Marriott International Global Airline Leisure program rates are discounted 15% to 25% and are, previously excluded, eligible for elite qualifying nights, tier benefits, and points.

You can access this offer on Marriott’s website here and here.

READ MORE: Marriott Bonviy Rate & Bonus Points Offers

Here’s the rate info that Marriott has listed on the page:

• Up to 25% off standard rates.
• Choose from participating hotels across our portfolio of 30 brands and 7,200 hotels worldwide.
• Hotels stays are eligible for Marriott Bonvoy™ points and Elite status.
• Available to active employees of all of our global airline partners.

Marriott doesn’t list its “global airline partners” on the page, but they previously were:

• Air Astana
• Air Canada
• Air France
• Air New Zealand
• Alitalia
• All Nippon Air
• American Airlines
• Avianca
• Azul
• British Airways
• Cathay Pacific
• Condor
• Copa
• Delta Air Lines
• DHL
• Emirates
• Etihad
• Finnair
• GOL
• Iberia
• Japan Airlines
• KLM
• Korean Air
• LATAM
• Sky
• Lufthansa Group
• Martinair
• Nordic Regional Airlines
• Norwegian
• Qatar Airways
• Qantas
• SAS
• Saudi Airways
• Singapore Air
• Southwest Airlines
• TAP Portugal
• Thai Air
• Transavia
• Turkish Air
• United
• Virgin Atlantic
• Virgin Australia
• WestJet

Rate Rules

Le Meridien Bangkok

The airline leisure rate is the lowest, but you should always check any other discounted rate offers you are eligible for.

Conclusion

These rates are effectively valid for stays for all airline employees, not only the cockpit and cabin crews. I would assume that all airlines are Marriott “Global Airline Partners” and not only those with whom they have a Bonvoy partnership (redeeming points to miles), as the previously provided list by Marriott indicates.

Here are the short terms and conditions:

Rates are not valid for business travel. Limited to one (1) room per qualified guest per night. No limit to the number of nights booked with the exception of availability. Airline issued employee identification is required at time of check-in at hotel. A limited number of rooms are available and blackout dates or other restrictions may apply. Rates do not include resort fees, service fees, taxes, incidentals or additional per room, per night charges that may be imposed. Offer may not be combined with other discounts or promotions.

Readers are encouraged to send us questions, comments, or opinions by email, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. We’ll try to cover them here several times a week.

You can access Marriott’s page for the United partnership here.

READ MORE: Marriott Bonvoy Rate & Bonus Points Offers

Here’s the question:

Have a question. Do not understand why United miles to Marriott points is 1:1 (for Marriott Titanium/Ambassador), while the other way around (points to miles) is 3:1 (2:1 if 60K with bonus). Why is there such a huge difference ?

e.g. 60.000 United Miles =(1:1)= 60.000 Marriott Points =(3:1)= 20.000 United Miles + 10.000 United Miles Bonus = 30.000 United Miles (2:1).

Would appreciate your opinion, because to me it does not make any sense at all, and would like to understand the reasoning behind it. Or… Am I missing something.

Historically, you could only convert hotel points to airline miles and nothing the other way around.

Marriott initially had the two-way conversion only with United due to their RewardsPlus partnership, but it has now enabled also for Cathay Pacific (read more here), Singapore Airlines (read more here), and Korean Air (read more here).

Accor has similar conversion opportunities with quite a few of their airline partners, and it doesn’t make sense to convert miles to hotel points at offered conversion ratios.

This is because airlines are not really into these conversions, as their frequent flier (or you could frequent spend) programs are often true money-makers (look at Delta, United, and American). They want to keep the miles within their own ecosystem or offer very little financial value to partners with conversion opportunities.

These airline miles to hotel points conversions only make sense if:

1. You have more miles than you can EVER use and prefer getting some value of them

2. You have use for hotel awards

or

3. You need a small number of additional points for hotel awards

If you have more miles than you can ever use, it probably would be the time to look at why and make adjustments.

Conclusion

These airline miles to hotel points conversions rarely make any sense.

However, I have converted millions of hotel points to airline miles in the past (remember those Marriott Travel Packages) that earned me, back then, a Million Miler status with AA (when all miles credited into the program counted).

Nowadays, you should only use this functionality in “emergencies.”

Marriott Bonvoy members can earn the 40,000 bonus for each Homes & Villas stay that is four nights or longer AND with a minimum spend of $1,500 booked May 15 – 19.

You can access this offer on Marriott’s website here.

