Instead of free nights, Marriott is again offering a chance to use points for experiences
Marriott Bonvoy members can again use points for experiences that range from concerts to culinary and sporting events and beyond via its relaunched Marriott Bonvoy Moments program.
The "pinch-yourself experiences" that you can't always unlock on your own include access to NFL Kickoff 2021, walking the red carpet at the MTV Video Music Awards and a custom wedding gown designed by Justin Alexander.
"Launching today, Marriott Bonvoy's new offering of mind-expanding, money-can't-buy Moments with both new and long-standing collaborators aims to serve as a vehicle for travelers to discover the world around them and be forever transformed by the places, experiences and people encountered along the way," the company said in a press release. "Marriott Bonvoy Moments span a wide variety of passions, from sports to culinary, and from music to professional development and more."
To participate in Moments, Bonvoy members can either redeem their points on fixed-price experiences or bid on experiences through auctions.
Read more: Ultimate guide to Marriott Bonvoy Moments
The program will feature both virtual and in-person events, including:
- Exclusive access to the NFL's Kickoff celebrations, including the NFL's Kickoff Eve Party and VIP Concert Viewing Party before the opening game on Sept. 9.
- Tennis practice with Andy Roddick at the 2021 Laver Cup in Boston.
- A VIP weekend pass to the Firefly Music Festival in Dover, Delaware, featuring access to the front row and artist lounges with private bars and complimentary snacks, along with a tent for glamping.
- Reservations at sought-out restaurants, including Thomas Keller's Per Se (New York City) and The French Laundry (Yountville, California), Enrique Olvera's Pujol (Mexico City) and Stephanie Izard's Girl & the Goat (Los Angeles). Some packages also include a private dinner with the chef.
- An invitation to see Alice + Olivia's spring 2022 collection at New York Fashion Week.
Unlike in the past when there was usually a healthy mix of experiences available for bidding and some at a fixed points price, currently, the available experiences lean more into the variable bidding structure. That does make the program a bit harder to utilize in some ways, so we hope to see more fixed-price items return to the lineup in the future.
While some of these experiences may well be "priceless," TPG values Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.8 cents each, so keep in mind your own valuations as you decide whether or not a package is worth it for you.
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Unlimited up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Housing payments may include transaction fees, depending on the payment method
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 3 months + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.