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

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 (April 2024)

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.

You can apply here.

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 American Express Platinum in detail here and you can apply here.

You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points indirectly:

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

and for small business owners:

• American Express Business Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• American Express Business Platinum (40,000 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. 

(Want to earn more hotel points?  Click here to see our complete list of promotions from the major hotel chains or use the ‘Hotel Offers’ link in the menu bar at the top of the page.)