Marriott Rewards

Marriott Rewards is J.W. Marriott hotel group’s version of a points program. Marriott is consistently rated one of the top hotel chains for business travelers, but I’m torn on the subject. They are by far the most environmentally friendly hotel as far as large chains in the United States, which is a HUGE bonus in my book. But they charge out the wazoo for internet access and don’t offer a free or inexpensive breakfast, which is kind of a bummer. I don’t want to spend upwards of $12 a day for internet access, and neither does my employer. Courtyard, on the other hand, is now offering both. Anyway, there’s the dilemma and we can move on to the program details.

One small leap for Marriott hotels has been the recent implementation of allowing Rewards members to book Rewards room directly from the front desk. Rooms will be booked at the Stay Anytime rate.

Earning Points

At Marriott Hotels, JW Marriott Hotels, Renaissance Hotels, Springhill Suites, Fairfield Inns, Marriott Conference Centers, Vacation Club and Courtyard Marriott you earn 10 points per dollar spent. You’ll earn 5 points per dollar at Residence Inn and TownPlace Suites, 2.5 miles per dollar at Execustay and Mariott Executive Apartments. And the mother of all hotel rewards – 1,000 points per night at New Otani hotels in Japan.

Airline Partners

Air Canada, Air China, Air France, Alaska Airlines, Alitalia, American, ANA Mileage Club, Asiana Club, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, China Southern, Continental, Delta, Emirates, Frontier, Lanpass, Lufthansa, Mexicana, Northwest, Quantas, Singapore Airlines, SN Brussels, Southwest, TAP Portugal, United, US Airways and Varig. Mileage rates are basically 2 miles per dollar spent at Marriott, JW Marriott, Renaissance and Vacation Club and 1 mile per dollar everywhere else.

Other Partners

Boston Coach, Chase, FTD.com, Hertz, Marriott Rewards Mall, NetBank, SkyMall and Travelling Connect

Redeem Points

In addition to free hotel nights, members may redeem points for cruises, rail trips, ski packages, golf packages and theme parks. They’ll also send you handy dandy e-mails with great weekend offers.

Current Promotions

Redeem for Anything (open to Silver, Gold or Platinum elite members)