As one of the largest hotel chains in the world, Marriott International has built a reputation for providing exceptional service and amenities to its loyal customers. The Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program is designed to reward members for their continued patronage, offering a range of benefits and perks that can elevate their travel experience. One of the most coveted benefits among Marriott Bonvoy members is the possibility of receiving free upgrades. But do Marriott Bonvoy members really get free upgrades, and if so, how can they increase their chances of scoring an upgrade?
Understanding Marriott Bonvoy’s Upgrade Policy
Marriott Bonvoy’s upgrade policy is based on a combination of factors, including the member’s elite status, room availability, and the type of room booked. While there is no guarantee of a free upgrade, Marriott Bonvoy members can increase their chances of getting upgraded by understanding the program’s rules and regulations.
Elite Status and Upgrade Priority
Marriott Bonvoy offers five elite status tiers: Member, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Titanium. Each tier offers a range of benefits, including upgrade priority. The higher the elite status, the higher the upgrade priority.
| Elite Status | Upgrade Priority |
| — | — |
| Member | No upgrade priority |
| Silver | Limited upgrade priority |
| Gold | Moderate upgrade priority |
| Platinum | High upgrade priority |
| Titanium | Highest upgrade priority |
Room Availability and Upgrade Possibilities
Room availability plays a significant role in determining the possibility of an upgrade. If the hotel is fully booked, the chances of getting upgraded are slim. However, if the hotel has available rooms, Marriott Bonvoy members may be eligible for an upgrade.
Types of Rooms and Upgrade Possibilities
The type of room booked also affects the possibility of an upgrade. For example, if a member books a standard room, they may be eligible for an upgrade to a higher room category, such as a suite or a room with a better view.
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Free Upgrade
While there is no guarantee of a free upgrade, Marriott Bonvoy members can increase their chances by following these tips:
Book a Room with a Higher Upgrade Potential
Booking a room with a higher upgrade potential can increase the chances of getting upgraded. For example, booking a standard room with a higher floor or a room with a better view may increase the chances of getting upgraded to a suite or a room with an even better view.
Use Your Elite Benefits Strategically
Marriott Bonvoy members with elite status can use their benefits strategically to increase their chances of getting upgraded. For example, Platinum and Titanium members can use their Suite Night Awards to confirm a suite upgrade at the time of booking.
Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
Being flexible with your travel dates can increase the chances of getting upgraded. For example, traveling during the off-season or on less busy days may increase the chances of getting upgraded.
Build a Relationship with the Hotel
Building a relationship with the hotel can increase the chances of getting upgraded. For example, if you are a frequent guest at a particular hotel, the staff may be more likely to upgrade you as a gesture of goodwill.
Marriott Bonvoy’s Upgrade Policy in Practice
While Marriott Bonvoy’s upgrade policy is based on a combination of factors, the program’s rules and regulations can be complex and nuanced. Here are some real-life examples of how Marriott Bonvoy’s upgrade policy works in practice:
Case Study 1: Platinum Member Upgraded to a Suite
A Platinum member booked a standard room at a Marriott hotel and was upgraded to a suite at check-in. The member had used their Suite Night Awards to confirm the upgrade at the time of booking.
Case Study 2: Gold Member Upgraded to a Higher Room Category
A Gold member booked a standard room at a Marriott hotel and was upgraded to a higher room category at check-in. The member had booked a room with a higher upgrade potential and had used their elite benefits strategically to increase their chances of getting upgraded.
Conclusion
While Marriott Bonvoy members may not always get free upgrades, understanding the program’s rules and regulations can increase their chances of scoring an upgrade. By booking a room with a higher upgrade potential, using elite benefits strategically, being flexible with travel dates, and building a relationship with the hotel, Marriott Bonvoy members can elevate their travel experience and enjoy the perks of loyalty program membership.
In conclusion, Marriott Bonvoy members can get free upgrades, but it’s not a guarantee. By understanding the program’s upgrade policy and using the tips outlined in this article, members can increase their chances of getting upgraded and enjoying a more luxurious travel experience.
What is Marriott Bonvoy and how does it work?
Marriott Bonvoy is a loyalty program offered by Marriott International, a global hospitality company with a diverse portfolio of brands. The program allows members to earn points and redeem them for rewards, such as free nights, room upgrades, and other travel perks. Members can earn points by staying at participating Marriott hotels, using co-branded credit cards, and taking advantage of other earning opportunities.
