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 Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 2X miles | Earn 2X miles per $1 on every purchase, everywhere |
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel |
Pros
- Simple earning structure
- Bonus categories
- Annual credits
- No foreign transaction fees
- Flexible redemption options, including transfer partners
Cons
- Has an annual fee
- Fewer bonus categories than some competitors
- Lacks premium perks
- Limited-time offer: Earn up to 150,000 bonus miles—75,000 miles once you spend $7,500 in the first 3 months, and an additional 75,000 miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 6 months
- Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions, and miles won't expire for the life of the account
- Receive up to $220 in credits: Receive an annual $50 travel credit for bookings through Capital One Business Travel, up to an annual $50 statement credit for purchases at qualifying advertising or software merchants, plus up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® every four years. Terms and conditions apply
- Unlimited 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel
- Transfer your miles to 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Redeem your miles instantly for any travel-related purchases, from flights and hotels to ride-sharing services
- $95 annual fee
- Free employee cards which also earn unlimited 2X miles from their purchases
- Top rated mobile app