READ MORE: Marriott Bonvoy Rate & Bonus Points Offers

Homes & Villas Base Earnings (before the 40,000 points bonus):

• Member: 5 points per USD  = 10 points per USD
• Silver: 5 points per USD  + 10% bonus (base points) = 5.5 points per USD
• Gold: 5 points per USD + 25% bonus (base points) = 6.25 points per USD
• Platinum: 5 per USD + 50% bonus (base points) = 7.5 points per USD
• Titanium: 5 per USD + 75% bonus (base points) = 8.75 points per USD
• Ambassador: 5 per USD + 75% bonus (base points) = 8.75 points per USD

Eligible members receive additional points as Elite Welcome Gift:

• Ambassador Elite, Titanium Elite, Platinum Elite: 1000 points
• Gold Elite: 500 points

Previous 40,000 Bonus Points Promotion:

Marriott Bonvoy Homes & Villas Warning Email To Promotion Participants

Marriott Homes & Villas 40,000 Bonus Points Offer Terms & Conditions Changes

NOW LIVE: Marriott Homes & Villas 40,000 Bonus Points Per Stay May 1 – September 9, 2023 (Book May 1 – 3)

PREVIEW: Marriott Homes & Villas 40,000 Bonus Points Per Stay May 1 – September 9, 2023 (Book May 1 – 3)

Conclusion

Marriott Bonvoy messed up the previous offer and changed its T&Cs twice or thrice during the early morning hours, trying to stop the bleeding of points (there was no minimum spend or payment currency requirement first, as we covered).

The T&Cs of this “new” offer make more sense for Marriott, as the minimum spend of $1,500 is clearly spelled out.

You have to keep in mind that these 40,000 bonus points are worth $200 to $300.

Terms and conditions of this offer:

Earn 40,000 Bonus Points

from May 15 – May 19, 2023

• A “stay” is defined as four (4) or more consecutive nights spent at the same property, regardless of check-in and check-out activity.
• Registration is not required for this promotion.
• Marriott Bonvoy Members earn 40,000 bonus points per eligible paid stay at a participating home rental booked between May 15, 2023 (12:01 AM EST) – May 19, 2023 (11:59 PM EST) through the Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy website (“HVMB Platform”). Stays of four (4) or more consecutive nights must be completed during the promotion earning period, beginning May 15, 2023, up to and including nights stayed on or before September 9, 2023.
• A minimum spend for the stay is $1,500 USD (or foreign currency equivalent)
• Members earn five (5) base Points for each U.S. dollar, or the currency equivalent, on all Qualifying Charges incurred and paid for by the Member through the HVMB Platform.
• Promotion bonus Points are in addition to the base Points and any Elite bonus Points earned per stay within the promotion earning period.
• Charges that do not qualify for Points include, but are not limited to, taxes, booking fees, cleaning fees, security deposits, and extra add-on services purchased and/or applied to home rentals booked through the HVMB Platform.
• Home rentals booked through third-party online retailers are ineligible to earn for this promotion.
• Marriott Participating Brand Residences may be featured on the HVMB Platform: however, they do not participate in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program and do not participate in this promotion.
• Award redemption stays where Points are redeemed for a portion of, or the entire stay are not eligible for the promotion.
• Provided that the correct Marriott Bonvoy Membership Account Number is added as part of the booking process, Points will automatically appear in the Member’s Account three (3) to six (6) weeks (21–42 days) following the completion of their stay.
• Members electing to earn miles are not eligible for this promotion.
• No points are awarded for cancellation or no-show
• All Marriott Bonvoy Program Rules apply. See https://www.marriott.com/loyalty/terms/default.mi for more information.

Bonvoy members can earn 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, or 10,000 bonus points per stay (minimum of two nights) booked using Promotional Code MR5.

You can access this offer on Marriott’s website here.

READ MORE: Marriott Bonvoy Rate & Bonus Points Offers

Note that offers at 5,000 and 10,000 bonus points require booking a premium room or higher. The offer is valid for stays at standard rooms at Element, Residence Inn, Marriott Executive Apartments, Protea, AC Hotels, Aloft Hotels, Courtyard Hotels, Four Points, and Moxy.

From June 19 – September 11, 2023, stay in a premium room* for a minimum of 2 nights at participating hotels and earn up to 10,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points per stay.

– Get 1,000 bonus points per stay at Element, Residence Inn, Marriott Executive Apartments, Protea Hotels (*valid on standard rooms)
– Get 2,000 bonus points per stay at AC Hotels, Aloft Hotels, Courtyard Hotels, Four Points, Moxy Hotels (*valid on standard rooms)
– Get 5,000 bonus points per stay at Autograph Collection Hotels, Delta Hotels, Le MERIDIEN, Marriott Hotels, Renaissance Hotels, Sheraton, Tribute Portfolio, Westin
– Get 10,000 bonus points per stay at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, The Luxury Collection, EDITION, W Hotels, JW Marriott

Conclusion

Booking a premium room doesn’t make much sense if you are a Marriott Bonvoy Platinum or higher member because you should get it, nevertheless.

