14 Marriott hotels you should really book before dynamic pricing begins
Big changes are coming this month when Marriott switches over to dynamic pricing — or "flexible point redemption," as the world's largest hotel brand is calling it.
And while we've had a few months to brace for the changes, more information is finally coming to light, including an exact start date for the switch (March 29), and the fact that most hotels will stay within their current peak and off-peak pricing bands for the rest of the year.
What we should expect is for a lot of hotels' nightly redemption rates to fluctuate within those bands to be more aligned with hotel rates and availability. In theory, hotels could charge maximum rates for the rest of the year, though a Marriott spokesperson told TPG that there are and will continue to be "established criteria run by the program that do/will determine redemption rates."
But the reality of the situation is that a lot of our favorite Marriott hotel and resort redemptions are about to be more expensive than ever before.
We already knew that 97% of hotels would remain in Marriott's current pricing category with rates shifting dynamically within those ranges. But for the other 3% of those hotels, or about 200 properties, maximum and minimum pricing will increase between 5,000 and 30,000 points per night. Ultimately, around 30 Marriott properties could land at nightly rates over the Category 8 peak rates.
In fact, Marriott recently released a list of the properties that will be changing and we're sad to see some of our favorite, most aspirational properties (the ones where you really get an amazing bang for your buck) on the roster.
Fortunately, there's still a bit of time left to book those properties under Bonvoy's current pricing structure. And that's exactly what we're doing.
Here, you'll find a handful of the Marriott hotels and resorts you should strongly consider booking before the changes go into effect at the end of the month.
Hotels increasing by 10,000 points
SpringHill Suites Springdale Zion National Park — Springdale, Utah
When TPG content director Summer Hull said this property might be the best SpringHill Suites location on Earth, she meant it.
And it's easy to see why, considering its incredible location near Zion National Park, its comfortable suites, free breakfast and lack of resort fee. It may not be the Ritz, but it's an incredible hotel to use as a base for a national park getaway. Clearly, Marriott sees that value — it's about to get 10,000 points more expensive.
How to book right now: Free nights in a standard suite at this Category 6 Marriott property cost 40,000 to 60,000 Bonvoy points per night. This means some nights should be eligible to book with a Marriott 50,000-point award certificate.
The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun — Cancun, Mexico
Another hotel getting a 10,000-point bump, The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun, was in need of a facelift when we reviewed the property in 2019 — and, thankfully, since then it's had some work done. There, you can expect the luxury brand's high level of service along with newly renovated rooms, large pools and a beach area, tennis courts, a handful of restaurants, bars and more.
How to book right now: A Category 6 Marriott resort, nights here cost between 40,000 and 60,000 Bonvoy points.
W Fort Lauderdale — Fort Lauderdale
It's always a party in South Florida, and at Marriott's W hotel brand, so it's easy to see why folks love the W Fort Lauderdale. In fact, we gave the 517-room, beachfront resort our stamp of approval last year thanks to its stylish design, incredible location, fifth-floor pool deck with live DJs and its overall aesthetic. If you want to book somewhere to be seen, it's time to cash in your points for a trip to this W before it gets a lot more expensive.
How to book right now: Award nights at this Category 6 Marriott resort cost between 40,000 and 60,000 Bonvoy points.
Hotels increasing by 20,000 points
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort — French Polynesia
A trip to Bora Bora is truly a trip to paradise, and one you should book soon before The St. Regis Bora Bora gets pricier.
While we know that finding award availability here can be tricky, it's worth a search now to save some points. Guests at this St. Regis, which is located in a quiet area of the islands, will find beautiful beaches, stunning water and all of the luxuries you'd expect from a top-tier brand. The hardest part of visiting? Trying to decide how long you can stay before having to return to the real world.
How to book right now: Currently a Category 8 resort, award rates here will set you back between 70,000 and 100,000 points per night.
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands — the Maldives
It's all in the details, said TPG reporter Chris Dong, who made the journey to the Maldives last year to check out the highly anticipated Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Island, a property that made our list of best new hotels for 2021. (Just remember your Marriott elite perks won't go very far at the Ritz-Carlton brand.)
While it's true that the property is about to get 20,000 points more expensive, book now for your chance at a more affordable stay of a lifetime. With a restrained and contemporary take on luxury, this resort has it all, including a private "butler" for every room, breathtaking overwater villas and service like you've never experienced before.
How to book right now: Award rates for this Category 8 resort are between 70,000 and 100,000 points per night.
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort — the Maldives
Considered one of the most sought-after properties in the entire Marriott portfolio, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is a "drop-dead gorgeous property" that gives incredible attention to the smallest details for travelers who make the journey to the Maldives. Understandably, it's an expensive place to stay, so book now because you'll definitely spend big bucks on food and beverages at this top-tier resort. But hey, it's worth it to visit one of the most stunning places on the entire planet, right?
