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Save 20% on Marriott hotel gift cards – is it a good deal?

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Marriott is currently doing what it can to keep the money coming in whilst hotel occupancy is well down.  This means that you have an opportunity to grab a deal.

Next week, Marriott will be selling Bonvoy points with a 60% bonus.  We will cover this when it launches.  It isn’t clear if the very modest 50,000 points annual purchase cap will be lifted.

This week, Marriott is selling gift cards with a 20% discount.  See here.

I can see both positive and negative reasons for buying.

Reasons to buy a Marriott gift card:

  • you save 20% on whatever you spend them on, which is on top of any other deal when you book
  • they NEVER expire
  • they are valid at ALL Marriott hotels except for Bulgari and Design Hotels
  • the vouchers are delivered by email so there are no issues buying from the UK

Reasons to not buy a Marriott gift card:

  • they are denominated in US$, so if you use them outside the United States you will incur a foreign exchange fee – I couldn’t see any small print to explain how large it is
  • you will struggle to empty it to the last penny, due to FX issues, if spending outside the US
  • they are NOT valid on Advance Purchase bookings, so if you always book non-refundable rates then you will have to overpay for a ‘pay on departure’ rate which will wipe out much of the 20% saving

If you are 100% certain that you will be spending money in a Marriott hotel in the United States in the next year or so, I would seriously consider this.

For anyone else, I’m not sure it is worth the trouble.  I would be happier if I knew what the exchange rate is.

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

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:

and for small business owners:

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.

Category

Marriott Bonvoy

Comments (80)

This article is closed to new comments. Feel free to ask your question in the HfP forums.

  • MT says:
    14 May14 May 06:58

    The Marriott points will also work very well at any of the Maldives resorts as you get charged in USD and always end up with a large bill even if staying on points! If you do decide to charge to your Marriott Amex then you get the 6 points per £1 also but obviously get stung on the FX fee.

    To me its a great deal as instant 20% off next years trips!

  • Mr. AC says:
    14 May14 May 07:07

    Can someone clarify re: the gift cards: do you e.g. pay 100$ and get a 120$ Marriott card, or do you pay 100$, get a card with the same nominal value, but when you apply it to any bill a corresponding portion of the bill gets discounted by 20%? What does this look like on a hotel bill, in short?

    • mark2 says:
      14 May14 May 07:13

      I just spent 1.5 mins checking for you.
      As I would expect a $1000 gift card costs $800.

      • Mr. AC says:
        14 May14 May 07:28

        Thanks, got a bit confused with what Rob wrote about FX fees and using the balance in full, in retrospect it’s pretty clear.

    • Genghis says:
      14 May14 May 07:31

      “pay 100$ and get a 120$”
      Which also wouldn’t be 20% off.

      • Andrew says:
        14 May14 May 08:52

        Indeed. Paying $100 for $120 value is a 16 and two thirds% discount isn’t it?

        Or 20% extra free.

        • Genghis says:
          14 May14 May 09:57

          Indeed. Highlights margin vs mark up which confuses many.

  • Riccatti says:
    14 May14 May 07:54

    I have a Marriott gift card and always forget to ask to apply it at checkout.

    Or hesitate. Because it would require like 30 minutes for the reception to ask front office and figure out.

    • Riccatti says:
      14 May14 May 07:57

      FX rate from USD is likely to be set up by each individual property, and I would expect markup >10%. Would not bat an eyelid if hotel markup will be 15-20% (outside the U.S.)

      • Rob says:
        14 May14 May 09:49

        IF the hotel charges the card in US$ using its own internal exchange rate then you’re correct. The exchange rates you see posted behind reception desks are always rip-offs. I get a sneaky feeling this is how the gift cards work given that the website makes no mention of FX raets. There is an implication the hotel charges in $ at a rate of its choosing.

        • Riccatti says:
          14 May14 May 10:23

          With Marriott properties FX rates on USD cards is not a deal breaker, actually.

          JW Marriott Rio will apply something like 12% spread on FX rate

          Madrid Airport Auditorium will give FX rate near the XE/wholesale.

          Both make sense given the localities: in Brazil customers are used to large FX spreads (and US visitors tend to be elastic), where as Madrid hotel operates within the EU payment directives — doesn’t stop them to set own FX rate but seems they gave up and use some reference rate.

          Given the unfortunate stealth evaluation of 4th March 2020 (peak Marriott pricing, and fact that like 2/3 properties went category up and significant peak differences between Cats), I am now thinking that Gift Cards can be more valuable option than points.