The offer can make sense if the MR5 rate plan is not inflated or someone else reimburses your stays and allows you to book rate plans with bonus points (for a price).

Terms and conditions of this offer:

Minimum stay of 2 nights required for this offer. There are a limited number of rooms available for this promotion. Guest must book reservation using promotional code listed above in order to receive bonus points. Offer applies to one regular room per stay, per member on dates listed.  A “hotel stay” or “stay” means all consecutive nights spent with Marriott by a registered Marriott Bonvoy™ member.  Offer not available during special events; tax is additional; special offers cannot be combined; blackout dates may exist; advance reservations are required.  Offer does not apply to groups of 10 or more rooms.  Members electing to earn miles are not eligible for this promotion.

I was surprised to see that there was suddenly a Le Meridien hotel in Santiago de Chile that looked a lot like the old Crowne Plaza hotel in the city where I had stayed perhaps half a dozen times.

You can access Le Meridien Santiago here.

READ MORE: Marriott Bonvoy Rate & Bonus Points Offers

The Le Meridien branding is visible on OTA.

And it also was on Marriott’s rate search, but they have now removed the Le Meridien logo from the search results.

The email confirmation comes from Le Meridien.

The hotel entrance is like a bunker.

Accessing the hotel WiFi prompts you for the IHG Rewards Club number.

Fantasy Photos:

Reality:

Suite Video:

Conclusion

Conversions and reflags from a higher brand to a lower one can work well, but rarely the other way around.

How can you convert a dumpy Crowne Plaza, I am generous here, into a Le Meridien that should be the epitome of French chicness and style?

Starwood converted a Days Inn into a W, but I don’t entirely trust that Marriott can achieve the same.

The Crowne Plaza owner has three other hotels in Santiago under various Marriott brands (Sheraton, Ritz-Carlton & W), although they may have offloaded the Sheraton. I guess they have been able to strike a good deal with Marriott.

You could have perhaps transformed this Crowne Plaza into a solid Four Points or Courtyard, but trying to transform it into a Le Meridien will be an utter failure, considering the existing hardware that you can demolish only to an extent.

The hotel employees told me they have 12 to 24 months to have the hardware ready when I questioned that many would be utterly disappointed when they check into this “Le Meridien” only to find out the old Crowne Plaza.

Escapes have been available for stays in the Americas, and recently Marriott extended them elsewhere, too. The Bonvoy member discount is 20%, while the non-member one is capped at 15%. Sometimes 25% off special booking links are emailed to select members (check your inbox).

You can access Marriott Bonvoy here.

READ MORE: Marriott Bonvoy Rate & Bonus Points And Miles Promotions

Marriott Worldwide Escapes

• Marriott Escapes Americas – access here
• Marriott Escapes Europe, the Middle East & Africa – access here
• Marriott Escapes Asia-Pacific – access here

In the Middle East and some North African countries, the weekend is defined as Wednesday to Saturday, while Thursday to Sunday elsewhere. Hotels in Asia-Pacific and resorts may offer availability throughout the week.

You must book this rate at least 48 hours before the stay in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and at least seven 72 hours before in Asia-Pacific.

The following brands do not participate: EDITION, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Bulgari, Marriott Vacation Club, and Design Hotels. Also, JW Marriott, W Hotels, and The Luxury Collection brands are excluded in Asia-Pacific.

Featured Hotels By Marriott:

Conclusion

Marriott has made some changes to these Escapes, and hotels in Greater China may now participate, depending on what version of the T&Cs you are reading, as they are implicitly excluded on one but included in another.

At some point, these Escapes were valid for EIGHT weeks in Asi-Pacific, but Marriott now has a unified stay window in all regions (four weeks).

Here are the terms and conditions of this offer:

Valid at participating properties in the US, Canada, Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific excluding Greater China [“Asia Pacific”]. Availability is extremely limited while supplies last. Specifics of each offer can be found on the offer’s booking page.

The following advance booking requirements apply: (i) rates must be prepaid with a credit card at the time of reservation; (ii) rates are non-cancellable, non-changeable, and non-refundable; (iii) advance booking required at least 48 hours prior to stay in the US, Canada, Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, Middle East, and Africa and at least 72 hours prior to stay required in Asia Pacific. Marriott Vacations Worldwide (e.g., Marriott, Sheraton and Westin Vacation Ownership resorts) is included in this policy for transient reservations only.

