Marriott Rewards

Marriott Rewards FAQ’s at a glance:

Program Hotels:
1. What hotel chains participate in Marriott Rewards?
Marriott Hotels, Residence Inn, Courtyard by Marriott,Renaissance Hotels, Spring Hill Suites, Townplace Suites, Fairfield Inn

2. How many hotels participate in Marriott Rewards worldwide?
2,700

3. Is there a cost to enroll in Marriott Rewards?
Nope, its free.

Earning Points

1. How do I Earn Points with Marriott Rewards?
Members earn 10 points for every $1 spent at Marriott family hotels (excluding taxes) members can also earn airline miles instead of points (but not points AND airline miles).

2. What are the eligible rates that count towards earning Marriott Rewards points?
You should book with Marriott directly. Third party booking is not eligible for points (ex. Expedia, Priceline, Travelocity).

3. Does Marriott Rewards offer any credit cards to speed up point accumulation?
Marriott Rewards Visa Signature Credit Card: $30 annual fee, 25,000 bonus points and 1 free night to enroll, you earn 3 points for each $ spent at Marriott hotels, 1 point for every $ spent on everything else.

4. What are the different membership levels in Marriott Rewards?
Based on a Calendar Year:
Silver--10 nights per year,20% bonus points, free check cashing, priority late check in
Gold--50 nights per year,25 % bonus points, room upgrade
Platinum--75 nights per year, 50% bonus points, 48 hr guaranteed reservation

5. How many Marriott Rewards points will I earn per $ dollar spent at the hotels?
10--18*
(Assumes 50% platinum bonus, 3 points for using Marriott Visa credit card)

6. Are there any partner programs that can help me earn Marriott Rewards points?
Rental cars, Sky-mall, Chase bank, FTD, Over 30 Airlines

7. Can I earn Marriott Rewards bonus points in the program for referring a friend?
Earn up to 5,000 points per friend referred (1,000 per stay) up to 25,000 per year.

8. Can I buy Marriott Rewards points?
Yep. $.0125 per point in 1,000 point increments, up to 50,000 points per year.

Redeeming Rewards
1. Do my Marriott Rewards points ever expire?
Technically no, but must make a paid stay at a Marriott hotel in the last 24 months or else you account will be inactive and they you lose your points.

2. Are there any blackout dates for redeeming my free Marriott Rewards hotel rewards?
Starting 1/15/08, there are no more blackout dates.

3. How many points do I need to get a free night stay with Marriott Rewards?
1 free night starts at 7,500 points for category 1 hotels to 35,000 points for a category 7 hotel.

4. What is the minimum amount of $ dollars I must spend at a Marriott hotel before I get a free night?
$577 -Assumes you earn 13 points per dollar (10 base + 3 with Marriott Visa credit card) and stay at a Category 1 hotel (7,500 points). You do the math 7,500 / 13 = $577
($750 if you don't want to get the credit card)

5. Can I transfer my Marriott Rewards points to someone else?
Yes, you can transfer points to your spouse only.

6. Are there any awards with Marriott Rewards other than hotels?
Yep. Car rentals, cruises, theme parks, shopping & dinning rewards.

7. Can I donate my Marriott Rewards points to charity?
Yes you can, a variety of charities are listed on their website.

8. Any other special features with Marriott Rewards?
Marriott Dream rewards tracker—a tool on their website that lets you set up to 5 dream travels and track your progress.

Also use your points for a 4 night stay and you get the 5th night free.

WEBSITE: www.marriottrewards.com