I tried to search for information but could not find much info about using points for car rental. I got a very good cash rate through marriott.com website using reward points, here is the cost for cash or points.


Payment with Cash
Reward Points Required Additional Costs
Payment Required $331.80 85,000
Total $331.80 85,000
Balance Due $331.80 85,000

It seems like the points value is very poor. When I try to confirm though, it requires me to use at least 10k points. So the best deal I could get is 10,000 points+ $311.25. That would give me less than $20 for the 10k points :-( Is there a way to get it without the points? I read there is a $35 cancellation charge. Anything else I need to pay attention to?

Thanks,

Jane

probably the worst use of points you can do............

I agree.

I don't agree with your math, it looks like you would get a little more than $20 for your 10K points.

$331.80 less $311.25 is $20.55.

Works out to about 0.2 cents per point, so I agree it is a horrible use of points.

Unless the rate is so much better than you can do elsewhere.

e.g. if the best deal elsewhere is $500 and you can get $300 through Marriott plus 10K points, then you could say you were getting 2 cpp which would be a good deal

My recent redemptions have been for hotels at about 1.4 cpp. Used to be able to get 2 cpp but not anymore. I won't redeem for less than 1 cpp

The best rate I could find anywhere else is about $450. I am going to call the Marriott Reward line on Monday to see if there is any way to book with cash only.

Did you try Priceline?

Just tried, $674 through priceline. The price seems to be that I wanted to rent a minivan. A regular suv is about $300 and full size car under $200.

Wow. How about renting 2 regular cars if the logistics work out otherwise (having 2 sober drivers?) That seems like your best bet now...