          Also, conveniently Hyatt not proceeded with category changes planned for March 2020 and there were no planned downgrades in category/no point refunds.

    • Liam J says:
      14 May14 May 08:01

      Give it to them when you check in so they can deal with it while you’re not waiting around.

      • Riccatti says:
        14 May14 May 08:16

        Huh. Sometime I get a lucid idea to go and reconcile/settle the bill on the evening before departure — after a long stay at the resort.

        Sensible but that always makes you look like something suspicious going on — from reading the faces.

        • John says:
          14 May14 May 09:12

          Probably because evening shift staff are not experienced in checking people out.

        • TGLoyalty says:
          14 May14 May 09:48

          I do this abroad when its a larger bill, sometimes half way through as well, I always just say I’d like to check my bill and sort everything out now in case their are any issues with card as I only want to use this one (hotel branded or free FX etc etc)

          I like to leave in the morning with as little hassle as possible as well. Don’t recall any dodgy looks.

          • PJJ says:
            14 May14 May 13:12

            Surely also makes sense to pay early if you are using a curve card and checking out on a Saturday or Sunday

    • Riccatti says:
      14 May14 May 08:13

      “The exchange rate is based on the market exchange rate at the property at the time of use.” – some comment citing an email from Marriott.

    • Riccatti says:
      14 May14 May 08:24

      Another example on FX from forums “I once tried using a gift card in Rio at JW Marriott and the difference from “bank rate” on xe.com was 12%”.

  • BrightonReader says:
    14 May14 May 08:15

    Surely on the basis that you should only buy points etc because you need them you’d only buy these because you were plnnng a trip to the US and wanting to stay in a Marriott?

    And the easiest way to avoid the exchange fees is not to use them outside of the US (or countries that use the US$)

    • Stu287 says:
      14 May14 May 08:34

      Solid deal to make 20% back on future company expenses. I’m in.

      • BrightonReader says:
        14 May14 May 08:47

        Yes great if it works for you and you can manage your expenses reibursement etc but many people won’t buy off spec and especially if – as Rob – suggests the saving off a non-refundable rate is marginal.

        Plus it locks your funds up for what could be a long period of time.

    • John says:
      14 May14 May 09:14

      Do you think this is also true in countries with USD-pegged currencies i.e. Barbados, St Kitts, UAE, Oman etc

      • BrightonReader says:
        14 May14 May 10:11

        No because they don’t use the US dollar as their currency

        The Barbados $ is pegged to a fixed value of the US $ but it it not the same as them using the US$

  • Anna says:
    14 May14 May 08:37

    I don’t think the gift card offer is worth it, however I am eagerly awaiting the points promotion. Will be buying the maximum permitted for me and my OH and hoping there isn’t another devaluation soon!

    • Harry T says:
      14 May14 May 08:57

      Why are you a buyer, Anna?

      • Anna says:
        14 May14 May 09:43

        I can get colossal value from them. For example, there are 3 Marriott properties in GCM and they can easily charge $1k per night in high season. Sadly I had to cancel my 5 night redemption at the Westin at Easter (240k points, cash rate was $3500), but hoping to rebook next year.

        • Anna says:
          14 May14 May 09:44

          Correction, cash rate was £3500, $4500 at time of booking!

          • Genghis says:
            14 May14 May 10:02

            Only good value if you’d otherwise pay the high Marriott cash price. If not, what would you pay? That’s the benchmark.

          • Anna says:
            14 May14 May 10:12

            I just don’t look at it like that. If it’s a very substantial discount on the cash rate, I want to stay there and I can afford the points, then it’s good value to me.

          • Anna says:
            14 May14 May 10:17

            Ghengis – also once your little one is at school you may have to completely re-think your ideas about what you would be willing pay, otherwise you may not be going anywhere for some years!

          • Genghis says:
            14 May14 May 10:27

            Each to their own. Conrad Maldives may cost £1k a night but £400 or whatever if you buy the points. If I’m only willing to pay £200 a night at a v good independent in the Maldives or elsewhere, then it’s not good value in my eyes.

            With buying points I wouldn’t take the devaluation risk unless you’ve a specific immediate redemption in mind. I’ve learned the hard way before.

            Redeeming in school holidays are what points are for! I earn them – no need to buy.

          • Harry T says:
            14 May14 May 10:43

            @Genghis
            I generally use your trick and ask myself what I would be prepared to pay (and ask my girlfriend the same). For example, I decided that we would happily pay £300-350 a night or so for the Conrad Tokyo for her birthday, but not the £450 or so Hilton wanted. So we bought Hilton points which made it something like £260 a night instead. As a back up, we could easily use these points at the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam for five nights, if the Tokyo trio falls through, and still receive what we would perceive as excellent value (we love Amsterdam).

