Marriott Rewards backtracks on its changes to Travel Packages

This will hopefully be our last mention of Marriott Travel Packages for a while.

The excellent news is that Marriott has decided to compensate people who were most affected by the changes to Travel Packages last weekend.

The full story is in this article, but to summarise – Marriott had not told people in advance of the merger of SPG and Marriott Rewards what would happen to unused Travel Package certificates.  When they revealed the answer, many people found themselves in a position which they could have improved with some advance notice.

The news is that anyone who has a Category 6, Category 8 or Tier 1-3 Travel Package can request a 30,000 points refund to reflect the fact that they would have got the same benefits from buying a cheaper Category 5, Category 7 or Category 9 certificate.

The refund is not automatic – you need to contact Marriott Rewards via the website and request it.

Marriott has also re-opened booking for Travel Package certificates so you don’t need to wait until 18th September to use them, as was previously announced.

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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.)