Marriott has a hotel portfolio of over 8,000 properties across 131 countries and territories. The portfolio includes properties for the “ultra luxury” consumer as well as the “budget conscious” guest. There is something for everyone. Its flagship loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy, offers members exclusive and lucrative benefits and rewards. As part of this program, Marriott partners with both American Express and Chase to issue multiple co-branded travel rewards credit cards. These cards provide various rewards and benefits to holders; even elite status (i.e. Platinum Elite). One of the most interesting and valuable perks of the Marriott Bonvoy program and the co-branded Marriott travel rewards credit cards is the ability to earn a Free Night Award.

What Is A Marriott Free Night Award

A Marriott Free Night Award is a voucher that can be redeemed for a complimentary night’s stay at participating Marriott hotels and resorts up to a specific point amount (i.e. 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night per award).

However, there are some limitations on the usage of a Free Night Award:

1. A Free Night Award is only good for a single night stay (i.e. no ability to use a 35K Free Night Award for 2 x 17K night stays);
2. A Free Night Award is not useable for a room upgrade (but a room booked with a Free Night Award is eligible for an upgrade);
3. A Free Night Award is not available for a cash + points booking;
4. A Free Night Award is not transferable;
5. A Free Night Award is not redeemable for Marriott Bonvoy points; and
6. A Free Night Award is valid for one full year from the issuance date.

The Marriott Bonvoy program offers the ability to earn Free Night Awards in the following amounts: 25K, 35K, 40K, 50K, and 85K. Further, a major benefit of the Marriott Bonvoy rewards program is the ability to “top up” a Free Night Award with up to 15K Marriott Bonvoy points.

How To Get A Marriott Free Night Award

There are a number of ways to earn a Marriott Free Night Award, but the most common are as follows:

1. On a co-branded (i.e. Marriott) credit card anniversary, earn 1 Free Night Award;
2. Hit a specific co-branded (i.e. Marriott) credit card spend threshold (i.e. $60,000) in a calendar year;
3. A specific sign up bonus or other promotional offer on a co-branded (i.e. Marriott) credit card; and
4. At specific status thresholds and levels (i.e. Titanium and Ambassador).

The Best Marriott 35K Free Night Award Redemptions

The overall value of a Marriott 35K Free Night Award redemption stems from a combination of average cash rate (i.e. relatively value), average point cost (i.e. usability), and customer hotel rating (i.e. quality). Here are ten amazing redemption opportunities; in no particular order.

The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg

The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg is a luxurious hotel located in the heart of Volkswagen’s Autostadt, a stunning automobile theme park in Germany. The hotel features elegantly designed rooms and suites that offer picturesque views of the park and the city. The staff is highly attentive and goes above and beyond to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay. The hotel’s amenities include a spa, fitness center, and fine dining restaurants that serve delectable dishes prepared by expert chefs. The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg is a perfect choice for those seeking a high-end hotel experience in a unique and fascinating location.

The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa

The Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa is an exceptional retreat that delivers a luxurious and serene atmosphere. Located in the northwestern part of the island, the resort features a picturesque view of the Indian Ocean and a private beach that provides an ideal place for relaxation. The hotel rooms are spacious, stylishly furnished, and equipped with modern amenities to ensure comfort and convenience. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options, including international cuisine and local delicacies. The resort also features a wellness spa with a range of treatments and facilities, as well as a fitness center and two swimming pools. The staff are friendly, helpful, and always on hand to ensure a memorable stay.

Penha Longa Resort

Penha Longa Resort is an exquisite retreat located in the stunning natural surroundings of the Sintra Mountains. The hotel features an impressive 19th-century palace that has been converted into luxurious accommodation, surrounded by beautiful gardens and a championship golf course. The rooms are elegantly designed and well-equipped, offering guests a comfortable and relaxing stay. The resort boasts several excellent dining options, including the Michelin-starred LAB restaurant, serving modern cuisine inspired by Portuguese traditions. Guests can also enjoy a range of activities, including tennis, horse riding, and hiking. The resort’s spa offers a peaceful haven with an extensive range of treatments and facilities, including a heated indoor pool, sauna, and Turkish bath. Penha Longa Resort is a fantastic destination for those seeking luxury, nature, and relaxation.

JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa

The JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay is a stunning resort located on the picturesque Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam. The hotel is designed in the style of a French colonial village, with unique and quirky decor that makes it truly stand out. The rooms are spacious, well-appointed, and feature modern amenities, ensuring guests have a comfortable and relaxing stay. The resort offers several excellent dining options, including a seafood restaurant and a beachside bar. Guests can also enjoy a range of activities, including kayaking, snorkeling, and yoga classes. The resort’s spa is a tranquil sanctuary, offering an array of treatments and facilities, including a sauna and a steam room.

Sharq Village & Spa

Sharq Village & Spa is an exquisite luxury resort in Doha, Qatar. The resort’s traditional Arabian architecture, stunning landscaping, and serene beachfront location make it an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic Middle Eastern experience. The rooms and suites are tastefully decorated with rich fabrics, traditional furnishings, and modern amenities, providing a comfortable and luxurious stay. The resort’s spa is one of the highlights of the property, offering a range of treatments inspired by Qatari traditions, with a focus on relaxation and rejuvenation. The dining options at Sharq Village & Spa are also exceptional, featuring a variety of cuisines, including Arabian, Mediterranean, and international.

W Brisbane

The W Brisbane is a luxurious hotel located in the heart of Brisbane, Australia. The hotel boasts a stunning and modern design, with sleek lines and contemporary decor that gives it a sophisticated and stylish feel. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, featuring plush beds, high-quality linens, and a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. One of the standout features of the hotel is the rooftop pool, which offers breathtaking views of the city skyline and the Brisbane River. The pool area is equipped with comfortable loungers, a bar, and a restaurant, making it the perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun. With its top-notch facilities and attentive service, it’s the perfect place to stay for business or leisure travelers alike.

JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus

The JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus is a luxurious and elegant hotel located in the heart of Istanbul, overlooking the Bosphorus Strait. The property boasts 245 beautifully designed rooms and suites, each with modern amenities and stunning views of the city or the sea. The hotel’s facilities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, a lavish spa, an indoor and outdoor pool, and several dining options, including a rooftop bar with panoramic views. The hotel’s location is also a major draw, with easy access to many of Istanbul’s top attractions, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar.

St. Regis Bangkok

The St. Regis Bangkok is a luxurious hotel that offers world-class amenities and impeccable service. From the moment you step into the grand lobby, you are greeted with stunning contemporary design and warm hospitality. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, with modern furnishings and state-of-the-art technology. The beds are extremely comfortable, and the linens are of the highest quality, ensuring a good night’s sleep. The hotel’s dining options are excellent, with a range of restaurants and bars serving international cuisine and signature cocktails. The breakfast buffet is particularly impressive, with a vast array of delicious options to choose from. The St. Regis Bangkok also boasts a beautiful spa, fitness center, and an infinity pool with panoramic views of the city skyline.

St. Regis Kuala Lumpur

The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur is an upscale, elegant hotel that offers an unforgettable experience for its guests. From the moment you arrive, the attention to detail is apparent, with impeccable service and stunning decor throughout the property. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, with plush bedding and state-of-the-art technology. The hotel’s location in the heart of Kuala Lumpur provides easy access to many attractions, and the stunning views of the city from the rooms and rooftop bar are breathtaking. The dining options at the hotel are also exceptional, with a variety of cuisines and settings to choose from. The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur truly sets itself apart with its exceptional service, attention to detail, and luxurious amenities.

Petra Marriott Hotel

The Petra Marriott Hotel is a great choice for travelers visiting the ancient city of Petra. Located just steps away from the entrance to Petra, the hotel offers convenience and comfort for visitors. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, with comfortable beds and modern amenities. The hotel’s restaurants offer a variety of delicious options, from traditional Jordanian cuisine to international dishes. One of the highlights of the Petra Marriott Hotel is its outdoor pool, which is surrounded by a beautiful garden and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The hotel also has a fitness center, a spa, and a business center, making it a great choice for both leisure and business travelers.

Final Thoughts

On the surface, the potential value of a 35K Marriott Bonvoy Free Night Award pales in comparison to the hotel options available via a 50K or 85K Free Night Award, but looks can be deceiving. A 35K Marriott Bonvoy Free Night Award is still an extremely valuable benefit for Marriott Bonvoy members who frequently stay at Marriott properties. With the ability to “top up” a Free Night Award, the range of bookable hotels increases significantly, which in turn increases the value of this specific award. There are numerous luxury hotels, especially overseas, which fall into the 30,000 – 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points per night range. However, the key to maximizing the value of a Free Night Award remains flexibility!