For Marriott Bonvoy members, the offer consists of a 20% discount on the guest room Standard Rate. For non-members, the offer consists of a 15% discount on the guest room Standard Rate. “Standard Rate” means the publicly available retail rate offered by participating hotels at the time of booking to individual guests. Rates are per night. Rates are offered for stays Thursday through Sunday. Thursday requires a Friday night stay. Some locations in the Middle East are offered for stays Wednesday through Saturday. Wednesday requires a Thursday night stay. Saturday requires a Friday night stay. Participating resorts are available all days of week, subject to availability. A limited number of rooms are available and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Some hotels and resorts may not be available on select dates. Rates are for standard rooms, per night, and based on single or double occupancy. Rates do not include taxes (except where required by local law), fees, other costs or gratuities. Rates cannot be used in conjunction with other offers and/or discounts. Promotional rates do not apply to groups of 10 or more rooms. Rates are quoted in local currency.

Member Rate reservations must be made on a direct Marriott booking channel such as Marriott.com, worldwide telephone reservation center, Marriott Bonvoy mobile app or directly at a hotel. Rates booked directly on Marriott booking channels are eligible for Marriott Bonvoy points. Member Rates are valid for Marriott Bonvoy members only; to join, visit MarriottBonvoy.com. These promotional rates are not available at St. Regis, The Ritz-Carlton, Edition, Bulgari, Design Hotels, and Homes & Villas. In Asia Pacific, these promotional rates are also not available at JW Marriott, W Hotels, and The Luxury Collection.

As we wrote earlier this week, Marriott has deposited eligible Platinum Titanium and Ambassador members 15, 20, or 25 elite qualifying nights that count towards the member’s status, lifetime nights, and Annual Choice Benefit night thresholds.

You can access Marriott here.

READ MORE: Marriott Bonvoy Rate & Bonus Points Offers

Night credits based on December 2023 Bonvoy status:

• Platinum members = 15 elite qualifying nights
• Titanium members = 20 elite qualifying nights
• Ambassador members = 25 elite qualifying nights

Account Statement:

Conclusion

These bonus elite night credits help Bonvoy members renew their status or reach a higher tier in 2023 + make reaching 50 and 75 nights easier for Annual Choice Benefits selection purposes.

Frequently asked questions by Marriott:

What is the Elite Night Credit Deposit (ENC Deposit) offer?

As you begin to travel again, we know the importance of your Elite status. To help you fast-track your way to your Elite status, Marriott Bonvoy members who earned Platinum, Titanium or Ambassador Elite status as of December 31, 2022 received a one-time Elite Night Credit deposit. The Elite status reflected in members’ accounts as of December 31, 2022 determined the amount of Elite Night Credits deposited. This offer was applicable to members who resided in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan region as of December 31, 2022, subject to the country/region display on their Marriott Bonvoy member profiles.

Who is eligible to receive the Elite Night Credit Deposit?

To be eligible for this offer, Marriott Bonvoy members must have earned Platinum, Titanium, or Ambassador Elite status and resided in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan as of December 31, 2022, and their eligibility is subject to the country/region displayed on their Marriott Bonvoy member profiles.

How many Elite Night Credits did I receive?

Elite Night Credit Deposits vary by a member’s Elite status held on December 31, 2022 as follows:

• Platinum Elite: 15 Elite Night Credits
• Titanium Elite: 20 Elite Night Credits
• Ambassador Elite: 25 Elite Night Credits

How can I check if I received the Elite Night Credit Deposit?

Elite members can view their current and previous year Elite Night Credits in ‘My Account’ either online or through the Marriott Bonvoy® Mobile App under ‘Nights Detail.’ The Elite Night Credit Deposit will appear in the ‘Bonus Nights’ section.

When should I expect the Elite Night Credits deposited in my Account?

The Elite Night Credit deposit should appear in eligible members’ accounts at early May 2023.

Do I need to take any action to receive the Elite Night Credits bonus?

No. Members do not need to take any action to receive their Elite Night Credit deposit.

Do the Elite Night Credits that I received count towards the Lifetime Elite Status requirements?

Yes. The Elite Night Credits deposited into your Account will count towards Lifetime Elite Status requirements.

Do the Elite Night Credits that I received count towards the 50-Night and 75-Night Annual Choice benefit?

Yes. The Elite Night Credits deposited in your Account will count towards the 2023 50-Night and 75-Night Annual Choice benefit.

Remember to forward us promotional offers by email that you receive from both hotels and airlines. Of course, you can send questions and comments too!

You can access Marriott Bonvoy here.

READ MORE: Marriott Bonvoy Rate & Bonus Points And Miles Promotions

Marriott Bonvoy members can buy points at a bonus through July 2, 2023.

Marriott Bonvoy Buy Points Mystery Bonus Sale Through July 2, 2023

Marriott Bonvoy F&B discount is still valid in Greater China (mainland, Hong Kong, Macao & Taiwan).

