If you aren't already a member of the newly unified Marriott loyalty program — or didn't have an SPG or Ritz-Carlton loyalty account that was converted to a Marriott Rewards account — this may be a promotion worth looking at. The chain is currently offering new members a chance to earn a free night after making two paid stays between Labor Day and January 28, 2019.
Stays at practically all of the 6,700 Marriott properties (including SPG and Ritz-Carlton hotels) count toward this promotion, and the resulting free night is valid at properties costing up to 25,000 points per night. That equals a category 4 hotel in standard season, which is the only portion of the new Marriott award chart that's being implemented for the rest of 2018 (peak and off-peak dates will launch in 2019).
The free night will be credited into your new Marriott Rewards account after you complete your second stay and will remain valid for one year from the date it's issued. The terms and conditions note that a stay is "defined as consecutive nights spent at the same hotel, regardless of check-in/checkout activity," so you'll need two actual separate stays to earn your free night, though you'll have five full months to do it.
You must register for this free night promotion through this link — again, this is only for new members who do not have any accounts set up with the new Marriott program. If you have a friend or family member who has yet to join Marriott's massive program, this could be a great way to introduce them to the points world.
If you're already a member of the Marriott program, or if you're just joining and want to earn some extra points to get started, the newly launched Starwood Preferred Guest® American Express Luxury Card is offering 75,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 within the first three months.
H/T: One Mile at a Time
