Get more smart money moves straight to your inbox. It gives you a flexible 24-hour check-in and check-out window, which lets you avoid the hassle of arriving too early. In addition, it's worth noting that for properties offering a $10 daily food and beverage credit (many Courtyards plus AC Hotels and Moxy), this is $10 for the member and another $10 for one additional guest staying in the same room. Learn more: Which Marriott Bonvoy card should I choose? F&B credit is definitely much better for me. The first step is to make sure you select breakfast as your elite welcome amenity when you check-in. There are five elite levels guests can reach with the Marriott Bonvoy program: Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium and Ambassador. Heres how it works: You must collect a minimum number of both qualifying nights and years of elite status. The problem nowadays is, that some hotels (only happened to me in the USA) don't let you pick breakfast as the Welcome gift. Platinum: 100% bonus multiplier. Outside of banner ads published through the Boarding Area network, this compensation does not impact how and where products appear on this site. I've been Titanium for the last 5-6 years and it's incredibly complicated for me amd everyone I know. NerdWallet Compare, Inc. NMLS ID# 1617539, NMLS Consumer Access|Licenses and Disclosures, California: California Finance Lender loans arranged pursuant to Department of Financial Protection and Innovation Finance Lenders License #60DBO-74812, Property and Casualty insurance services offered through NerdWallet Insurance Services, Inc. (CA resident license no. The complete guide to Hilton Honors elite status - The Points Guy The following Marriott brands dont offer elite members complimentary breakfast: Its really a shame that some of Marriotts highest-end brands choose not to offer elite members breakfast. Sonesta is revamping its Travel Pass program with new tiers and points Jakarta, Indonesia. Best card for premium perks while traveling, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card, Southwest unveils stunning new Hawaii-themed aircraft, How to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for maximum value, IHG Rewards Premier Business card review: The annual fee is justified. Gold Elite Status | Elevate Your Stays & Benefits | Marriott Bonvoy Courtyard (only outside the U.S./Canada). You forgot a category that was very annoying during the last few years. One free award night (up to 40,000 points). Massive breakfast buffets. Please view our advertising policy page for additional details about our partners, Some hotel brands offer all guests complimentary breakfast, regardless of status, Some hotel brands dont offer any guests complimentary breakfast on account of status, Some hotel brands offer complimentary breakfast as an elite status welcome amenity choice, Some hotel brands offer a food & beverage credit as an elite status welcome amenity choice, which can be applied toward breakfast, or another drink or meal, The elite breakfast benefits are specific to, Aside from the brands offering all guests free breakfast, theres always an opportunity cost to getting breakfast, since you have to choose that as your welcome amenity in lieu of something else, like Bonvoy points, Im intentionally trying to simplify this as much as possible, so am leaving out some fairly minor details that I think will only complicate things (trust me, Im doing you a favor here), The welcome amenity is generally for breakfast in restaurant, without mentioning what kind of breakfast, When you select breakfast as a welcome amenity in lieu of lounge access, the terms specifically state youre entitled to continental breakfast, The breakfast benefit is explicitly for something you may not necessarily want and thats very limited, like a bowl of cereal, a banana, and some coffee, The breakfast benefit is a certain dollar amount that covers some very basic items, but can be applied toward something else, IHG One Rewards is now also competitive, as. The hot buffet is just some eggs, meat, potatoes and oatmeal. How much is Marriott Ambassador status worth? Additionally, some properties have lounges that aren't open seven days a week and there are a handful of exceptions in certain regions and at individual properties. Several credit cards, including Marriott's own branded cards, provide complimentary elite status. According to NerdWallet's comprehensive analysis of hotel elite status, Marriott Gold status lags behind the competition in terms of value provided by a mid-tier hotel elite status. Personalized services. Heres a breakdown of what status comes with each personal card (You can get an additional 15 ENCs by holding the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card as well. How much is Marriott Platinum status worth? JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels, Delta Hotels, Autograph Collection, Renaissance Hotels. At some hotels you just charge the full amount of breakfast to your room, and its taken off at check-out. Votes. There are five elite levels guests can reach with the Marriott Bonvoy program: Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium and Ambassador. A Marriott spokesperson confirmed the change. 1. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. Here is a list of our partners. Of course, you can only hold them accountable if you know what your elite status entitles you to receive. Related: Your ultimate guide to Marriott hotel brands. It's an unnecessarily, ridiculously complex set of rules that even die-hard Marriott loyalists would fail to recite. And of course, you could always leverage a program like Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts to score free breakfast if you have The Platinum Card from American Express in your wallet. Both paid and award nights count toward this total, as long as you booked directly with Marriott. Both are decent properties (though by no means exceptional), but I would have to recommend the St. Regis. Unfortunately that doesn't mean eligible elite members can expect a full breakfast at every Marriott hotel. Stay 10 Nights in a Year to Unlock Silver Elite Status With Marriott Bonvoy. For example, Bonvoy Silver status offers almost no tangible benefits. (though the card does you one better by also offering automatic, complimentary Gold status). The resort's 162 guestrooms and 36 spacious Residences were designed to reflect the brand's central belief - that true luxury is having the time and space to focus on what matters most - oneself. ): Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card (though the card does you one better by also offering automatic, complimentary Gold status). Do Marriott Silver & Gold members get free breakfast? Gold Elite Exclusive Benefits 25 nights per year Spend more time doing what you love. Breakfast or a daily food and beverage . Food and beverage credit as welcome amenity choice. In 2019, Elina founded TheMissMiles, a travel rewards coaching business. The value of each status tier is tied to the minimum number needed to earn each status tier (so if you need to stay 30 nights to earn that level of status, the benefits are based no receiving them 30 times, such as 30 free breakfasts or 30 room upgrades). Significant for you, not an issue for me nor many others. Ironically I had a trade show in Seattle at Hyatt and stayed there and MOVED to Westin after and am so regretting it. Breakfast is one of the perks of hotel elite status that people value most, though the policies differ significantly among the major hotel groups. Learn more: NerdWallet's 2023 Best-Of Awards. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. is particularly delightful because it offers you automatic Platinum status, so you have higher tier benefits right off the bat, even if it's your first-ever Marriott stay. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. Generally this is a non-issue outside the United States, while in the United States I always try to bring some cash to breakfast, in the event that its not. Join Now Sign In Marriott Platinum Elite and Titanium Elite members can choose a welcome amenity upon check-in at most participating hotels. Explore Gold . The lack of consistency in Marriott's elite breakfast offerings undoubtedly leads to confusion. On the other hand, Moxy Frankfurt City Center doesn't even offer the choice of a breakfast to Titanium. How does Marriotts breakfast benefit compare to competitors? 37 ($50) (AC Hotels) 19 ($25) (Moxy) Four Points, Aloft. Guide To Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Elite Status, Marriott Bonvoy Member Redeems 2.6 Million Points Now Hotel Wants $17K. With Marriott I just expect a continental breakfast, and if I get more than that, I consider myself to be lucky. Here's a chart with those details (as well as compensation if the property doesn't offer this perk): This list is much shorter because many brands don't have lounges or don't have them consistently at all properties. Please view our advertising policy page for additional details about our partners. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Get a checkout time as late as 2 p.m. (subject to availability) so you can spend more time doing what you love. Marriott: When and why to book direct - The Points Guy Learn more: The best hotel credit cards today. (and if successful, I'd expect W's to be next?). Marriott Bonvoy Reinstates Elite Guarantees - One Mile at a Time His work has been featured by Fast Company, The Associated Press and The Onion. The value of those points is something like $6, which wont get you a cup of coffee at the on-premise Starbucks that was open (funny how Covid wasnt a concern there and nothing could have been worked out between the hotel and Starbucks to offer even a basic breakfast sandwich). The chart below details which brands include breakfast in the options and the compensation to which you're entitled if the hotel doesn't provide this benefit. Marriott Bonvoy has the most complicated elite breakfast benefit. According to our analysis, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium status has a value of $5,233 and costs $10,950 to earn. If you complain to Marriott about this, Marriott will just say it's up to the hotels, what they want to Last happened at the Aloft Ontario-Rancho Cucamonga. Exclusive rates, earn points toward free nights, and more. While I (personally) had a subpar experience at this specific Ritz-Carlton, the St. Regis will always have the upper hand in my book due to the brand's superior elite benefits and recognition. Spend at least 100 nights at Marriott properties a year and over $14,000 in qualifying spend at hotels. 