Originally Posted by mlm
I'm not quite following this. I am a Silver Member of Marriott but not sure if my card is the Premier Visa (doesn't say Premier on it). I rarely use it and got it just to get the initial points for first time usage and the first year is "no fee" . I didn't realize I would get extra points when using it at a Marriott.
I forgot to mention that the special rate of $249. per night does include tax and is only good when 2 consecutive nights are booked. It also includes one dinner for 2 people as well as breakfast both mornings. Redeeming points does not include breakfast or any meals. It is sounding like it may be better to pay and save the points.
I appreciate your time to help me make an important decision. This is new to me which is obvious.
Hello MLM,
Marriott has 2 Visa Cards: the Marriott Visa and the Marriott Premier Visa
With the Marriott Visa, you'd earn 15,000 pts. with your 1st purchase, receive 3 pts. per dollar ($) spent at any Marriott hotel and a 1 pt. per $ spent on all other purchases.
With the Marriott Premier Visa, you'd earn 15,000 pts. with your 1st purchase, receive 5 pts. per dollar ($) spent at any Marriott hotel and a 1 pt. per $ spent on all other purchases. You'd also get 15 free nights credited to your Marriott Rewards (MR) account, golf certifcate, and a free hotel night certificate. You would get the 15 free nights and a free hotel night certificate each year provided that the Premier Visa account is in good standing.
As a Marriott member, you earn points for each stay that you have under the Marriott brand. All the Marriott brands (with the exception of the Residence Inns) will give you 10 base pts. per dollar ($) spent at these hotels, excluding taxes. For example, you pay the room rate of $250 for a 1 night stay. You would earn 2,500 points ($250x 10 points/$). Residence Inn Hotels give you 5pts. per $ spent. You would also earn additional bonus points.
There are 3 main Marriott membership levels:
Silver: requires you stay 10 nights per calendar year at any Marriott and you would earn an additional 20% in bonus points.
Gold: requires you stay 50 nights per calendar year at any Marriott and you would earn an additional 25% in bonus points.
Platinum: requires you stay 75 nights per calendar year at any Marriott and you would earn an additional 30% in bonus points.
As it relates to your choice, if you're willing to pay $249/night for a hotel night, then it would be best to save your points and purchase a room.
Hope this helps.
Any further questions, let us know.
Marcell