Marriott Bonvoy has several membership tiers, each with its own set of benefits and requirements. Members can advance through the tiers by earning a certain number of nights or points within a calendar year. The higher the tier, the more benefits and perks members can enjoy, including free upgrades, late check-out, and complimentary breakfast.
Do all Marriott Bonvoy members get free upgrades?
No, not all Marriott Bonvoy members are eligible for free upgrades. While all members can earn points and redeem them for rewards, free upgrades are typically reserved for members with higher-tier status. For example, Platinum and Titanium members are eligible for room upgrades, including suites, subject to availability. However, lower-tier members may not be eligible for upgrades, or may only be eligible for upgrades at certain hotels or during off-peak periods.
Even for members who are eligible for upgrades, there are no guarantees. Upgrades are subject to availability, and hotels may not always have upgraded rooms available. Additionally, some hotels may have specific policies or restrictions on upgrades, so it’s always best to check with the hotel directly to confirm their upgrade policies.
How do Marriott Bonvoy members get free upgrades?
Marriott Bonvoy members can get free upgrades in several ways. One way is through their membership tier benefits. As mentioned earlier, Platinum and Titanium members are eligible for room upgrades, including suites, subject to availability. Members can also earn upgrade certificates, which can be redeemed for a free upgrade on a future stay. Additionally, some credit cards offer upgrade certificates as a benefit, which can be used to upgrade a stay.
Another way to get free upgrades is through the Marriott Bonvoy app. Members can use the app to request an upgrade on their stay, and hotels may offer upgrades at check-in if available. Some hotels may also offer upgrades as a welcome amenity or as part of a special promotion. It’s always a good idea to ask about upgrade availability when checking in, as hotels may have more flexibility to offer upgrades at the last minute.
What types of upgrades are available to Marriott Bonvoy members?
Marriott Bonvoy members can enjoy a range of upgrades, from room upgrades to suite upgrades. Room upgrades may include a higher floor, a better view, or a larger room. Suite upgrades, on the other hand, may include a separate living area, a kitchenette, or other luxury amenities. Some hotels may also offer upgrades to specialty rooms, such as a concierge-level room or a room with a private balcony.
In addition to room upgrades, Marriott Bonvoy members may also be eligible for other types of upgrades, such as upgrades to a higher-tier room category or upgrades to a different hotel within the Marriott portfolio. For example, a member may be able to upgrade from a standard room at a Marriott hotel to a suite at a higher-end hotel like The Ritz-Carlton.
Are there any restrictions on Marriott Bonvoy upgrades?
Yes, there are several restrictions on Marriott Bonvoy upgrades. One restriction is that upgrades are subject to availability, which means that hotels may not always have upgraded rooms available. Additionally, some hotels may have specific policies or restrictions on upgrades, such as blackout dates or minimum stay requirements.
Another restriction is that upgrades may not be available on certain types of bookings, such as award bookings or bookings made through a third-party travel agency. Additionally, some credit cards may have restrictions on upgrade certificates, such as blackout dates or minimum spend requirements. It’s always a good idea to check the terms and conditions of your membership or credit card benefits to understand any restrictions that may apply.
Can Marriott Bonvoy members upgrade at any Marriott hotel?
No, Marriott Bonvoy members may not be able to upgrade at any Marriott hotel. While Marriott has a large portfolio of hotels, not all hotels participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program or offer upgrades to members. Additionally, some hotels may have specific policies or restrictions on upgrades, such as blackout dates or minimum stay requirements.
Even at hotels that do participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program, upgrades may not always be available. Hotels may have limited inventory of upgraded rooms, or may reserve upgrades for higher-tier members or special occasions. It’s always a good idea to check with the hotel directly to confirm their upgrade policies and availability.
How can Marriott Bonvoy members maximize their upgrade chances?
Marriott Bonvoy members can maximize their upgrade chances by booking their stays strategically. One way to do this is to book during off-peak periods, when hotels may have more availability of upgraded rooms. Members can also try booking a lower-tier room and requesting an upgrade at check-in, as hotels may have more flexibility to offer upgrades at the last minute.
Another way to maximize upgrade chances is to use upgrade certificates strategically. Members can earn upgrade certificates through their membership tier benefits or credit card benefits, and can redeem them for a free upgrade on a future stay. By using upgrade certificates during peak periods or at high-demand hotels, members can increase their chances of getting an upgrade. Additionally, members can also try contacting the hotel directly to request an upgrade, as hotels may have more flexibility to offer upgrades to loyal customers.