The new JW Marriott in Venice – a potentially great use for Marriott Rewards points

UPDATE – JUNE 2025:  This is an old article, and the credit card information given is likely to be out of date.

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Marriott Rewards is a loyalty scheme which fails to ignite much passion amongst its members.  It is partly due to the crazy number of nights required to obtain Platinum status (75 per year, in return for benefits which can only be described as ‘acceptable’) and partly because Marriott properties generally fail to inspire.

The company lacks a large number of ‘trophy’ properties – places where you would be eager to spend your points and which would encourage you to put more business their way.

The situation is looking up in Europe, though, with the March 2015 opening of the JW Marriott in Venice.

The hotel website is here.

Set on Isola delle Rose (Rose Island), the hotel is actually a five-legged resort.  As well as the main hotel block, there are four other buildings across the island which have also been converted into rooms.  You can effectively choose the level of privacy and peace and quiet you want.

It is a 15-minute boat trip to St Marks Square.

In terms of Marriott Rewards points, it looks pretty good value.  It is a Category 8 property which would require 40,000 points per night.  Remember that Marriott has a ‘fifth night free’ policy so a 5-night stay is only 160,000 points.

Unfortunately there is no easy way to accumulate Marriott Rewards points unless you stay with them.  The scheme is not an American Express Membership Rewards partner.  The Marriott credit card only offers a very modest 10,000 points sign-up bonus and 1 point per £1 spent so that won’t help you much.  If you are a regular Marriott guest, though, this could be just the redemption idea you have been seeking.

Cash rates for weekends in March start at €252 per night (exclusive rate for Marriott Rewards members) although I would expect that to move around a bit over the first few months as the hotel tries to find its feet in a competitive market.

A Loft Suite in one of the satellite buildings, as pictured above, comes in at €1,100 per night – not cheap but, given the size and style of the room, not unattractive for a special occasion.  Marriott may be onto a winner here.  You can find out more on the Marriott site here.

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How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points and status from UK credit cards (June 2025)

There are various ways of earning Marriott Bonvoy points from UK credit cards.  Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.

The official Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card comes with 20,000 points for signing up, 2 points for every £1 you spend and 15 elite night credits per year.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 15th July 2025, the sign-up bonus on the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is TRIPLED to 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. This would convert into 25,000 Avios or into 40 other airline schemes. It would also get you at least £300 of Marriott hotel stays based on our 0.5p per point low-end valuation. Other T&C apply and remain unchanged. Click here for our full card review and click here to apply.

You can apply here.

Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card

60,000 points (to 15th July) and 15 elite night credits each year Read our full review

You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points by converting American Express Membership Rewards points at the rate of 2:3.

Do you know that holders of The Platinum Card from American Express receive FREE Marriott Bonvoy Gold status for as long as they hold the card?  It also comes with Hilton Honors Gold, Radisson Rewards Premium and MeliaRewards Gold status.

We reviewed The Platinum Card from American Express in detail here and you can apply here.

The Platinum Card from American Express

50,000 bonus points and great travel benefits – for a large fee Read our full review

You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points indirectly:

• American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• The American Express Rewards Credit Card (10,000 bonus Amex points)

and for small business owners:

• The American Express Business Gold Card (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• The American Express Business Platinum Card (50,000 bonus Amex points)

The conversion rate from American Express to Marriott Bonvoy points is 2:3.

Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which can be used to earn Marriott Bonvoy points.