Marriott Bonvoy is rolling out its new award pricing structure on September 14. The changed structure will bring Off-Peak and Peak pricing to the Reward Charts.
This new pricing is in addition to the standard pricing that has been in effect since the merger of the previous programs.
The changes have been a long time coming. Marriott Bonvoy first published their combined Marriott/SPG reward charts last year. At the time, they announced that Off-Peak and Peak pricing was coming.
Finally, late in 2019, they have arrived.
Reward Charts
Marriott Bonvoy members should take a keen interest in the Rewards Charts. Once you know a hotels Category, the Rewards Charts will tell you how many Marriott Bonvoy points you will need for a Rewards night.
As of 14 September, the Reward Chart will be as follows:
| Category | Off-Peak | Standard | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5,000 | 7,500 | 10,000 |
| 2 | 10,000 | 12,500 | 15,000 |
| 3 | 15,000 | 17,500 | 20,000 |
| 4 | 20,000 | 25,000 | 30,000 |
| 5 | 30,000 | 35,000 | 40,000 |
| 6 | 40,000 | 50,000 | 60,000 |
| 7 | 50,000 | 60,000 | 70,000 |
| 8 | 70,000 | 85,000 | 100,000 |
According to Marriott, the intention is that rooms will be available at the standard rate most of the time. In addition, they will be aiming to have an even distribution of Off-Peak and Peak pricing.
Other Changes
There are a few other changes that will also come into effect on 14 September.
Firstly, the previously advised Category 8 will be officially rolled into the program. This was previously announced but had no set date. I am unaware of any hotels that will be assigned Category 8, although there will likely be some in due course.
In addition, there will be changes in areas that the introduction of Off-Peak and Peak pricing has some impacts. For example, there are changes in the Cash + Points and Points Advance features of the program.
Cash + Points
The Cash + Points option allows you to use cash for a portion of your redemption. You might do this if you are short of a few points for a redemption night. While Marriott has previously posted a Cash + Points chart, the new chart has had some adjustments.
The following chart shows the new Cash + Points option. Note that the dollar amounts are US Dollars.
| Category | Off-Peak | Standard | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 55 USD + 1,500 | 55 USD + 3,500 | 55 USD + 4,500 |
| 2 | 65 USD + 4,000 | 65 USD + 6,000 | 65 USD + 7,000 |
| 3 | 80 USD + 6,000 | 80 USD + 8,500 | 80 USD + 9,500 |
| 4 | 105 USD + 8,000 | 105 USD + 12,000 | 105 USD + 15,000 |
| 5 | 140 USD + 13,500 | 140 USD + 17,000 | 140 USD + 21,000 |
| 6 | 190 USD + 19,000 | 190 USD + 25,000 | 190 USD + 30,000 |
| 7 | 250 USD + 25,000 | 250 USD + 30,000 | 250 USD + 40,000 |
| 8 | 440 USD + 27,500 | 440 USD + 42,500 | 440 USD + 57,500 |
In a given Category, the cash component will now stay the same regardless of whether Off-Peak, Standard, or Peak pricing is in effect. It will be the number of points required that will vary.
Points Advance
Points Advance is an option where you can lock in a Redemption night. This only locks in the room, it does not lock in the price. With the changes to Off-Peak and Peak pricing, it is possible that the price of the room can change before you pay for it.
The number of points required for the room will be based on its price at the time you finalise the booking. This could be the same, less, or more than the original price.
Final Words
These changes were previously announced in 2018, and now we have a confirmed date. Giving a months notice is helpful.