            I don’t know how you want enough points these days, with the demise of Amex churning etc. I could never realistically earn enough points to pay the extortionate Marriott Bonvoy redemption rates at high end hotels now. Have to consider buying.

          • Genghis says:
            14 May14 May 11:04

            @Harry T
            “As a back up, we could easily use these points at the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam for five nights”
            Have you checked availability? Whenever I look all they have are the ridiculously priced premium room rates. As such I’ve stayed at the IC on my last five visits to Amsterdam. Booked again for April next year for Keukenhof. Will book hotels for NYC too for June and then decide later which holiday we take and book flights closer to the time. There’s always AMS and NYC avios availability.

          • Harry T says:
            14 May14 May 12:11

            @Genghis
            Great point about availability. I confess I haven’t made an exhaustive search for availability at the WA Amsterdam – over New Year, it’s showing Premium Redemptions only. Managed to book the Amstel on points for NYE but strangely not the 1st – 2nd Jan.

            How does the Amstel treat IC Ambassadors when staying on points? I know a lot of the benefits are not guaranteed for points stays. I’ve only stayed when paying c@$h.

            Good point about NYC – I suspect I’ll end up using my 241 on that route because I’m not inclined to play games ringing call centres in the early hours. Though, with no kids and almost complete flexibility regarding travel dates, I can always just get an exEU c@$h fare. I am still sceptical of the value of a 241, given the high BA charges, if one has the flexibility to travel when good c@$h deals are available, and doesn’t mind a short hop into the Continent.

          • Genghis says:
            14 May14 May 13:26

            I only ever stay on points. Over and above the norm (i.e. the 600 points or whatever, which we get for each night as I always book each night as a separate booking for flexibility), as SE AMB:
            – upgrade to river side room, always
            – 4pm checkout, but I’ve not stayed since last Sep, was that after the AMB changes, I can’t remember.
            – they used to do drinks vouchers but no longer, but they always throw a few my way after asking as I’ve been a few times.
            – it’s usually my birthday / wife’s birthday / anniversary so a half bottle of champers and chocolate strawberries.

          • Harry T says:
            14 May14 May 13:36

            @Genghis
            Thanks, very helpful. Let’s see what they offer at NYE. Good tip for booing each night separately. Do you ever buy IHG points for this? I can see it being good value at the Amstel.

        • Harry T says:
          14 May14 May 09:54

          Sounds good to me! Any other Bonvoy sweet spots you know of?

          I just bought 320k Hilton points for Conrad Tokyo, and I’m prepared to buy Bonvoy too for a decent use. Makes sense to take advantage of the points offers that might not get better for a long time.

        • Genghis says:
          14 May14 May 13:42

          @Harry T. No, I’ve only ever bought points once: SPG points. Like I said before, IMO it would only be good value buying points if you’d otherwise pay it, which you have. I wouldn’t pay the £500 a night or whatever it is but happy to spend 60k IHGs, which I notionally value at £240, but I’m swimming in the things so generally use them up regardless of value.

          • Harry T says:
            14 May14 May 13:46

            @Genghis
            I do always consider your advice when thinking about purchasing points, so thanks for that.

            Must be nice to be swimming in points! Only got around 180,000 myself, alas. Looks like it used to be easier to earn them when they ran Accelerate promotions.

      • TGLoyalty says:
        14 May14 May 09:54

        Bonvoy points offer genuinely great value for some very nice luxury European properties, if you would pay the cash equivalent anyway.

        I would pay so I’m happy to take the discount but I’ve had to cancel a load of stays so I think I’ll have a decent enough balance right now.

        Due to the poor promotions in the past I’ve rarely thought it made sense to pay the cash rate instead of sticking with points either.

        • Harry T says:
          14 May14 May 09:55

          @TGLoyalty any recommendations for decent European Bonvoy redemptions? I love a good luxury hotel.

          • Anna says:
            14 May14 May 10:08

            The Langley still if you can get it at the lowest rate, I think that’s 40k now? Though I’ve noticed it can be rare to find consecutive nights at those rates across many properties. Also I haven’t managed to get to the Langley yet so have to reserve judgement, fingers x’d for August!

