Award Travel 101 Program Deep Dive: Marriott Bonvoy
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Dec 5, 2025 Discover the ins and outs of the Marriott Bonvoy rewards program, featuring over 8,900 properties across 34 brands. Explore elite status tiers, with Platinum status offering irresistible perks like room upgrades and free breakfast. Learn about credit card strategies and how to maximize elite night credits from Amex and Chase. The hosts weigh the program's benefits against its drawbacks, such as resort fees on award stays. Finally, they share a crucial tip: prioritize loyalty strategies that cater to your travel needs over chasing status.
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Bellagio Stay Booked With Certificates
- Mike used two Bonvoy free-night certificates plus points to book three nights at the Bellagio after MGM teamed with Marriott.
- The certificates covered two nights and he topped off for the third, saving a large cash outlay.
Scale Is Marriott's Core Advantage
- Marriott's footprint is its biggest strength, covering budget to luxury across thousands of properties worldwide.
- That scale makes Marriott the default for road trips and business travel where location variety matters.
Target Platinum For Best Benefits
- Aim for Platinum Elite because it unlocks the most useful benefits like free breakfast, upgrades, and 4pm late checkout.
- Use credit cards or night credits strategically to reach 50 qualifying nights rather than chasing lower tiers.