6 Ways to Maximize Your Marriott Bonvoy Points for an Unforgettable Vacation in 2023

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With over 177 million members, Marriott Bonvoy travelers are back to exploring the globe and earning loyalty points once more. They’re also utilizing their hard-earned points across Marriott’s extensive network of 30 brands, totaling nearly 8,300 properties in 138 countries and territories. With such a wide range of options, how does a traveler even begin to choose where to stay?

To spark your imagination, we’ve curated five exceptional hotel experiences you can reserve with Marriott Bonvoy points, plus one exciting new property that will be available for booking with points before the year ends. (Warning: this may ignite feelings of wanderlust!) Additionally, we’ve included tips for leveraging Marriott co-branded credit cards to earn points for your next adventure.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

Opened in June 2021 along the pristine white sands of the Maldives’ North Malé atoll, Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands embodies the vision of the late Kerry Hill, the renowned Australian designer responsible for some of Asia's finest resorts. With a theme inspired by the sun, the resort showcases a modern circular design, featuring 100 round, wooden-framed villas (some perched over water, others on the beach, all equipped with private infinity pools and butler service), complemented by a floating, doughnut-shaped spa. The resort caters to families and couples alike, offering a wide range of daily activities, including sunrise yoga, outdoor movie nights, and stand-up paddleboarding excursions. The kids' club features a playground connected by a tunnel, complete with a multi-level playpen and slide with water spouts. Dining options include the southern Italian restaurant La Locanda, where guests can enjoy housemade pasta in a stunning overwater setting.

Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel

After a meticulous five-year restoration, the Belle Epoque-era Matild Palace in Budapest, once used for royal functions in the early 20th century, has been transformed into a luxurious 130-room hotel. The architectural legacy of this UNESCO World Heritage site has been preserved while interior designer Maria Vafiadis of MKV Design crafted stunning spaces that honor Hungarian culture. The walls of guest rooms showcase prints by Hungarian artists, and the headboards are handmade by local artisans. The hotel also houses one of Eastern Europe's oldest coffee houses, the two-story Art Nouveau Belvaìrosi Kaìveìhaìz, now reimagined as Matild Café & Cabaret, with menus curated by chef Wolfgang Puck. Its prime location offers views of the Danube River, perfect for leisurely walks to iconic landmarks like the Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and St. Stephen’s Basilica.

The Miami Beach EDITION

Winter in Miami is simply the best—with perfect temperatures while much of the U.S. is gripped by freezing conditions. Beat the winter blues by booking a stay at The Miami Beach EDITION, where the full Miami glam experience awaits, featuring a vibrant pool scene filled with designer bikinis and toned beach bodies, a lively beach club, a restaurant by chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and stunning interior design that emphasizes Earth tones and light wood accents.

Hospitality mogul Ian Schrager—famous for creating the iconic Studio 54 in NYC—has transformed the 1955 Seville Hotel into this 322-room haven, packed with amenities that appeal to today's trendsetters (including the underground “Basement” nightclub, which boasts an ice-skating rink and bowling alley). Situated on Collins Avenue and 29th Street, it's perfectly located for exploring nearby Art Deco attractions like The Bass Museum (crafted from local oolitic limestone) and immersing yourself in the vibrant dining and nightlife scenes of Mid-Beach and South Beach.

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort

Situated on a small motu (islet) just across from Bora Bora, the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is a stunning destination where the lush Mount Otemanu rises 2,400 feet above vibrant turquoise waters, bordered by pristine white sandy beaches. Spanning 44 acres, the resort features 90 villas, with the most sought-after being the overwater accommodations that boast spacious sundecks and private infinity pools overlooking the ocean's depths. Additional amenities include the expansive 13,000 square foot Iridium Spa, a swim-up bar, and four themed dining options, including the open-air Te Pahu, inspired by French Polynesian cuisine. For those eager to explore beyond the resort, guided excursions to swim with nurse sharks and stingrays are available, along with boat shuttles to Bora Bora where guests can tour the town and enjoy drinks at the iconic beach bar, Bloody Mary’s, a local staple since 1979.

W Rome

The vibrant and youthful W brand has matured, unveiling a new generation of hotels to showcase its evolution. A prime example is the newly opened W Rome, which replaces the brand’s previous party-centric vibe with elegant, intimate interiors. Housed in two connected 19th-century palazzos, this Meyer Davis-designed hotel features 162 guest rooms adorned with colorful leather accents, stylish patterned half-moon sofas, and refined gold details. Major attractions like the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain are just a short 10-minute stroll away. In between your adventures, enjoy an aperitivo in the open-air courtyard or discover the hidden magic garden on-site. For dining, indulge in Sicilian-Roman fusion dishes at Giano Restaurant, helmed by chef Ciccio Sultano, who boasts two Michelin stars at his restaurant Ciccio Sultano Duomo in Ragusa, Sicily, with offerings such as paccheri pasta featuring eggplant, tomatoes, and ricotta.

JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, Kenya

An East African adventure will soon be within reach with points at the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, set to open in April 2023 within Kenya's wildlife-rich Masai Mara National Reserve. This all-inclusive tented camp will feature 20 spacious units, each designed in calming neutral tones and offering private decks that overlook the Talek River and the savanna teeming with lions and wildebeests. The resort is committed to hiring 70 percent of its staff from the local Masai community, ensuring a genuine connection to the region.

Awaken before dawn and hop into an open-air Toyota Land Cruiser to witness majestic predators and large herbivores like elephants, while also taking the time to appreciate the finer details on nature walks and birdwatching adventures. Relax at camp in your private tent or enjoy communal spaces that include a lounge bar, dining area, spa, gym, and an outdoor viewing deck complete with a fire pit.

Tips for increasing your points balance

Since Marriott Bonvoy transitioned to a dynamic pricing structure for points stays in March 2022 (moving away from a set award chart and fixed hotel categories), the loyalty program still offers excellent chances to secure complimentary nights at some of its most prestigious brands.

The simplest way to expedite a free stay is by applying for one of Marriott’s four co-branded personal credit cards, each offering a welcome bonus, elite status, and fast points accumulation, plus four cards that include anniversary certificates for complimentary nights.

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card offer enticing introductory bonuses for new cardholders. With the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy American Express Card (which has a $250 annual fee, see rates and fees), you can earn 125,000 points after spending $5,000 within six months, along with 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after completing six eligible paid nights at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels by January 31, 2024. (Offer valid until August 9, 2023.) Cardholders also enjoy Gold elite status, accumulating 18.5x points for every dollar spent at properties within the broader Marriott portfolio (after factoring in the elite bonus). For the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card (which carries a $650 annual fee, see rates and fees), you can earn 150,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first six months, attain Platinum elite status as a cardholder benefit, and receive an annual award certificate on your account anniversary worth up to 85,000 points. Additionally, cardholders can enjoy up to $300 in annual dining credits (distributed as $25 monthly, helping to offset the steep annual fee).

Although the offers stated above are correct at the time of publication, they may change at any moment and could have already changed or may no longer be available.