How to book right now: You'll spend between 70,000 and 100,000 points per night at this Category 8 resort.
Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa — Dubai
An ultraluxe resort in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Maha is a hugely popular stop for Marriott Bonvoy loyalists heading to the United Arab Emirates. In fact, one TPG writer even went as far as to say that the tranquil desert oasis where nearly every room has a plunge pool is the best-value Marriott award redemption — at least for now.
And considering it's an all-inclusive property where you get your own villa and the activities you can book include riding camels at sunset or dune bashing (exactly what it sounds like), it makes sense why people are obsessed with the place.
How to book right now: At this Category 8 resort, award nights cost between 70,000 and 100,000 points.
The St. Regis Aspen Resort — Aspen, Colorado
Another top hotel pick for 2021, The St. Regis Aspen is probably the best points hotel in chic, celebrity-loved Aspen. Luxurious but not too pretentious, you can wine and dine on American mountain food, take a swim in a heated pool, sleep comfortably in 400-thread-count Frette linens and even play with Kitty Jacob Astor II, the hotel's resident dog. It's a great spot to stay in Aspen year-round, so you won't regret snagging what bookings are available while you still can.
How to book right now: Award rates here are between 70,000 and 100,000 points per night at this Category 8 resort.
The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto — Kyoto, Japan
I know, I know, we still can't visit Japan, but that might change relatively soon.
If you're willing to risk it, book a room at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto before award rates go up. Kyoto is one of the world's most incredible cities, with its stunning architecture, incredible food scene and old-meets-new Japanese lifestyle — and a stay rooted in luxury at this Ritz-Carlton property surely makes for the trip of a lifetime. Not convinced? Check out our full review of the property, which was one of our top recommended hotels in 2021, to get the full story.
How to book right now: This is a Category 8 resort, and award nights here are found between 70,000 and 100,000 points.
Hotels increasing by 30,000 points
The Bodrum Edition — Bodrum, Turkey
One of my personal favorite hotels in the world, the Bodrum Edition is a sprawling resort in Turkey that offers beautiful views of the Aegean Coast, Edition's signature scent wafting through every corner of the resort and delicious food and beverage options I still think about today.
The resort is only open for the summer and will reopen this year on April 22, so hopefully, you can snag a lower-priced award booking to experience the brand's iconic, laid-back but chic design at one of the most beautiful resorts I've been to during my travels.
How to book right now: Award nights here will already set you back between 70,000 and 100,000 points.
The West Hollywood Edition — Los Angeles
You don't have to be famous to book a room at the West Hollywood Edition, but you might just run into a celebrity at this popular spot that blends together the best of West Hollywood and Beverly Hills. With 148 guest rooms, 48 suites and two penthouses, there's a room type for everybody. Catch some California sunshine at the rooftop pool or hit the spa for a facial or treatment that leaves you ready for the red carpet.
How to book right now: For a stay at this Category 7 resort, award rates cost between 50,000 and 70,000 points per night.
JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort — Marco Island, Florida
Luckily for us travelers, Florida has a ton of incredible hotels across its many, many miles of beaches.
One that we know and love is the JW Marriott Marco Island, a resort with a dozen restaurants, two golf courses, a spa and striking views of the Gulf of Mexico. It also has an adults-only section, meaning you can stay away from little ones on your vacation if that's your vibe. It's also close to a handful of popular natural destinations like Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge and Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, so there is a lot to experience without venturing too far from your luxurious hotel base.
How to book right now: Rates at this Category 7 resort are between 50,000 and 70,000 points per night.
The Cloudveil — Jackson, Wyoming
Another one that made our list of best hotels that opened in 2021, The Cloudveil is a chic property in the heart of Jackson, Wyoming, that we can't get enough of. Located on the main town square, The Cloudveil is just steps away from all the action in town, but also quite close to some of the best skiing and national parks in the country, including Grand Teton National Park. Tie that together with a beautiful resort with fireplaces and freestanding bathtubs in select rooms, and you'll quickly realize why the price of an award night here is increasing.
How to book right now: This Category 7 resort will set you back between 50,000 and 70,000 points per night.
Wailea Beach Resort - Marriott, Maui — Wailea, Maui
For many folks, Hawaii is a dream destination for a dream vacation. At Wailea Beach Resort, you can have a little bit of it all, including five pools, two different beach areas and tons of activities for the entire family to enjoy.
The rooms themselves aren't the absolute best on Maui, as we found back in 2018, but what the rooms lack in design is totally made up for with the stunning views and location of the resort. While there are a handful of Marriott properties on the island, this is a great one to book now before its rates climb a whopping 30,000 points.
How to book right now: Award rates at this Category 7 resort cost between 50,000 and 70,000 points per night.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.