Marriott news: W Algarve opening, Hurlingham tennis tickets available for redemption

Marriott news in brief:

W Algarve opening date confirmed for May

One of our ‘top 10 Marriott openings for 2022‘ was W Algarve.

The hotel has now set 2nd May as its official opening date, making it potentially worth a look for a break this Summer.

The hotel will have 134 rooms and 83 suites and is located directly on the waterfront with direct access to three beaches and a golf course.  All hotel rooms have sea views and suites will be complete with rooftop plunge pools.  A sky deck rooftop terrace will, apparently, offer unrivalled 220-degree view of the Algarve coastline.

The W Algarve website is here if you want to learn more.

Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic tickets coming up

I saw a news story this week about the Hurlingham Club pre-Wimbledon tennis tournament returning this year, and when I clicked through I saw something interesting.

It turns out that Marriott Bonvoy is sponsoring the event this year. The tournament website states that VIP hospitality tickets will be made available to Bonvoy members for points redemptions.

If you’ve never been to the Hurlingham Club tournament, it is well worth a visit. It is effectively a fun tournament, albeit one that attracts serious tennis names – albeit usually retired or semi-retired ones, who are in the UK anyway to commentate or play at Wimbledon.

It is nothing like Wimbledon in terms of scale – there are only about 12 rows of seats – and if the sun is shining it is a very pleasant afternoon out.

It runs from 21st to 26th June. We’ll let you know when Bonvoy tickets pop up. The tournament website is here.

PS. If you are not a regular Head for Points visitor, why not sign up for our FREE weekly or daily newsletters? They are full of the latest Avios, airline, hotel and credit card points news and will help you travel better. To join our 65,000 free subscribers, click the button below or visit this page of the site to find out more. Thank you.

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

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 8th April 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Business Gold is increased from 20,000 Membership Rewards points to 60,000 points. You receive 40,000 points when you spend £6,000 within three months and a further 20,000 points if you spend on the card between Month 14 and Month 17. Points convert 1:1 into Avios and many other programmes. Click here to apply.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 8th April 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Business Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to 120,000 points. You receive 80,000 points when you spend £12,000 within three months and a further 40,000 points if you spend on the card between Month 14 and Month 17. Points convert 1:1 into Avios and many other programmes. Click here to apply.

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.