Marriott Bonvoy Greater China Up To 20% Off Food & Beverage Discount Until June 30, 2023

Select Marriott-affiliated hotels in Japan offer 3,000 to 5,000 bonus points per night through July 14, 2023.

Marriott Bonvoy Japan 3,000 & 5,000 Bonus Points Per Night May 8 – July 14, 2023

Marriott-affiliated hotels in Thailand offer 2,000 bonus points per night through July 13, 2023.

Marriott Bonvoy Thailand 2,000 Bonus Points Per Night April 20 – July 13, 2023 (Book By June 30)

Marriott Rate Promotions

Marriott luxury hotels in Japan offer bonus points and rate inclusions for stays through June 30, 2023.

Marriott Japan Luxury Offer For Stays April 1 – June 30, 2023

Marriott offers up to 30% off leisure rates for many business travelers.

Marriott BreakAway Up To 30% Leisure Discount For Weekday & Weekend Stays Worldwide

Marriott’s International Airlines Leisure Program rates for eligible airline employees are now Bonvoy qualifying.

Marriott International Airline Leisure Program

Marriott has an excellent rate plan for friends & family members of its employees.

Marriott Friends & Family Rate Plan

Important Marriott posts:

Marriott Bonvoy Annual Choice Benefits at 50 and 75 nights – what to choose and when?

Marriott Bonvoy Annual Choice Benefit For 2023 Now Live – What To Choose & When?

Marriott Bonvoy has deposited Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador members 15/20/25 elite qualifying nights as a bonus.

Marriott Bonvoy Depositing 15/20/25 Bonus Elite Night Credits To Select Members

Marriott Bonvoy members can now transfer points between accounts online without having to call customer support.

Marriott Bonvoy Launches Points Transfer Tool

Marriott Bonvoy ends Points Advance function on March 28, 2023.

Marriott Bonvoy Ends Points Advance Feature On March 28, 2023

Are there simply too many Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador members?

Marriott Bonvoy Program Platinum, Titanium & Ambassador Member Glut

Marriott Hotels Now Sharing Elite Check In Numbers At Front Desk?

Marriott cuts point and elite night earnings in half at Protea hotels.

Marriott Cuts Bonvoy Points & Elite Qualifying Nights Earnings In Half At Protea Hotels On March 1, 2023

Conclusion

Marriott currently doesn’t have a global promotion, as the previous one ended in April. Let’s hope that they don’t take as long a break as in 2022 between offers and launch a summer promo this year.

It is not enough to check that the charges are right but also that the conversion from the booked to the payment currency is done at the correct rate (read – not inflated).

You can access Marriott Santiago here.

READ MORE: Marriott Bonvoy Rate & Bonus Points Offers

I was at the Sheraton Santiago Hotel in Chile a couple of weeks ago. Although it is not the most modern hotel in the city, I usually receive reliable service there (and upgrades to the former San Cristobal Tower that is now part of Sheraton).

When I was checking out, the front desk was a bit chaotic, and the agent asked if they could email me the settled folio. I said that I would like to look at the folio to ensure that it was correct and it was the right choice.

Chile is one of the few countries that can charge in both CLP and USD (without the terminal-prompted DCC), and some hotels use both. Visitors to the country are exempt from paying the sales tax on accommodation, and the front desk takes a photocopy of your passport’s info page and the immigration slip.

So, the room rate w in USD was $135, and there was supposedly a minibar charge (it turned out that it was wrong, too), which became $301.

It turns out that this hotel, like many other Marriott ones, uses an entirely fictitious exchange rate when converting the booked currency to the charged one and inflates it by roughly 10%.

The agent quickly fixed the overcharge with a rebate line on the folio.

Previous Overcharge Coverage:

• Reader Question: Why Marriott Allows Hotels To Misquote Prices & Inflate Them By 15%?
• Reader Email: Marriott Hotel Inflates The Bill By Additional 20%
• Reader Email: Another Marriott Scam In Greece (Hotel Processes Prepayment Using DCC)
• Marriott’s Corporate Response To Property Level Payment Scams
• Hotels Scamming With Room Rates – Hilton & Marriott Hotels In Colombia
• Whine Wednesdays: Marriott Hotels In Brazil Using Fake Exchange Rate For Room Rate Conversions (On-Going)
• Whine Wednesdays: Marriott Currency Conversion Scam In Full Swing (Brazil)
• Whine Wednesdays: “Forced” Dynamic Currency Conversion & Clueless Front Desk Clerks At JW Marriott Delhi AeroCity
• WARNING: JW Marriott Rio De Janeiro Currency Conversion Scam
• Whine Wednesdays: Currency Conversion Fraud At Ritz-Carlton Jakarta Mega Kuningan

Conclusion

Looking at our coverage and my stays over the past 10+ years, this practice is most prevalent at Marriott properties, although it occasionally happens at other brands too.

