6 — 50,000 points per night

The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas and Spa is ideally situated on the beachfront in Cancun, just a short stroll from numerous bars, restaurants, and shops. Each room at the Westin Lagunamar is perfect for families, featuring either a kitchenette or a full kitchen, along with a washer and dryer, and a balcony. Note that the standard rooms available for a 50k certificate accommodate four guests, with one bed and one pull-out sofa.

The resort offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including arts and crafts, sea turtle release programs, iguana feeding, board games, a miniature putt-putt course, and beach volleyball. Additionally, there's a playground and a kids club on the property. Other Marriott options in Cancun can be booked with a 50k certificate, but be aware that standard rooms at both the JW Marriott Cancun and The Ritz-Carlton usually feature only one bed, which may not be suitable for families.

Atlantis, Coral Towers, Autograph Collection

Standard points rate: Category 6 — 50,000 points per night

Although Atlantis may not be my top pick for a getaway, it’s a hit with kids. Featuring a 141-acre Aquaventure water park, 11 pools, five miles of stunning beaches, a casino, and numerous (albeit pricey) dining options, it's an exciting place to visit. The Coral Towers is a Category 6 property requiring 50,000 points per night on standard nights. On off-peak nights, you can even use a 50k certificate for the more upscale Royal Towers, which is classified as a Category 7 property.

Cash rates can exceed $300, making it a worthwhile use of the certificate. Just remember that you're mainly paying for the amenities, as the rooms themselves aren't particularly remarkable. (If you're looking to score Atlantis wristbands without actually staying there, here’s my top tip.)

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin

Standard points rate: Category 6 — 50,000 points per night

The Walt Disney World Swan (a Westin property) and Dolphin (a Sheraton property) have seen a steady increase in the number of points needed per night. These hotels located on Disney property now require 50k Marriott points per night during standard nights, with paid rates ranging from $300 to $500 during peak seasons.

While there are many more affordable award options in the Disney vicinity, these resorts may be your best choice if you wish to stay on Walt Disney World property while using hotel points. From the Disney Swan and Dolphin, you can easily walk (or take a boat) to Epcot or Disney's Hollywood Studios, where you'll find the new Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. If these options aren't suitable for your Disney trip, check out other nearby locations where you can use your hotel points and still enjoy some Disney perks.

SpringHill Suites Springdale Zion National Park

Standard points rate: Category 6 — 50,000 points per night

National Parks are always a fantastic choice for family travel, and they’ve become especially popular during the pandemic. The SpringHill Suites Marriott Zion National Park is ideally situated if Zion is on your family's travel list.

Located just a stone's throw from the entrance to Zion National Park, this hotel offers rooms that accommodate five guests, complimentary breakfast, and excellent reviews. During peak season, paid rates can exceed $300+ per night for this stylish SpringHill Suites. Check out some other points-friendly hotels near various National Parks.

Sheraton Lakeside Villas at Mountain Vista Avon

Standard points rate: Category 6 — 50,000 points per night

While many Marriott ski properties in the Vail and Beaver Creek region generally exceed the 50k certificate limit except during off-peak times, a standout option for families is the spacious 1,400-square-foot, two-bedroom villas at Sheraton Lakeside Villas in Avon, Colorado, conveniently located near both ski areas. These villas can accommodate up to eight guests and include a fully equipped kitchen to help manage food expenses.

Though not situated directly on the slopes, this option offers a perfect blend of the comforts of a ski home rental while still allowing you to use hotel points or an annual award night certificate. Keep in mind that the resort may not always have availability during peak ski season, but with some flexibility in your travel dates, you can find available nights while enjoying the snowfall.

Westin Snowmass

Standard points rate: Category 6 — 50,000 points per night

For a genuine ski-out experience on a family-friendly mountain, the Westin Snowmass is a top contender. Located at the base of a green run at Aspen Snowmass, it's just a quick gondola ride away from the Snowmass ski school, perfect for young skiers still mastering the basics.

While the Westin Snowmass may not be the most luxurious hotel, it offers a heated pool, hot tubs, and is within walking distance of various shops and restaurants, making it more than suitable for a ski trip focused on hitting the slopes. Keep in mind that some peak season ski dates may exceed the 50k certificate limit, but there are plenty of winter dates when you can book a night using a 50k certificate.

AC New York Times Square

Standard points rate: Category 6 — 50,000 points per night

Typically, hotels in New York City can be quite pricey, with midrange options in Manhattan often ranging from $300 to $400 per night. While the AC New York Times Square isn't particularly noteworthy, it is a newer establishment that caters to families visiting the city. Although it includes 'Times Square' in its name, the hotel is located several blocks south and is somewhat removed from the usual hustle and bustle of the area.

Explore other great hotel options in NYC if you plan to use points.

Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino

Standard points rate: Category 6 — 50,000 points per night

Families will love Aruba's Palm Beach, which boasts calm, crystal-clear waters and soft white sand. The resort is split into two areas: one for adults and another for families. Additionally, there's a 40-acre private island that you can reach by ferry, perfect for a beach day, as well as for plane spotting and observing flamingos.

Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, Autograph Collection

Standard points rate: Category 6 — 50,000 points per night

For those craving the great outdoors, Kananaskis Mountain Lodge in the Canadian Rockies is the perfect base. Enjoy summer activities like hiking and horseback riding or hit the slopes in winter. Plus, there's an on-site Nordic spa to help you unwind after your adventures.

Kids will love the indoor water park featuring waterslides. If you’re considering a visit to Banff, it’s about a 60-minute drive from the lodge, making it a great addition to your itinerary.

AC Hotel Maui Wailea

Standard points rate: Category 6 — 50,000 points per night

This hotel just opened earlier this year, and while we haven't had the opportunity to visit it yet, we wanted to include this new Hawaii option on our list. Although it's not directly on the beach, I would gladly book a night here using a Marriott 50k certificate. Rooms featuring two queen beds and a sofa are available at this points level.

Using a 50k certificate to book Category 7 properties

Using your 50k Marriott certificate becomes even more exciting when you can apply it to a Category 7 Marriott property during off-peak times. The easiest way to find off-peak dates is through the flexible date calendar search. Here are some Category 7 properties that are particularly appealing for families:

Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance -- Reserve a two-queen guest room

Westin Maldives -- Reserve a family beach villa

Westin Grand Cayman -- Features two double beds

Westin Princeville (Kauai) -- Studio villa featuring a queen bed and a sofa bed

Key takeaway

Keep in mind, if you and your partner both possess a Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card, you can combine multiple nights into a stay by using one certificate for each night with your renewal 50k certificates. Alternatively, if you're benefiting from the elevated Marriott Bonvoy Boundless bonus that includes three 50,000 Marriott night certificates, an amazing family getaway is nearly within reach!