Marriott starts its annual Week of Wonders promotion — here's what you need to know
Marriott is kicking off its annual Week of Wonders promotion, and there are potential deals to be had.
The hotel group is running a slew of different hotel promotions from Oct. 6 to 13. This includes bonus points on paid stays and discounted award nights. Marriott hopes this year's Week of Wonders promo taps into growing evidence more folks are choosing experiences over physical items for gifts during the holidays.
More than 1 in 3 Americans planning a trip this winter plan to cross a bucket list travel destination off their list, according to a YouGov survey conducted with Marriott Bonvoy, the hotel company's loyalty program.
Here’s a look at the most interesting deals that Marriott will offer through the end of next week.
Save on paid and award stays
Discounts on paid stays
Marriott Bonvoy members are privy to discounted hotel stays during Weeks of Wonders. You can save 20% off standard paid nights at over 5,900 hotels globally when you book by Oct. 13. You can view participating hotels and book discounted rates on the Wonders of Escape page on Marriott’s website. In most regions around the world, discounts are only on rates for stays Thursday through Sunday. Thursday requires a Friday night stay.
You can get up to a 15% discount on all-inclusive stays at Marriott's rapidly growing all-inclusive resort portfolio. You can book these discounted rates on the Wonders of Unwinding landing page.
Discounts on award stays
Some award stays are eligible for a discount, too.
Book a hotel included in the Wonders of Discovery promotion and get up to a 15% discount on the award price when compared to standard award rates at more than 4,500 Marriott properties worldwide. Earlier this year, Marriott did away with award charts, but with this promotion, Marriott appears to have slightly reduced the price of award stays at participating properties.
Discounted stays will appear when you search for award nights on Marriott’s website. Again, you’ll need to book during Marriott’s promotional period to get these discounted rates.
A three-night stay at the JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa is priced at 279,000 points.
During the same dates, the JW Marriott Grosvenor House London is available for 210,000 points, while the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani is 109,000 points.
From our tests, the promotional award prices seem to align with what they were before. But if you’ve already booked an upcoming stay, see if it makes sense to cancel and rebook during the promotional period. If the cost goes down, you can rebook at the lower rate so long as you're within the cancellation window.
Related: The award travelers guide to Marriott Bonvoy
Get double points on travel experiences
Marriott is also running a Wonders of Exploration promotion that lets Bonvoy members earn double points on travel experiences booked through Marriott Bonvoy Tours & Activities.
These experiences include things like private helicopter tours of Miami and Fort Lauderdale and private tours of the Louvre in Paris.
Earn double points and elite nights on home rentals
Finally, you can earn double points and elite nights on Marriott International’s Homes & Villas by Marriott International stays with the Wonders of Inspiration promotion. As a refresher, this program lets you rent premium and luxury homes and condos as vacation rentals through Marriott’s platform — sort of like a more curated Airbnb.
Related: 18 promotions that will make your next hotel stay more rewarding
Bid on experiences
Marriott is auctioning off a handful of unique experiences during Week of Wonders. Dubbed Wonders of the Extraordinary, this promotion lets you use your Marriott Bonvoy points for exclusive tours, private dinners and tickets to exclusive events.
Here’s a sampling of what's being auctioned off:
- Embark on a New York City culinary adventure with Phil Rosenthal: Explore New York City with "Everybody Loves Raymond" creator Phil Rosenthal (also a self-described foodie and star of Netflix’s “Somebody Feed Phil”), who will guide you through some of the best dining stops in the city, such as Peter Luger, Don Angie and Caffe Panna, for some of his personal favorite dishes. Guests will also take home a copy of Phil's new cookbook, slated to be released Oct. 18.
- Marvel at the Great Pyramids of Giza: Pair a midnight dinner of Egyptian cuisine with an exclusive guided tour of the Great Pyramids of Giza. The tour includes a meditation session inside the pyramids, which are usually closed to visitors at night, and a photography session.
- Indulge in omakase at W Osaka: The Week of Wonders suite at the W Osaka is home to the ultimate Edomae sushi experience. Sip cocktails in the hotel’s living room before diving into a full omakase course of six dishes and 12 sushi options.
- Gear up for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: The track isn't the only place for excitement with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team. Members also get to meet the personnel behind the top-performing team while enjoying a luxurious stay at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal.
- Cayman Cookout: Head to The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, for the Cayman Cookout, a culinary festival hosted by chef Eric Ripert. The event features a lineup of chefs, beverage experts and other memorable experiences and events in the Cayman Islands.
Related: Your complete guide to Marriott hotel brands
Bottom line
Marriott’s back with its annual set of Week of Wonders promotions. It's not the same level of discounts seen in the past, but you might find a deal that works with your travel plans.
Remember, the promotions discussed here aren't everything that Marriott is offering for the next week. Head to the Week of Wonders website to see the full list of promotions, including discounts on hotel candles and other merchandise.
Not all of the details will be helpful for all travel plans, but if you do have upcoming travel, it doesn’t hurt to price out some options and see if now is the time to book (or rebook).
But remember, each of these promotions ends on Oct. 13.
Additional reporting by Cameron Sperance and Kyle Olsen.
TPG featured card
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.