Marriott washes their hands and has told us before that it is up to individual hotels what exchange rates they use to convert room rates from the booked to the charged currency.

It is just unfortunate that these are ALWAYS beneficial for the hotels and not to us.

Hotels count that guests are incapable of doing simple currency calculations and question the charges on their folios which I have always been able to have fixed if incorrect. They are well aware of what is taking place.

Select members have received 15, 20, or 25 bonus elite night credits deposited to their accounts that are used to determine 2024 tier status and which also unlock Annual Choice Benefit options at 50 and 75 nights.

You can access Marriott here.

READ MORE: Marriott Bonvoy Rate & Bonus Points Offers

EDIT: We have received a confirmation from Marriott that this bonus elit night credits are deposited to Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador Bonvoy members in Greater China (mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan).

Reader Screenshot:

A reader with Marriott Bonvoy Platinum status sent us a screenshot of their account with 20 nights added today.

Conclusion

At this point, it is unclear if these bonus elite night credits are only added to Bonvoy members in mainland China or if Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan-based members have seen or will see them too.

Marriott must have felt that they are falling short on the number of status qualifiers in 2023 (the third of the year is already one), and some may give up entirely if they cannot qualify for at least Platinum status that comes with space available suite upgrades, lounge access and/or restaurant breakfast.

You also have to remember that China’s travel restrictions were in place much longer than in many other countries in Asia, and it had its biggest covid waves in the past six months.

Have you received bonus elite night credits from Marriott Bonvoy?

Marriott tweaked the promo terms two or three times on the first date to make the promotional less lucrative (booking amount requirement and later USD/EUR/GBP) – read more here.

You can access Marriott Bonvoy Homes & Villas here.

READ MORE: Marriott Bonvoy Rate & Bonus Points Offers

Marriott’s Email:

Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy – IMPORTANT READ

Dear Homes & Villas Guest,

We are excited for your upcoming stays with us. We have noticed that you booked with us during our 40k Bonus Points Promotion. We wanted to remind you of our Promotion Details and Terms and Conditions (linked for your reference):

Promotion applies to a minimum 4-night ‘stay,’ which is considered one or more consecutive nights at the same Participating Property regardless of check-in and check-out activity.

You cannot earn or receive benefits at multiple Participating Properties for the same stay date(s).

You must be present and complete your stay at the home rental in order to earn Points and Elite Night Credits.

If you are unable to complete your stay, please review the cancellation policy for your reservation and take action as appropriate. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

Sincerely, Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy Team

Marriott’s problem is that there must be Bonvoy members who merely made the booking(s) to get the bonus points and elite qualifying nights without actually caring about the stay portion.

When we published a preview of this offer, some readers commented that you could book Homes & Villas for three/four days in some markets for less than $200, and the 40,000 bonus points are worth about that or more.

Homes & Villas 40,000 Bonus Points Offer Coverage:

PREVIEW: Marriott Homes & Villas 40,000 Bonus Points Per Stay May 1 – September 9, 2023 (Book May 1 – 3)

NOW LIVE: Marriott Homes & Villas 40,000 Bonus Points Per Stay May 1 – September 9, 2023 (Book May 1 – 3)

Marriott Homes & Villas 40,000 Bonus Points Offer Terms & Conditions Changes

Conclusion

This promotion was not correctly executed at Marriott’s end. Nobody thought that some would book these Homes & Villas to merely collect the bonus points in markets where they are cheap.

During the early morning hours on Monday, the T&Cs were amended once or twice, trying to make the offer tighter and less financially draining by having first the minimum spend requirement and later that the booking must be in USD/EUR/GBP.

Now, some members might be left with overlapping bookings that they may not even use or use completely.

Marriott here clarifies that members who don’t consume the stay or have overlapping stays won’t get the bonus points per the T&Cs of the program and promotion.

Marriott Bonvoy members can earn 3,000 bonus points per night at select service and 5000 points per night at full-service ones if booked using Promotional Code MR5.

You can access this offer on Marriott’s website here.

READ MORE: Marriott Bonvoy Rate & Bonus Points Offers

Eligible Brands:

3,000 Points Night Bonus

• Fairfield
• Aloft
• Moxy
• Courtyard
• Four Points by Sheraton

5,000 Points Night Bonus

• Westin
• Sheraton
• Tribute Portfolio

Conclusion

You always have to compare all the rates offered by these hotels, as this bonus points one ONLY applies if booked using this specific rate plan that may or may not be the most reasonable one.

Keep in mind that 3,000 Bonvoy points are worth $15 to $20, and 5,000 points $25 to $35.

Terms and conditions of this offer:

This offer applies only to the participating hotels that are displayed in the search results below. There are a limited number of rooms available for this promotion. Guest must book reservation using promotional code listed above in order to receive bonus points. Offer applies to one regular room per stay, per member on dates listed.  A “hotel stay” or “stay” means all consecutive nights spent with Marriott by a registered Marriott Bonvoy™ member.  Offer not available during special events; tax is additional; special offers cannot be combined; blackout dates may exist; advance reservations are required.  Offer does not apply to groups of 10 or more rooms.  Members electing to earn miles are not eligible for this promotion.

Members can buy or be gifted through Buy Points up to 100,000 points every calendar year and can buy an additional 100,000 points when making award reservations (see below). Members can also move points between accounts with a separate limit (read more here).

You can check your Marriott buy points offer here.

READ MORE: Marriott Bonvoy Rate & Bonus Points Offers

Note that a member’s account that receives the points must have been open for at least 90 days OR 30 if there has been any qualifying activity.

Price at 50% Bonus:

The price of a Bonvoy point (one) is 0.83 cents under this campaign.

You can also buy points during the award booking process:

Marriott Bonvoy Members Can Buy Points During Award Booking

Marriott Points Transfer Tool

Marriott Bonvoy Launches Points Transfer Tool

Conclusion

Marriott has sold points at various bonuses in the past year, and most offers range between 40-60% bonus. This offer falls within that range, and while not the usual best, at least in my case, it’s also not that bad.

You should only consider buying points during these sales IF you can beneficially use them (save cash over higher paid rates, transfer them to mileage programs that don’t sell miles on their own such as ANA Mileage Club).

The terms & conditions of this offer:

• Transactions must be completed between 9:00 a.m. ET May 4, 2023, and 11:59 p.m. ET July 2, 2023, to be eligible for the bonus Points purchase offer with a minimum purchase of 2,000 Points.

• The bonus Points earned with this promotion through the Buy Points or Gift Points pages are not included in the annual purchase limit of 100,000 Points.

• Bonus Points purchase offer will remain the same for each Points purchase transaction made during the promotion period.

• This offer is valid only for Points purchased through the promotion’s Buy Points and Gift Points pages.

• This is an exclusive, nontransferable offer for the intended recipient only, and it may not be forwarded.

• Marriott reserves the right to terminate this promotion at any time.

*Program Rules

• In 2023, members may purchase or receive as a gift a combined maximum of 100,000 Points per calendar year when purchased through our Buy Points and Gift Points pages (this website), Buy Points Points.com-powered window on Marriott websites, Marriott Mobile Apps or the Customer Engagement Centers.

• Members may purchase up to an additional 100,000 Points annually while booking a hotel stay through the reservation path on marriott.com.

• Purchased or gifted Points do not count toward Marriott Bonvoy® Elite Status.

• Purchase rate is $12.50 USD per 1,000 Points.

• Points will be posted to the Member’s Account within 72 hours after the transaction is complete.

• A member must be an active member in good standing to purchase and/or receive Points.

• New members may purchase Points thirty (30) days after enrollment in the Marriott Bonvoy program.

• Once Points have been purchased or gifted, no refunds will be permitted.

• Purchasing Points using a Marriott Bonvoy® cobrand credit card will earn Points as an everyday purchase.

• All Marriott Bonvoy Program Rules apply and can be found at https://www.marriott.com/loyalty/terms/default.mi.

• For members purchasing Points using a foreign currency, Points are sold in U.S. dollars (US$). Points can be redeemed globally for stays at hotels that participate in Marriott Bonvoy, as well as with third-party programs that have a business relationship with Marriott Bonvoy, such as airline frequent flyer programs. Learn more about the Marriott Bonvoy program here and ways to redeem your Points here. Please refer to your credit card company for foreign exchange rates. Once purchased, Purchaser’s credit card statement will reflect payment in their home currency on an itemized line displaying the foreign exchange rate charged by their issuing bank.

Following a police report by the victim, the alleged fraudster who stayed at the hotel with his 25-year-old female partner and their infant son, was arrested as the Naples Police Department responded with six officers to the scene (likely due to the criminal record of the individual).

A few things stand out in this case, one being that a case of identity theft and fraud of loyalty points is followed up on so quickly and diligently as this case and also that the local police department deploys so many resources to a case such as this.

The case was revealed on Flyertalk by member KRSW (see the thread here) and the victim in the case contacted the police to report identity theft and misuse of her Bonvoy loyalty currency [points].

Here is the police report quoted by the FT member:

On Thursday 04/27/2023 at approximately 1300 hours Sgt Perez #262, Det Martinez #274, M/Ofc Collins #227, M/Ofc Perry #224, Ofc Granese #291 and Ofc Blomquist #321 responded to a call for a fraud located at 4075 9th St N (The Residence Inn).

