The new Courtyard by Marriott Luton Airport hotel opens tomorrow

A new hotel opens at Luton Airport tomorrow – Courtyard by Marriott.  The images I’ve seen make it look like a Hampton by Hilton, ie a low cost hotel which looks more expensive than it is due to good modern design.

I am a little confused by access.  It is described as ‘500m from the passenger terminal’ but the directions imply that it isn’t walkable and that you need to take a £7 (!) taxi or £1.30 bus to travel the 500m.

There is no shuttle bus.  This doesn’t sound hugely sensible to me but let’s see what the early reports are like.  (EDIT: see some thoughts in the comments about how easy it is to walk)

The Courtyard by Marriott Luton Airport website is here.

Room rates for early December start at £87 midweek and £62 at weekends.  Redemptions are 17,500 points per night which is about right given my 0.5p valuation for Marriott Rewards points.

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How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points and status from UK credit cards (April 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

20,000 points for signing up 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 American Express Platinum in detail here and you can apply here.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. 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 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 (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.