Marriott Rewards is one of the most popular loyalty programs in the world. With a variety of rewards, including free hotel stays, points upgrades, and more, the program is ideal for those who travel often or who want to save money on their vacations. But when it comes to deciding between using Marriott points or cash, it can be difficult to know which option is best for you. In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of using Marriott points vs cash, so you can make the best decision for your travel needs.
What Are Marriott Rewards Points?
Marriott Rewards points are the currency of the Marriott Rewards program. They are earned through staying at Marriott properties, dining at Marriott Restaurants, and shopping at Marriott stores. Points can be redeemed for free nights, room upgrades, discounts on stays, and more. Points can also be transferred to airline miles, allowing you to use them for flights.
When Should You Use Marriott Points?
The best time to use Marriott points is when you have enough to cover the entire cost of your hotel stay or room upgrade. If you don't have enough points, it's usually best to pay with cash. You'll be able to save money, since you won't be charged an extra fee for using points, and you won't be charged a redemption fee for transferring points to airline miles. Additionally, if you're looking to book a hotel stay for several nights, it's usually more economical to pay with cash.
When Should You Use Cash?
If you only have a few points, or if you're looking to book a stay for several nights, it's usually best to pay with cash. That way, you won't be charged a redemption fee for transferring points to airline miles, and you'll be able to save money by avoiding an extra fee for using points. Additionally, if you're looking to book a hotel stay for several nights, it's usually more economical to pay with cash.
Are There Any Other Benefits to Using Points?
Using points can also provide other benefits. For example, if you're a Marriott Rewards member, you can get additional discounts on stays and room upgrades when you use points. Additionally, if you're a Marriott Elite member, you can get additional discounts and benefits when you use points. Finally, if you're a Marriott Rewards Credit Card holder, you can get additional points when you use your card to pay for your stay.
Are There Any Downsides to Using Points?
There are a few downsides to using points. For example, if you don't have enough points to cover the entire cost of your stay, you may be charged a redemption fee. Additionally, if you transfer your points to airline miles, there is usually a fee associated with the transfer. Finally, if you're a Marriott Elite member, you may be required to use points for certain stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are Marriott Rewards points?
Marriott Rewards points are the currency of the Marriott Rewards program. They are earned through staying at Marriott properties, dining at Marriott Restaurants, and shopping at Marriott stores. Points can be redeemed for free nights, room upgrades, discounts on stays, and more.
2. When should I use Marriott points?
The best time to use Marriott points is when you have enough to cover the entire cost of your hotel stay or room upgrade. If you don't have enough points, it's usually best to pay with cash.
3. When should I use cash?
If you only have a few points, or if you're looking to book a stay for several nights, it's usually best to pay with cash. That way, you won't be charged a redemption fee for transferring points to airline miles, and you'll be able to save money by avoiding an extra fee for using points.
4. Are there any other benefits to using points?
Using points can also provide other benefits. For example, if you're a Marriott Rewards member, you can get additional discounts on stays and room upgrades when you use points. Additionally, if you're a Marriott Elite member, you can get additional discounts and benefits when you use points. Finally, if you're a Marriott Rewards Credit Card holder, you can get additional points when you use your card to pay for your stay.
5. Are there any downsides to using points?
There are a few downsides to using points. For example, if you don't have enough points to cover the entire cost of your stay, you may be charged a redemption fee. Additionally, if you transfer your points to airline miles, there is usually a fee associated with the transfer. Finally, if you're a Marriott Elite member, you may be required to use points for certain stays.
6. How can I earn Marriott Rewards points?
You can earn Marriott Rewards points by staying at Marriott properties, dining at Marriott Restaurants, and shopping at Marriott stores. You can also earn additional points by using a Marriott Rewards Credit Card and by being a Marriott Elite member.
7. How can I redeem my Marriott Rewards points?
You can redeem your Marriott Rewards points for free nights, room upgrades, discounts on stays, and more. You can also transfer your points to airline miles, allowing you to use them for flights.
8. What is the difference between using Marriott points and cash?
When deciding between using Marriott points or cash, it's important to consider the pros and cons of each option. When you use points, you can get additional discounts and benefits, but you may be charged a redemption fee. When you use cash, you won't be charged a redemption fee, but you may not be able to take advantage of certain discounts.
9. Is it better to use Marriott points or cash?
It depends on your individual situation. If you have enough points to cover the entire cost of your stay or room upgrade, it's usually best to use points. If you only have a few points or are looking to book a stay for several nights, it's usually best to pay with cash.
10. Does using Marriott points cost anything?
If you don't have enough points to cover the entire cost of your stay, you may be charged a redemption fee. Additionally, if you transfer your points to airline miles, there is usually a fee associated with the transfer.
11. Are there any discounts for using Marriott points?
Yes, if you're a Marriott Rewards member, you can get additional discounts on stays and room upgrades when you use points. Additionally, if you're a Marriott Elite member, you can get additional discounts and benefits when you use points.
12. Does using Marriott points affect my credit score?
No, using Marriott points does not affect your credit score. However, if you're a Marriott Rewards Credit Card holder, your credit score may be affected by any purchases you make with your card.
13. Can I transfer my Marriott points to airline miles?
Yes, you can transfer your Marriott Rewards points to airline miles. However, there is usually a fee associated with the transfer.
14. Can I get free nights with Marriott points?
Yes, you can get free nights with Marriott points. You can redeem your points for free nights, room upgrades, discounts on stays, and more.
15. Does using Marriott points expire?
No, Marriott points do not expire. However, if you don't use them for two or more years, they may be subject to a dormancy fee.
16. How do I redeem my Marriott points?
You can redeem your Marriott Rewards points online or over the phone. You can also redeem them at participating Marriott properties.
17. How can I get Marriott Elite status?
You can get Marriott Elite status by staying at Marriott properties or by being a Marriott Rewards Credit Card holder. Elite members get additional discounts and benefits when they use points.
18. Is there a limit to how many Marriott points I can earn?
No, there is no limit to how many Marriott points you can earn. However, you will need to meet certain requirements in order to maintain Elite status.