Which Marriott Rewards hotels should you book before January when Category 8 launches?
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In early 2019, Marriott Rewards will add Category 8 to their current reward chart. This is what you should do before it happens.
Selected hotels which have been temporarily placed in Category 7 will be moved up to Category 8.
As you can see from the chart here:
This is going to lead to a chunky 42% increase in the number of points needed to book these hotels as they rise from 60,000 points per night to 85,000 points per night for a ‘standard’ date.
For bookings on a peak date (peak date pricing does not currently exist and also starts in January) you will see a crazy 67% increase in points needed. Rooms will rise from 60,000 points today to 100,000 points.
To see the list of Category 8 htoels, go to this page of marriott.com and sort the chart by category. The Category 8 hotels will be on top.
What does this list mean in practice?
If you had been planning on staying at any of the hotels on this list, you should book before Category 8 comes into effect. We expect this to be during January 2019.
Your stay can be for any date up to 12 months ahead, so you are OK for the whole of 2019 if you leave your booking until late December 2018.
You will make a substantial saving. It might be your only realistic chance to try, say, St Regis New York – a bargain at 60,000 points (cash rates are $1,100 + tax per night) but toppy at 85,000 points and exceptionally high at 100,000 points, which is what it will be when ‘peak rate’ pricing is introduced.
This is a roll-call of some of the most famous hotels in the world. This is an amazing opportunity to try them out in 2019 for a relatively sensible (60,000) number of Marriott Rewards points.
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How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points and status from UK credit cards (September 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.
You can apply here.
Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card
20,000 points 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.
SPECIAL OFFER: Until 14th October 2025, the sign-up bonus on The Platinum Card from American Express is increased to 80,000 Membership Rewards points. This would convert to 120,000 Marriott Bonvoy points! The spend target is changed to £10,000 within SIX months of approval. T&C apply. Click here to apply.
The Platinum Card from American Express
80,000 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)
SPECIAL OFFER: Until 14th October 2025, the sign-up bonus on the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card is doubled to 40,000 Membership Rewards points. This would convert to 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points! The spend target is changed to £5,000 within SIX months of approval. T&C apply. Click here to apply.
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)
SPECIAL OFFER: Until 14th October 2025, the sign-up bonus on The American Express Business Gold Card is TRIPLED to 60,000 Membership Rewards points. This would convert to 90,000 Marriott Bonvoy points! The spend target is changed to £6,000 within three months of approval. The card remains free for the first year. T&C apply. Click here to apply.
SPECIAL OFFER: Until 14th October 2025, the sign-up bonus on The Platinum Card from American Express is increased to 80,000 Membership Rewards points. This would convert to 120,000 Marriott Bonvoy points! The spend target is changed to £10,000 within SIX months of approval. T&C apply. Click here to apply.
The conversion rate from American Express to Marriott Bonvoy points is 2:3.
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