A recent report by Frequent Miler suggests that Marriott Bonvoy may have devalued award bookings at some of its aspirational properties, leaving many loyalty program enthusiasts wondering what this means for their points and redemption strategies.
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What does this mean for your points?
While the reported devaluation of 5%-10% may seem significant, it's essential to consider the broader context of Marriott's award chart and the properties affected. As Frequent Miler reports, the data collected by Zaozao, a Chinese award search tool, indicates that the devaluation may be limited to specific properties.
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This development may not be as drastic as it initially seems, especially for travelers who focus on redeeming points at lower-tier properties or during off-peak seasons. However, for those targeting high-end properties, the devaluation could result in a significant increase in the number of points required for a free night.
How does this affect transfer partners?
Marriott Bonvoy's transfer partners, such as Amex Membership Rewards and Capital One, remain unaffected by the reported devaluation. This means that travelers can still transfer their points to Marriott Bonvoy at the same rate, but the value of those points may be reduced when redeeming at affected properties.
For example, if you transfer 60,000 Amex Membership Rewards points to Marriott Bonvoy, you would typically expect to get around 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. However, if the property you're targeting has been devalued, you may need more points to book a free night, effectively reducing the value of your transferred points.
Is it worth transferring points now?
The decision to transfer points to Marriott Bonvoy depends on your individual travel plans and the properties you're targeting. If you have an upcoming stay at a property that has not been devalued, transferring points may still be a good option. However, if you're planning to redeem points at a high-end property that has been affected, it may be worth exploring alternative redemption options or waiting to see if the devaluation is reversed.
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Travelers can use Pointify's transfer-partner explorer to compare the transfer rates and fees associated with different loyalty programs and find the best option for their needs.
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What are the sweet spots in the Marriott Bonvoy program?
Despite the reported devaluation, Marriott Bonvoy still offers several sweet spots for redeeming points, particularly at lower-tier properties. For example, travelers can often find good value at Category 1-3 properties, which require fewer points per night.
Additionally, Marriott Bonvoy's award redemption charts can help travelers identify the best properties for redeeming points, taking into account the number of points required and the cash price of the stay.
Who should act, and who should wait?
Travelers who have already accumulated a large number of Marriott Bonvoy points and are planning to redeem them at affected properties may want to consider booking their stays as soon as possible to lock in the current award rates. However, those who are still accumulating points or have flexibility in their travel plans may want to wait and see how the situation develops.
It's also worth considering alternative redemption options, such as booking a cash stay or exploring other loyalty programs. Pointify's curated flight + hotel deals can help travelers find the best value for their money, regardless of the loyalty program they're using.
Frequently asked questions
What is the reported devaluation, and which properties are affected?
The reported devaluation is around 5%-10%, but the specific properties affected have not been officially confirmed by Marriott Bonvoy. Travelers can use tools like Zaozao to research the award availability and pricing at their desired properties.
How does this affect my existing Marriott Bonvoy points?
The reported devaluation does not affect the number of points you already have, but it may reduce the value of those points when redeeming at affected properties. Travelers can still use their points to book free nights, but they may need more points than before to do so.
Should I transfer points to Marriott Bonvoy now?
The decision to transfer points depends on your individual travel plans and the properties you're targeting. If you have an upcoming stay at a property that has not been devalued, transferring points may still be a good option. However, if you're planning to redeem points at a high-end property that has been affected, it may be worth exploring alternative redemption options or waiting to see if the devaluation is reversed.
What are the best alternatives to Marriott Bonvoy?
Travelers can consider alternative loyalty programs, such as Hilton Honors or World of Hyatt, which may offer better redemption rates or more flexible booking policies. Pointify's credit-card guides + comparisons can help travelers find the best credit cards for their loyalty program of choice and earn more points for their next redemption.
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