Marriott Bonvoy Points Devaluation Reported
Social media reports indicate a significant devaluation of Marriott Bonvoy points. Unlike before, Marriott no longer publishes award charts or notifies members when its pricing models change. The company can now unilaterally raise the cost of award nights at its hotels without prior notice.
The redemption rates appear to have generally increased, with "caps" now allowing hotels to charge more points. Although no official announcement has been made, research suggests rising rates.
Examples of point increases include:
- Hotels previously charging up to 42,000 points can now charge up to 52,000 points.
- Rates that were 59,000 points have increased to 65,000 points.
- Hotels that charged 76,000 points now ask for 84,000 points.
- Previously 92,000 points have jumped to 101,000 points.
While hotels do not set the points required for stays—Marriott determines those costs—the increase in points appears to be systematic, rather than based on hotel occupancy or demand.
Additionally, a week ago, J.W. Marriott Masai Mara, where guests narrowly escaped danger last spring, had rates starting at approximately 124,000 points per night, but this has changed.
It has been some time since an evaluation of the value of Marriott points was last updated, largely due to a consistent decline since the Bonvoy programme's initial launch. A re-assessment may be warranted, especially with the anticipated relaunch of Starwood.
