New Category 5 Options for Redeeming Marriott Free Night Certificates
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
Marriott recently announced its category changes for 2018 and, as you'd expect, most of the news was bad. Of the 1,330 properties changing category, over 1,000 moved up while only 250 or so moved down, meaning you'll have to pay more points for an award stay at the vast majority of hotels changing categories.
There's a silver lining, however, as a number of Category 6 hotels moved down to Category 5, making them bookable with Marriott free night certificates available to holders of the Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card. With this card, you receive a free night certificate annually, good for a stay at a Category 1-5 property. With the changes having just gone into effect as of March 6, here are some of the best new options for redeeming your free night certificates.
JW Marriott Shanghai Tomorrow Square
Shanghai has one of the most distinctive skylines of any city in the world, and the unique design of the JW Marriott at Tomorrow Square — the eighth-tallest building in the city — certainly adds to that. The hotel is ideally situated next to People's Square with easy access to three different metro lines. With cash rates often starting north of $200, this hotel is now one of the best uses of free night certificates.
Residence Inn Miami Aventura Mall
Miami is an incredibly fun city, but it can get tiring pretty quickly. If, like TPG himself, you find yourself growing out of some the "louder" hotel scenes, consider staying in Aventura on your next trip. Located on the north side of Miami, it still offers all the food, shopping, beaches and nightlife you'd expect, but you'll also have a quieter place to retreat to at the end of the day. The Residence Inn is just a few blocks from the water and, like the name suggests, is next to one of Miami's biggest malls. In a city that normally has sky-high hotel prices your free night will feel even sweeter.
Courtyard Seoul Namdaemun
The Courtyard Seoul Namdaemun is the perfect blend of ancient history and all the modern finishes you'd expect. Wander through back alleys in the nearby neighborhood to find a bite to eat, or walk right across the street to visit the Sungnyemun gate, a relic of the fortress wall that surrounded Seoul during the 14th-century Joseon dynasty.
Long Island Marriott
After completing extensive renovations in 2017, the Long Island Marriott is ready to show off its new "great room lobby" to guests. The largest hotel on the island offers easy access to nearby attractions such as Eisenhower Park and Nassau Coliseum. With over 28,000 square feet of event space, this hotel is ideal for both business and leisure travelers.
Residence Inn Rio de Janeiro Barra da Tijuca
The Barra da Tijuca district of Rio is best known for its beautiful beaches and rivers, but it's also home to two newly minted Category 5 Marriotts. The Residence Inn and the Courtyard it shares a building with both dropped from Category 6 to Category 5 as part of this year's changes. While the Courtyard looks nice enough, the Residence Inn boasts studio apartments (shown below) with fully equipped kitchens that make for a much comfier long-term stay.
Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark Hotel
The Renaissance SouthPark is located smack in the middle of some of Charlotte's best shopping and dining, giving guests plenty of options to relax and recharge. Or you could stay in and enjoy locally sourced food at the hotel's signature Flagstone restaurant. With a "local navigator" to help you discover the city's hidden gems, guests are sure to feel right at home at this charming southern property.