          • Harry T says:
            14 May14 May 10:48

            @Anna
            I managed to sneak in a night at the Langley for 35k points in early March. Was a very good redemption. I particularly enjoyed their spa, and we were upgraded to a nicer room in the main house that overlooked the grounds at the front of the house (due to covid causing a conference cancellation). I also asked for 4pm checkout as a lowly Gold and received it without quibble.

            I would say the rooms are on the small side and the bathrooms are very small but I otherwise enjoyed the hard product. The Hermes toiletries are nice. I actually thought the bar food was decent. The cocktails were excellent. Service was generally actually pretty good. I don’t think the hotel is worth the extortionate cash rates it charges though. And the food and beverages are expensive. You could do well here as Marriott Platinum, simply due to how much breakfast costs.

          • TGLoyalty says:
            14 May14 May 17:59

            Tbh I have more on my list than I’ve visited

            But I liked

            Cambridge, Langley, London Edition, The Dixon (not luxury but nice)
            Vienna – Imperial (there’s the Bristol and RC too)
            Geneva – Ritz Carlton (Wilson gets good reviews aswell)

            For future trips some I keep in mind in case it’ll work

            Prince de Galles or Barri Paris , Excelsior Milan, The Alfonso Seville, Augustine Prague, Venice Gritti or St Regis, Cotton House / Hotel Arts Barcelona, St Regis Florence just good name but a few that would be nice for a european long weekend when this is all over.

          • Harry T says:
            14 May14 May 18:04

            @TGLoyalty – thanks.

            Imperial Vienna looks amazing!

            The Augustine is top of my list but can’t find any availability for next Easter, even for cash…

            I might top up my Bonvoy balance when the sale opens. Shame they have such low limits for purchasing compared to Hilton!

          • Harry T says:
            14 May14 May 19:23

            @Rob
            Thanks – heading to Barcelona next May Bank Holiday.

          • Optimus Prime says:
            14 May14 May 19:49

            @Harry T – next May Bank Holiday? You mean 2021? Otherwise hope you have enough points for a 14-day stay…

          • Harry T says:
            14 May14 May 20:09

            @Optimus Prime
            Yes, 2021! My bad.

        • TGLoyalty says:
          14 May14 May 22:05

          I was actually looking at Palm Cliffs and thinking that looked nice but not heard much about it. Will have to go looking.

          I’m sure there are loads of European properties left off my list but it was just a small selection of those I’ve come across. Since the SPG takeover Marriott does actually have a few genuinely lovely properties which could offer value at the right time.

          I think the W hotels in Europe are crap tbh but the Barcelona one does have a pretty interesting location and can be good for a few drinks with friends at the bar.

      • Riccatti says:
        14 May14 May 10:29

        On one hand, there was massive de facto devaluation this 4th March 2020 (peak categories, number of properties that went up).

        On the other than, yes those popular properties that charge $750/$1000 and situations where taxes + service fees + resort fees (though these payable on rewards) add up significant chunk of expense.

        • Matthew says:
          14 May14 May 11:08

          There are loads of properties now offering less than 10% of available dates as off-peak and most as standard or peak. Another stealth devaluation in reality. I’m not sure whether Marriott set the points rate per night or the hotel. Either way some hotels are clearly playing the system.

  • Ian M says:
    14 May14 May 09:33

    From memory the JW Marriott in Lima sets all its room rates in USD and let’s you pay in USD. Not sure about other Marriott hotels in Peru however. Does anyone else here know?

    Also, could be a bit of money to be made selling these on, buy a $1000 giftcard for $800 and sell it on for $900..

  • Harry T says:
    14 May14 May 09:57

    A thread on flyertalk has some pretty solid anecdotes that indicate you won’t get gouged on the exchange rate when using USD Marriott gift cards, as long as you ensure the hotel uses the correct process. Am I allowed to link?

  • Chris H says:
    14 May14 May 10:20

    If you spend money in the hotel, can the gift cards be used to pay for these “extras”. If so, then there is a real value in the card. If not, then they are using the usual misleading and, I think, dishonest ruse of saying x% discount when in fact they are not comparing like for like. If it is 20% discount it should be valid on any spend, and not restricted to fully flexible purchases. Similar to sales where they offer x% discount on flexible prices, but give you a none flexible room.

    • Rob says:
      14 May14 May 10:38

      Yes. You don’t even need to be staying in the hotel – non-residents can use them for spa, restaurants etc.

      • Chris H says:
        14 May14 May 11:14

        Thank you. This might be a good reason to get one as we spend 10 days at a Marriot in the US every year (except this year – COVID-19 cancellation), and do spend money at the hotel

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