Marriott Bonvoy has made a further response to the travel downturn with two new perks for members. These new perks come on top of the one-year extension of status that was previously offered to members.
Firstly, for members that earned elite status in 2019, Marriott will be gifting 50% of the elite nights required for that level.
Secondly, reward nights will be available at the off-peak rate for a short period.
50% Extra Elite Night Credits
Marriott has already extended the members’ status through to 2021. Now they are providing a gift of 50% of the elite night credits of the status that you earned in 2019. The number of elite nights you will receive is shown in the following table;
| Elite status tier earned in 2019 |
Annual tier requirements |
50% elite night credits (ENC) deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Ambassador Elite | 100 Qualifying Nights AND US$20,000 stay spend |
50 Elite Night Credits |
| Titanium Elite | 75 Qualifying Nights | 38 Elite Night Credits |
| Platinum Elite | 50 Qualifying Nights | 25 Elite Night Credits |
| Gold Elite | 25 Qualifying Nights | 13 Elite Night Credits |
| Silver Elite | 10 Qualifying Nights | 5 Elite Night Credits |
| Member | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
At first blush, this seems unusual – as you have already had status extended. The reasoning is that they are giving you a head start on getting to the next level. After all, if you already have the status, there is little to be gained by having more stays.
They want you to stay more, so this may give you a little encouragement to strive for the next level.
Off-Peak Redemption Rates
As another incentive to generate bookings, Marriott Bonvoy will put out over 5,500 properties around the world on to the Off-Peak redemption rates. This off-peak rate will be available for bookings made between June 15-30, 2020 for stays through July 31.
So, if you’re looking to redeem, you’ll be able to get the cheapest redemption rates over the next six weeks. Some may continue on the off-peak rate after the promotional period, but there are no guarantees.
Thoughts
It seems as though Marriott has been coming up with ideas to kick start stays in their hotels. This is good news for members. Not only can they get the cheapest award nights, but they have been given a helping hand to the next level.