Bits: last day to book the Hilton flash sale, new Marriott pricing policy announced

News in brief:

Last day to book the Hilton flash sale

A quick reminder that today is the last day to book rooms in the Hilton seven day ‘flash sale’ which runs until midnight tonight (Sunday).

It is offering special deals at 300 hotels across Europe (including the UK), Middle East and Africa, but only at weekends.  Many rooms are discounted by 30%, except for Hampton by Hilton hotels where the maximum discount is 15%.

The rates are valid for weekend stays until 3rd July.  You will also find that some hotels have loaded these rates for weekday stays.

As usual with Hilton sales, you need to take the ‘30% discount’ with a pinch of salt.  This is based on the discount from ‘Best Available Rate’ for the same day.  However, these sale rates require pre-payment and are non-refundable.  A ‘Best Available Rate’ room is cancellable without charge.

If you have any weekends away planned between now and 3rd July, you should take a look at these offers to see if there is anything of interest.  The ‘flash sale’ website is here.

Marriott launching new price guarantee

IHG did it, Hilton did it – and now Marriott is jumping in too.

Starting on 11th April, Marriott will be offering exclusive online rates at all of its properties – across all of its many brands – to anyone who books online via its own website.

You will have to be a Marriott Rewards member to access these prices but, as membership is free, that is not a major hurdle.  It guarantees that you will pay less than you would on Expedia, Hotels.com etc.

Free wi-fi will also remain an exclusive benefit for guests who book directly with Marriott, as is the ability to earn Marriott Rewards points and status.

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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.)