I'm fairly new to Marriott and had a few questions about the elite program. I tried searching the Marriott website, and this forum, but I could not find my answers. So here goes - It is my understanding that you need 10 nights per year to make "silver" elite:

1. Is this per calendar year, or the time that you sign onto the rewards program?

2. Is there any real benefit to being "silver" elite? My situation is that I have 9 nights this year so far. I don't want to spend the money for a night if there is no significant benefit.

Thanks for any help.
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I believe it is nights per calendar year.

The silver benefits are not overwhelming.

I have found the elite checkin/ checkout line to be very handy at busy conference hotels.

However, I have NEVER received a late checkout as a Silver despite numerous requests, except for one the time I pitched an absolute fit to get it. (The checkin experience had been awful, and I really needed the late checkout, so I didn't handle the initial refusal very well.)

There is a points bonus, so if you anticipate many Marriott stays next year, it might be worthwhile to find a cheap Fairfield or Springhill for a stay -- especially if you can earn a Megabonus night at the same time.

10 nights calendar per year to make "silver" elite

Is there any real benefit to being "silver" elite?
https://www.marriott.com/rewards/mem...fits/silver.mi

I've never been silver so can't really speak from experience. But one of the benefits of all elite levels including Platinums is the bonus points. Now you wont get as much as Plat gets but still 20% bonus points can be worth that 1 extra night. I would try and find a very cheap rate $50-$70 if you can and stay one night to take advantage of that.
Along with the other benefits.

The tangible benefit to being silver is the 20% bonus (and the elite area check in is nice as well.) So let's run some numbers. Assume:

1. You can find a Fairfield for $50 to get silver this year.
2. You will stay at least 10 nights at Marriotts next year (if 11 or more, then the 11th night and beyond will give you the bonus points anyway...yes, I know that technically the bonus points don't start until the first stay after silver is earned, but I'm laying that aside for ease of calculation.)
3. Not an assumption, but a fact: for $50 you can buy 4000 MR points.

The $50 night will earn you 500 points, so you have 3500 points to go. Thus, in 10 nights, you would need to earn 350 bonus points/night to break even. That translates to a room rate of $175. Thus, if your average room rate is $175 or more for the first 10 nights, it's worth it; otherwise, it's not.