These design-focused boutique hotels are now part of Marriott Bonvoy
Looking for a new hotel big on design? Get ready because Design Hotels just added eight new hotels to its lineup — and three of them let you earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points.
If you're unfamiliar with Design Hotels, don't fret: The brand often flies under the radar, with high-end options like St. Regis and The Ritz-Carlton regularly stealing the limelight. Design Hotels' portfolio features a variety of independent, luxury boutique hotels across the globe, though most can be found in Europe. While the brand itself is a member of Marriott Bonvoy, not all of its hotels participate in the program.
Marriott Bonvoy members who stay at participating Design Hotel properties can earn "limited" Marriott Bonvoy benefits. Those benefits include:
- 10 points per dollar spent on eligible hotel charges.
- Points bonus for Silver Elite, Gold Elite, Platinum Elite, Titanium Elite and Ambassador Elite members.
- On-property benefits, including complimentary in-room internet access and in-room bottled water.
- Redemption of free night certificates without blackout dates.
- Welcome gift of points for Gold Elite, Platinum Elite, Titanium Elite and Ambassador Elite members.
- Room upgrades for Gold Elite, Platinum Elite, Titanium Elite and Ambassador Elite members (subject to availability).
- Priority late checkout for Silver Elite members (based on availability).
- 2 p.m. late checkout for Gold Elite members (based on availability).
- 4 p.m. late checkout for Platinum Elite, Titanium Elite and Ambassador Elite members (based on availability).
Related: 7 ways to maximize Marriott Bonvoy award night redemptions
However, Marriott Bonvoy members staying at participating Design Hotels will not receive the following program benefits:
- Guaranteed room availability 48 hours before arrival.
- Lounge access.
- Suite Night Awards.
- Your24 benefits.
- Member rates.
- Mobile check-in/services.
- Marriott's Ultimate Reservation Guarantee.
- Guaranteed room type.
- Gift shop discount.
Travelers who are Marriott Bonvoy members can earn points and elite night credits when they book via an official Marriott reservation channel, such as the Marriott Bonvoy website or app. You'll have more than 120 participating Design Hotels to choose from — including 12 in the U.S., one in Canada, 61 in Europe, one in the Middle East, four in Africa, eight in Asia, one in Australia and 13 in Central America and the Caribbean — though you may want to prioritize the brand's three newest program-participating additions.
New Marriott Bonvoy Design Hotels
To join Design Hotels, independent hotels have to go through a selection process and meet the brand's criteria, which include the following factors, as laid out on the Marriott website:
- Concept: Each Design Hotels property has a strong, unique identity and a distinguishing factor — the irrefutable thing that makes it wholly original.
- Architecture & Design: Member properties feature thought-provoking design and architecture, in both public and personal spaces.
- Local Integration: Members are more than hotels, offering a destination for travelers and locals alike.
- The People Behind: Each Design Hotels property reflects the vision of an independent hotelier, an “Original” with a passion for cultural authenticity that is enhanced by thought-provoking design and architecture.
- CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility): Member properties are focused on social and environmental responsibility, giving back to their local communities while also taking steps to drive global change.
- Brand: Each property has its own strong brand, combining the property and local area’s culture and heritage with the Original’s passion.
Once a hotel is selected as a Design Hotel, it can decide whether or not to participate in Marriott Bonvoy.
In January, three of the brand's eight new properties decided to become part of Marriott Bonvoy.
Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel
One of two new hotels in California to join the portfolio, the 147-room Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel is a place where there's no limit to the number of textures, patterns, prints and bold colors that can be combined. Over the top in a design-forward way, the hotel, which was once a YMCA, is the type of place that makes you want to redo your home — if you ever leave your room and its Moroccan-inspired tile bathrooms.
If you crave a little more space and a few more amenities during your stay, opt for one of two unique suites: the Proper Basketball Court Suite, which features the former YMCA's original basketball courts in its design, or the Proper Pool Suite, named for its location in the old YMCA's indoor swimming pool.
How to book: Award nights for this Category 6 Marriott Bonvoy hotel can be redeemed for 40,000 to 60,000 points, depending on whether your chosen dates are during peak or off-peak times.
Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs
Dr. Wilkinson's is Calistoga, California's original wellness resort. People have flocked to the property to detox in its revitalizing mud baths since the 1950s. The property is one part hotel and one part spa, offering guests volcanic ash-infused mud baths, three geothermal pools, an outdoor spa garden with cabana treatment rooms and various spa services involving CBD, sound or aromatherapy in addition to standard resort amenities.
Some of the fun rooms you can book include family rooms with bunk beds, a room with a Peloton and even a handful of bungalows.
How to book: You can book this Category 6 Marriott Bonvoy property for between 40,000 and 60,000 points, depending on the dates selected.
The Bank Hotel Istanbul
As its name implies, The Bank Hotel Istanbul is exactly that: a hotel in a former bank in Istanbul's Karaköy neighborhood, not far from the banks of the Bosporus.
One highlight of the hotel is its rooftop restaurant, which serves up international food and views of two of Istanbul's most famous buildings: the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. The bank's old vault is now a wine cellar that offers wine tastings. Since you're in Turkey, be sure to check out the spa's steam rooms, sauna and white-marble Turkish hammam.
How to book: A stay at this Category 4 Marriott Bonvoy hotel will cost you between 20,000 and 30,000 points, depending on when you stay.
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.