How I'm achieving Marriott Platinum status in 2021 with just 5 nights

Apart from a few exceptions, the past year has mostly been a disappointment for travel (and many other things, but that’s another topic). However, with COVID-19 cases declining and vaccinations on the rise, I have high hopes for what lies ahead in late 2021 and especially into 2022. So while it may seem trivial to focus on earning hotel elite status after months of staying home, I believe the light we see is the end of the tunnel, and I'm actively preparing for future trips.

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For the first time in several years, I'm on the verge of regaining Hyatt Globalist status. This is thanks to an 11-night mattress run at a local Hyatt Place and several stacked promotions, which include having those nights count double toward elite status. Typically, Hyatt Globalist status requires 60 nights each year to achieve. However, the current promotions, combined with the reduced requirement of just 30 nights, have me excitedly just days away from securing this valuable status, which offers waived fees, complimentary breakfasts, and possible suite upgrades until February 2023.

With my Hyatt efforts nearly complete, I’m now focusing on re-qualifying for Marriott Platinum status.

I’ve actively earned — and appreciated — this elite status for several years, and I’m determined to keep it this year. Fortunately, securing Marriott Platinum status will be even easier than achieving Hyatt Globalist status. In fact, while Marriott Bonvoy technically requires 50 nights per year for Platinum status, I might achieve it this year in as few as five nights. Here’s how.

Marriott awarded 50% of 2020 status for 2021

Unlike some programs, Marriott Bonvoy didn’t reduce the status earning requirements for 2021, but they did provide everyone with Marriott elite status in 2020 a generous head start.

Here’s how that looks based on 2020 status levels.

For me, as a Marriott Platinum in 2020, that means I begin the year with a 25-night head start on the 50 nights needed to requalify for Platinum status in 2021. That’s a strong foundation, but it gets even better from there.

Earn bonus nights with Marriott co-branded credit cards

To encourage cardholders to maintain their Marriott co-branded credit card(s), you receive annual elite night credits just for having the card(s).

You can earn 15 elite nights as an annual benefit of the following Marriott credit cards:

• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card ($95 annual fee)
• Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card ($125 annual fee, see rates and fees)
• Ritz-Carlton Credit Card — which stopped accepting new applicants in July 2018, but Chase still allows holders of Marriott-branded personal credit cards to switch to the Ritz-Carlton as long as you’ve had the card for at least 12 months

Until 2020, this benefit was limited to 15 nights per year, no matter how many Marriott cards you held. However, starting in March 2020, you can now earn a total of 30 nights by having both a personal and a business Marriott card.

I hold two Marriott credit cards, both of which are personal, so I earn just 15 elite nights from them. However, with my 25-night head start, I’m already at 40 out of the 50 nights required, without much effort at all.

Double elite night promotion

The icing on the cake for this elite status journey is a double elite night promotion that began on February 16 and will continue until April 27, 2021 (registration required).

Members who sign up for the promotion will receive double points and elite night credits for all stays of two nights or longer. This means I could bridge the 10-night gap needed to requalify for Platinum status in as few as five nights if I take advantage of this double elite offer.

I have a two-night stay planned during this period. We'll see if that reservation stays in place or if I need any additional hotel bookings during that time.

Since it’s still early in the year and I already have access to Platinum benefits, I won’t feel the need to create unnecessary stays just to earn status. However, I might prioritize Marriott if another travel opportunity arises that requires a two-night stay or longer before April 27.

Bottom line

Although I could requalify for Marriott Platinum status with just a five-night stay through the double elite promotion, my current plans indicate I’ll have 44 nights toward the required 50 after that single two-night stay in March.

With the majority of 2021 ahead, it's clear that earning Marriott Platinum status will be easier (and more affordable) than ever. If I had a small-business Marriott credit card to snag another 15-night credit bundle, I would have already re-qualified and could be nearing the even higher Marriott Titanium elite status.

Elite status might not be significant to everyone, and that's completely fine. However, for me, having perks like Suite Night Awards to help my family of four spread out, breakfast options at many Marriott brands, lounge access, and more truly enhances our trips, making them both more rewarding and budget-friendly.

Once we feel it's safe to travel again, we have a lot of trips to catch up on, and we’re excited for our elite status to make the journey even more enjoyable.