How do the new Marriott Bonvoy O2 suite seating options work?

Regular HFP readers will know that we are big fans of the Marriott Bonvoy suite at the O2 in Greenwich.  This allows you to redeem points for all of the major events, with a full bar and hot buffet thrown in.

In a new development, Marriott Bonvoy has started selling the five ‘bar stool’ seats separately.

If you’ve never been in the suite, let me explain.  Directly in front of the box are two rows of standard arena seating exclusively for users of the suite.  Historically, Marriott only offered enough tickets to fill these seats (12? 16?).

I have NEVER sat in these seats!  Inside the box are five barstool seats in front of a ledge, which directly overlooks the stage.  I ALWAYS sit here.  You have total freedom to get up and walk around the box at any time.  When those magic words “Here’s a track from our new album” appear, you can jump up to get some more food or another drink, or even nip to the loo, without disturbing anyone.

Marriott Bonvoy is now selling these five barstool seats.  This will mean that there will be five additional people in the suite for each concert, which may cause a bit of overcrowding before the event starts.  If I want to sit on a barstool in future, I will need to book one.

There is one major benefit here.  Bonvoy has split the five seats into a package of two and a package of three.  The pair costs the same as a pair of standard seats.  However, the package of three seats is virtually the same price as the pair.  It is nearly ‘buy two, get one free’.

For example, for the Michael Buble concert next week and the Rod Stewart concert on 20th December:

• the package of two barstool seats is 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy points
• the package of three barstool seats is 80,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

On a ‘per person’ basis, the package of three is a far better deal.

The Marriott Moments site is here if you want to take a look.

How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points via UK credit cards

As a reminder, there are various ways of earning Marriott Bonvoy points from UK credit cards.  Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses!

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 Gold, Shangri-La Golden Circle Jade and Melia Rewards Gold status.  We reviewed American Express Platinum in detail here.

Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which earn Marriott Bonvoy points.  That page is regularly updated with the latest special offers and will still be accurate even if you are reading this article months after publication.

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