5 free nights 12 ways: TPG staffers share how they would use Marriott Boundless' welcome offer
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
I have to admit that I've never been in a monogamous relationship with a hotel group. I like to try out different properties and don't always pay attention to staying with one brand.
But even though I'm not a Marriott loyalist, I'm seriously considering applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card while its current welcome offer is in place. You can score 5 free night awards, with each night valued at up to 50,000 points (after you spend $5,000 on purchases in your first three months from your account opening).
In fact, I'm a little bit obsessed with this offer. I've been daydreaming about where I would spend my five nights of free vacation bliss and it had me wondering: how would other TPG staffers spend their five 50,000-point certificates?
Related: Earn 5 free nights and solid perks: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card review
If you, like me, are looking for some inspiration for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card offer, or just want to know where to get away with a solid bank of Marriott Bonvoy points, here's how we'd cash in 250,000 worth of Marriott Bonvoy points.
Summer Hull, editorial director
For a family vacation, I'd plan a five-night stay at the new Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, where if I paid cash for five nights, my stay would likely cost $2,000. I'd assume I'd have to add a few points to the certificates. But the property is new, it's walking distance to two parks and there are fun Marriott Platinum Elite check-in perks (including bottles of wine with cheese and crackers).
Bonus: from here, I can easily try out a TPG favorite Disney ride, Guardians of the Galaxy, since Epcot is just a stroll away.
And if it was just the grown-ups, I've got this fun one in my sights: Castillo Hotel Son Vida, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Mallorca, an adults-only property on the sunny southern coast of Spain. It's another one where I'd have to add a few points, but the 13th-century castle setting of the hotel and the impressive sea views are worth it.
Matt Moffitt, senior credit cards editor
I'm headed to Mauritius for a week next month and have a five-night stay booked at the Le Méridien Ile Maurice for just under 100,000 points for the entire stay. However, if I had access to those certificates, I'd consider canceling my current plans and upgrading to the JW Marriott Mauritius Resort. It looks stunning and the reviews are great!
Andrea Rotondo, director of content operations
I'm looking at the luxurious St. Regis Langkawi in Malaysia for around 52,000 points per night, upgrading for 2,000 extra points per night for a property TPG gives high marks to for both service and style.
Another option would be to visit La Maison Champs Elysees, Paris, a Member of Design Hotels. It shows nights for 59,000 points (50,000 certificate + 9,000 extra points) for a prime location in the perpetually popular city.
Christine Gallipeau, coordinating editor
I'd head to the JW Marriott New Orleans or The Saint Hotel, New Orleans, Autograph Collection. My husband and I held our joint bachelor/bachelorette party in New Orleans a couple of years ago and loved the city. An opportunity to get back down there would be so fun.
Clint Henderson, managing editor
I would return to one of my favorite remote working locations, the Sheraton Kauai Resort on Poipu Beach. By supplementing a mostly free five-night stay with just 10,000 additional Bonvoy points, I'd get to stay at what may just be one of the most perfect beaches I've ever visited.
I'm also interested in Residence Inn by Marriott Big Sky/The Wilson Hotel in Big Sky, Montana for its mountain setting and location near Yellowstone National Park.
Related: A beginner's guide to visiting Yellowstone National Park: Everything you should see and do
Kristy Tolley, editor
I'd like to stay at the Moxy Glasgow SEC in Scotland. My sister and I are tentatively planning a 2023 Ancestry.com-style trip. She's done a lot of work on our family's genealogy and Glasgow is where the bulk of our family hail from. I'd love to be able to see it in person with her.
Related: From paradise beaches to world-class golf, here's why Scotland should be on your bucket list
Katie Genter, senior writer
I've got my sights set on Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa. Not only is there plenty of sub-50,000-point availability at this TPG top-reviewed property, but those redemptions are for beach bungalows.
Tarah Chieffi, family travel writer
The Coral at Atlantis in Paradise Island, Bahamas actually comes in under budget for only 46,000-49,000 per night, and that's for an ocean view room (there is no better sleep than when you can hear the ocean outside!). It's on my bucket list to visit the resort's Aquaventure water park and go down the "Leap of Faith" slide that plunges through a shark tank!
Related: Here's why your whole family will love Atlantis
Melissa Klurman, news reporter
After reading all of these suggestions, I've found a lot of inspiration. One I'm adding to my list with my new certificates — visiting Barcelona, which has been on my travel wish list for years, especially now with an excellent redemption at the swanky Le Méridien Barcelona.
I somehow haven't made it to Barcelona even though I've been to Spain several times. And while some dates at this property price above the range of these certificates, there are many that would allow me to add up to 15,000 points to them in order to book. I can almost see myself already sipping on a glass of Rioja red wine while I nibble some tapas just 110 steps (evidently they've counted!) from the La Rambla promenade. Bliss.