What do you value Marriott points at today?

[dajop]

For some time we've valued Marriott Bonvoy point at around 0.667c (USD) per point. This sort of followed on from SPG, where we valued them at 2c per point (which was converted to Marriott at a factor of 3) (did this looking at a "basket" of hotels I'd typically stay at. If we get around that value or better we would use points in preference to paying cash.

Recently, we've just used 0.63-0.64c (USD) per point, which is 1c (AUD) per point. Makes it easy to compare, for example something that's $400 AUD, that's about 40,000 bonvoy points.

However now it seems that it's increasingly difficult to get that value. Usually at Residence Inn's, Fairfields or the like or certain locations (eg Downtown & Queens in NYC, around LHR in London etc) or at the very high end properties (not that we're the sort that would pay $2000/night, but that does seems to better use of 100,000 pts than spending 80,000 pts on a $500/night property).

Just wondered if others have a value they use, or just use their points regardless due to their constant devaluation?

 

[LadyC]

I use a fairly similar conversion rate but also keep in mind what travel I have on the horizon and when I could use the points. I don't tend to sit on hotel points, so sometimes even transfer them out to an airline program if I can't see a use for them in the short/medium term. Whether lucky or unlucky for me, I have been collecting Marriott points for an aspirational booking over New Year at a ski resort in the US, where the prices are eye watering, so feeling that I am getting value from them.

 

[levelnine]

Marriott points are trash in my opinion because they are subject to frequent, silent devaluations & there are very few sweet spots outside the very high end properties.

However, here is a fairly comprehensive and recent attempt to value them: What are Marriott points worth?

It suggests you should be able to get at least 0.7c (USD) per point at a fair range of properties.

 

[Jacques Vert]

I set a budget of what i'm prepared to pay in cash. If the hotel is more than that, I use points.

 

[NoName]

If I can’t get 1c per point value compared to the cash rate I will usually just pay cash. Generally plan to use them for 5 night stays to get the free 5th night and at high end properties or at peak periods. Aspirational stuff like our stay at Ritz Carlton in NYC for NYE. Realise they are using dynamic award pricing now which makes it a little harder but I have still been able to find value.

 

[sudoer]

If I can’t get 1c per point value compared to the cash rate I will usually just pay cash. Generally plan to use them for 5 night stays to get the free 5th night and at high end properties or at peak periods.

Agree with this, 1c per point is my absolute base and I'll usually aim for 1.3-1.4c per point.

I would say there's still good value at the lower end in certain markets also - I recently booked 5 nights at Aloft Ginza Tokyo over Christmas for 180k points. Cash equivalent a tad over $3k = 1.7c per point.

Mesm Tokyo was marginally better at 363k points for $6.3k cash (1.73c per point) but a far less convenient location.

Other options were Moxy Kinshicho at 146k points / 0.96c, Courtyard Tokyo at 200k points / 1.65c, Westin Yokohama at 225k points / 1.3c and Tokyo Marriott at 256k / 1.4c.

 

[Duffa]

I've just redeemed my first EVER Bonvoy; 48,000 points for 2 nights at The Tasman in Hobart.
$670 was the online price for the two nights
1,39c per point

I earned 5,000 points for a $350 stay in London last year
1,000 points for $70 spend
$13.90 earned in redemptions per $70 spent on hotel stays
That is approx 20% discount

Of course, with my platinum amex I could have had breakfast and US$100 spend included. (Room was same price on Amex)
Say $200 in value
So the 48,000 is only worth $470
0,98c per point
$9.80 earned per $70 spent
Approx 14% discount

Both are way better than Hotels.com, which only gives me 10% back.

Thoughts???

 

[levelnine]

Thoughts???

Expedia regularly has 14-27% cash back offers. I'd take 14-27% cash back over 20% in hotel points any day of the week.

 

[Kitehoo]

Marriott points are trash in my opinion because they are subject to frequent, silent devaluations & there are very few sweet spots outside the very high end properties.

However, here is a fairly comprehensive and recent attempt to value them: What are Marriott points worth?

It suggests you should be able to get at least 0.7c (USD) per point at a fair range of properties.

20-year member here. Lifetime Platinum and I agree. Their points redemption is awful over the last 5+ years. I used to be able to get most hotels for 25k a night... 100k with the 5th night free.

Now that's lucky to get you an aloft. I don't accrue many points these days. So I largely see if there is an offer to buy points that works out cheaper than cash, I just got a 45% bonus so that saved me on a week-long trip, but most of all, I barely redeem or earn many points anymore