The initial call was made by J**** ****** who going forward will be referred to as the victim. The victim stated she had received an email on Wednesday 04/26/2023 at approximately 1200 hours (est) stating her personal identification information had been stolen including her Marriott rewards account information. The victim further stated she had received an email from the Residence Inn confirming a reservation that she had not booked using her rewards account. The victim called the business and thought to have cancelled the reservation and changed the log in for the account but when she woke up this morning and checked her email at approximately 1230 hours( est) she had a notification stating that someone had checked into the Residence Inn using her account info. Email was sent at approximately 0415 hours( est) on Thursday 04/27/2023. The victim was emailed a blank sworn statement to be completed and expressed to Ofc Blomquist that she wanted to pursue prosecution.

Upon arrival officers were met by J** A** the general manager of the establishment. A** stated he was present when Cobb checked into the hotel and that the reservation was made in the name of the victim but that someone called claiming to be the victim and told the hotel that Cobb was allowed to check in for that reservation. A** informed the officers Cobb had checked in at around 1545 hours on Wednesday 04/26/2023. After the arrival of the officers and A** made phone contact with the victim confirming that the victim did not know or authorize Cobb to use her information for the reservation A** led the officers to the reserved room in order to be evicted from it. A sworn statement was completed by A**.

In the reserved room officers found 1 male and 1 female later identified as Eric Quilliam Cobb (29, (M) and Drew Christian Hamilton (DOB 25, (F) along with their infant son Sage Cobb (DOB 6/2022). Officers escorted the individuals from the building while continuing the investigation. Cobb only stated during our initial investigation that his friend, who’s name he does not know, made the reservation for him. Cobb was taken into custody and removed to N.J.C by Ofc Granese. Both individuals were given an indefinite trespass warning from the location and informed not to return. Hamilton left the area by uber with her son and a notification was made to the department of children and families by Ofc Blomquist.

What’s interesting here is the timeline. The victim reacted very quickly and precisely, contacting the local law enforcement agency where the crime was occurring rather than a police department in her own city (assuming here that she doesn’t live in Naples, FL). Likewise, the Naples PD was very quick to connect the dots, respond to the scene, and make the appropriate arrest as the victim pressed charges.

This would have most likely gone unnoticed or without consequences had the victim of the fraud not pursued this case as Marriott Corporate like doesn’t care much about it even IF they refund the points to victims of fraud. It’s usually up to the individual involved in a case to make sure offenders will be tracked down and prosecuted as happened in this case.

According to the post on Flyertalk, the alleged fraudster has an extensive criminal record in Florida and that particular country alone, hence why the police department was likely inclined to respond with the large amount officers (six), which isn’t typical for a simple fraud investigation. Mind you, Naples is a rather safe and affluent place where law enforcement is inclined to keep it that way. Making quick arrests and prosecuting cases sends signals to criminals to not try to pull anything in a particular community, just like not taking any action sends all the wrong signals inviting even more crime.

Marriott should thank the Bonvoy member and the General Manager of this hotel for their quick action as likewise it sends a signal to potential fraudsters that this isn’t a petty crime and there WILL be consequences if caught.

I wonder though how the transaction could go through even after the victim changed her passwords on the Bonvoy account and notified the hotel. Does Marriott have a deeper problem with account security than it appears?

There are always hacks, such as the 2020 data breach with over five million customers affected:

Marriott Data Breach 5.2 Million Guests Affected

Such data usually winds up in illicit databases for sale. It’s likely that the fraudster obtained it there or through another source. He’ll eventually have to answer for all this in court.

It’s not unusual that even unsuspecting guests check in at hotels who have reservations that they purchased online in good faith, as that’s a common method of fraudsters to offload loyalty points. Sell something, for example, on Facebook marketplace or classifieds, claiming it’s a booking they can’t use themselves, but that is transferable and offer a good deal. Many people jump on it, not knowing how this booking really came about.

Now, in this case, that is highly unlikely as you have a notorious criminal involved as the main culprit, and he couldn’t provide any further details to the responding officers. Not that he should, at least not without an attorney present. But if this individual were entirely innocent, the first thing one would instinctively do is pull up the correspondence on the cellphone to show how you ended up at the hotel.

Conclusion

HUGE kudos to the fraud victim and Naples Police Department, who actually responded to the report as quickly as they did and made an arrest in the case. Also, the management of the property was on the ball as well although I’m not sure how the fraudster was actually allowed to check in when she notified the hotel beforehand and why the reservation was still active rather than being canceled and refunded.

Were hotel management purposely waiting to see who shows up and then see how it plays out? If so I admire their sense of adventure for playing detective, but the problem is you never know who shows up and a hotel is the last place where you want anything violent to occur.