2x points on all other eligible purchases. Elite breakfast is complimentary for Platinum Elites and above seven days a week in the airy, modern Tocca Ferro restaurant. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card. While the above covers the very basics, let me answer some of the most common questions about Marriott Bonvoys Platinum breakfast benefit. On the other hand, your $10 food and beverage credit at many Courtyard properties might only get you a coffee and a pastry. If you do want to receive complimentary breakfast at EDITION or Ritz-Carlton, your best bet is to book through the Marriott STARS program, where thats a perk. The delightful and wide-ranging Marriott elite status benefits (including guaranteed reservations, enhanced room upgrades and late check-out for Gold and higher members, and free massages for Ambassador Elite members) go a long way, too. Terms apply. ;) One extra perk of lifetime status: Your Bonvoy points will never expire. Do not sell or share my personal information. Earning Marriott Gold status with credit cards Credit cards can help you earn hotel elite status, and that's the case with Marriott Bonvoy Gold as well. If youre an infrequent traveler, you might wonder whether its worth earning any hotel elite status at all. 500 points per stay or restaurant breakfast per night of stay for member plus one guest. Review: the Newport Marriott hotel, Rhode Island This mainly seems to be an American problem, however, as Marriotts in Europe and Asia always seem to place customer satisfaction first in my experience (offering their top of the line breakfast buffet, even for a third guest in the room, etc.) For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. Terms apply. Why do they even call themselves a Marriott? Gold members receive points at check in. COLOGNE MARRIOTT HOTEL $163 ($417) - Tripadvisor See terms and conditions for details. Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile. You can fast-track to elite status by opening Marriott credit cards, which come with. These properties include: Related: Breakfast recently got better at 3,000 Marriott hotels in the US. Plan on getting Bonvoyed and you will never be disappointed. Of course all these hotels are perfectly in their right to do this and have much else going for them but the optics are just bad and I sometimes wished that they didnt offer anything instead of trying to sell me for stupid. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. No alternative when the lounge is closed. Should you select breakfast as your Marriott welcome amenity? Will there be anyone coming to defend that F&B credits is better than breakfast? Excellent breakfast, very welcoming to members who are elite. Sign In to your account Best Marriott Elite Breakfasts | Marriott Bonvoy Traveler Learn more: Why I love the Marriott Bonvoy program. Cologne Marriott Hotel is located in Cologne, Germany's city center, just minutes walking distance from the train station and the Old Town. Apparently it is so complex that you don't describe it correctly. Marriott is just a poor service company kowtowing to hotel owners at this point. Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card. You can fast-track your way to Marriott Gold elite status with the Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex, Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful or Marriott Bonvoy Bevy all three cards offer complimentary. The other way to receive complimentary breakfast as a Platinum Elite or Titanium Elite member is through access to a hotel's lounge. The only widespread exclusion is Ritz-Carlton club lounges, as you have to buy access to those. This status is identical to what youd get if you earned it the hard way. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Editorial Disclosure: The editorial content on this page is not provided by any entity mentioned herein. I used to love staying at the JW Marriott in Honolulu--breakfast buffet was great, restaurant across from the beach, servers very welcoming. