Instead of free nights, Marriott is again offering a chance to use points for experiences
Caroline Tanner covers news and travel for TPG. She is a journalism graduate of Mizzou and Northwestern.
Aug. 05, 2021
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3 min read
Instead of free nights, Marriott is again offering a chance to use points for experiences
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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.
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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
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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.
Featured image by Daimler AG
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
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- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
TPG Editor‘s Rating
Go to reviewCard Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. |
Intro Offer
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.60,000 bonus pointsAnnual Fee
$250Recommended 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.670-850Excellent/Good
Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and 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, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees