When it comes to the hospitality industry, Marriott International is one of the most recognizable brands worldwide. With more than 30 hotel brands under its umbrella, Marriott caters to a wide range of travelers with different preferences and needs. Among its popular brands is the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, which includes over 7,000 properties across 131 countries. Another well-known brand is Courtyard by Marriott, which offers a range of hotels with comfortable accommodations, modern amenities, and excellent service. But is Marriott Bonvoy the same as Courtyard by Marriott? Let’s take a closer look.
Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy is Marriott International’s loyalty program, which replaced the previous Marriott Rewards, Starwood Preferred Guest, and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards programs. Launched in February 2019, Marriott Bonvoy offers members numerous perks and benefits, such as free Wi-Fi, exclusive member rates, mobile check-in and check-out, and free nights at participating hotels. Members can earn points by staying at participating hotels, booking through Marriott Bonvoy’s website, and using Marriott Bonvoy credit cards. Points are redeemable for free nights, upgrades, and travel experiences.
Courtyard by Marriott
Courtyard by Marriott is a brand of hotels that target both business and leisure travelers. Founded in 1983, it has grown to over 1,000 hotels worldwide in more than 50 countries. Courtyard hotels feature contemporary design, comfortable guest rooms, and a range of amenities such as high-speed internet connection, fully equipped fitness center, and on-site dining options. The brand’s main objective is to provide guests with a comfortable, flexible, and functional space where they can work, relax, or socialize.
Marriott Bonvoy and Courtyard by Marriott: How They’re Connected
Contrary to popular belief, Marriott Bonvoy is not a hotel chain. Instead, it is a loyalty program that encompasses a variety of Marriott International hotel brands, including Courtyard by Marriott. This means that when you stay at a Courtyard by Marriott property, you can earn Marriott Bonvoy points and redeem them for benefits and perks within the Marriott Bonvoy program. Furthermore, if you are a Marriott Bonvoy member, you can also earn points by booking a stay at a Courtyard by Marriott property through the Marriott Bonvoy website or app.
Differences Between Marriott Bonvoy and Courtyard by Marriott
While Marriott Bonvoy and Courtyard by Marriott are connected, they are not the same thing. Marriott Bonvoy is a loyalty program, while Courtyard by Marriott is a hotel brand. Marriott Bonvoy encompasses a broader range of hotel brands, including luxury brands such as The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis, as well as select-service brands like Courtyard. Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and redeem points across all participating Marriott International brands, including Courtyard by Marriott.
On the other hand, Courtyard by Marriott is a specific type of hotel brand that falls within the Marriott International portfolio. While Courtyard hotels cater to both leisure and business travelers, they typically offer fewer amenities than some of the higher-end Marriott brands such as JW Marriott or W Hotels. However, Courtyard by Marriott hotels often offer more amenities when compared to budget brands such as Fairfield Inn & Suites or AC Hotels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Marriott Bonvoy and Courtyard by Marriott are different entities that are related through Marriott International. While Marriott Bonvoy is a loyalty program that offers various benefits and perks across Marriott International brands, Courtyard by Marriott is a specific brand of hotels that offer comfortable accommodations with modern amenities. As a Marriott Bonvoy member, you can earn points at Courtyard by Marriott hotels and redeem them for rewards across the Bonvoy program.
FAQ
How many Bonvoy points do you need for a free night?
Marriott Bonvoy is one of the biggest hotel loyalty programs in the world, encompassing over 30 different hotel brands and thousands of properties worldwide. One of the main draws of the Bonvoy program is the ability to earn and redeem points for free hotel nights.
So, how many Bonvoy points do you need for a free night? The exact number of points required for a free stay varies depending on a few factors, including the category of the hotel and the time of year you’re looking to book.
In general, Marriott Bonvoy hotels are divided into eight different categories based on the quality and amenities of the property. Category 1 hotels are the most basic, while Category 8 hotels are the most luxurious and high-end. The number of points required for a free night ranges from 5,000 points for a Category 1 hotel to 85,000 points for a Category 8 hotel.
Another factor that can impact the number of points required for a free night is the time of year you’re looking to travel. Marriott Bonvoy hotels operate on a dynamic pricing system, which means that the number of points required for a free stay can fluctuate based on demand. For example, a hotel might require more points during peak travel season or during a major event in the area.
While the exact number of points required for a free night can vary, one of the biggest advantages of the Bonvoy program is how easy it is to earn points through hotel stays, credit card spending, and other promotions. So, if you’re looking to stretch your rewards as far as they can go and enjoy free hotel stays with Marriott Bonvoy, start earning those points today!