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Theres nothing in the Marriott Bonvoy terms indicating whether gratuity is included with elite breakfast perks. The art-filled JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort is a 15-minute stroll from Disneyland and next door to the Anaheim GardenWalk. Your complete guide to Marriott elite breakfast benefits Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card. Remember that status earned through credit cards and other promotions might offer less value; for our analysis, we assumed that the number of nights stayed is equal to the number of nights required to earn each status level based on a comprehensive analysis of the relevant benefits. Besides a " comedy or errors" of a stay, they too have cold buffet only. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. Silver Elite Gold Elite Platinum Elite Titanium Elite Ambassador Elite Silver Elite* 10 nights per year Make the most of your stay Get 10% More Points Earn 10% more points on every eligible hotel purchase, including room rate and other incidentals that can be charged to your room, such as dining and spa. Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. I can promise you that property doesn't have the same eclectic and beautiful design as the Mira Moon, but if you value your elite benefits heavily, you may want to focus on certain brands. *As noted in the above chart, there's a list of specific properties in the U.S. that do not provide breakfast if the lounge is closed, instead offering 1,000 points. We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. However, this does not influence our evaluations. And while our site doesnt feature every company or financial product available on the market, were proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward and free. However, as you can see, you can still select restaurant breakfast as your welcome amenity, if youre in a situation where youd prefer to dine in the restaurant rather than in the lounge (since the selection is sometimes superior). Renaissance Washington, D.C. Bonus points earned on hotel purchases (including room rates and other incidental charges): 75%. With executive lounge access, youll also get complimentary continental breakfast in the lounge. Sign up today for free. Sheerly because of its massive size, holding Marriott elite status can be one of the most valuable types of elite statuses you can have. Perfect for your next weekend getaway to Cologne, Germany! Learn more: Your complete guide to earning Marriott Bonvoy points. How to get more flexible hotel check-in/out times, You want a travel credit card that prioritizes whats important to you. There's also Member status, which anyone can receive at no cost and with no effort, aside from signing up online and handing over some light personal details, such as name and email address. Read more, Elina Geller is a Lead Travel Writer at NerdWallet specializing in airline and hotel loyalty programs. At other hotels you have to present a voucher when youre seated. Most properties offer 500 points, but these brands only offer 250: Courtyard, Four Points, SpringHill Suites, Protea Hotels, Fairfield, AC Hotels, Aloft, Moxy, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites and Element hotels. Exclusive rates, earn points toward free nights, and more. Shes a certified public accountant with degrees from the London School of Economics and Fordham University. Its important to note that the status offered through the Marriott co-branded cards usually comes in the form of. Priority Late Checkout The Business Platinum Card from American Express. There are several brands where the exact benefit depends on things like the individual property's location and whether it has a lounge, among other factors. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. However, if a breakfast benefit matters to you, you might consider staying at the Renaissance Hong Kong instead. An amenity that differs by brand (but sometimes includes food and beverage). How to earn: Spend at least 100 nights at Marriott properties a year and over $14,000 in qualifying spend at hotels. Stay at least 25 qualifying nights per calendar year. Learn More, Getting away is easier and more affordable with PointSavers. $100 if no breakfast or breakfast alternative offered (all regions). Read more. includes 15 ENCs, which is enough to earn Silver status, but also gets you closer to earning higher status levels if you stay more. Offer ends 5/3/23. But since it also offers 25 ENCs, you're on a fast track to eventually earn Titanium or perhaps even Ambassador status. They do not include stays booked through third-party online travel agencies like Expedia or Orbitz. Its important to note that the status offered through the Marriott co-branded cards usually comes in the form of Elite Night Credits. Marriott Bonvoys Complicated Elite Breakfast Benefit Explained, Why Marriott Bonvoys breakfast benefit is complicated. . Members earn a base rate of 10 points for every dollar spent during qualified stays, and award nights are based on a chart with nine tiers ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 points per night.