Here’s a sliver of a silver lining for Bonvoy fans…
Now that Marriott has implemented their Peak and Off-Peak award pricing, those with 50K free night certificates can book Category 7 hotels when they are priced at off-peak rates. Previously, 50K certs could only be used for Category 6 hotels and below. The bad news, of course, is that when Category 6 hotels are Peak priced, we won’t be able to use our 50K certificates since the peak price is 60K. Same story with Category 5 hotels and 35K certificates.
Sadly, the off-peak trick doesn’t readily work for 35K certificates since Category 6 hotels charge 40K off-peak. However, in very rare situations you may be able to book a Category 6 hotel with a 35K certificate: the award must be off-peak and PointSavers.
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I just redeemed my annual free 50k night from my Ritz Carlton Credit card at the Le Meridien Bora Bora the week before Christmas and it was considered off peak! That room was almost going for $1000!!! What a great use of the annual free credit card night….
Nice! I passed by Le Meridien when I was in Bora Bora a couple of weeks ago and it shares the same great view. I heard the turtles there are pretty cool, too!
Anyone notice how the snuck in ‘extra person’ fees. My previous booking now has a $40/per person per NIGHT extra person charge. Ridiculous. Wasn’t there before.
Did you take a screen shot when you made the reservation? If yes, I’d try showing that at the hotel and/or arguing with Marriott about it afterwards. I almost always take a screen shot of the booking page when I’m making reservations so I have a copy of the total I’m expecting.
Btw, to easily take a screen shot on a PC, hold the windows key and press PRT SC. On an Android phone, you usually have to hold the power key and down volume rocker at the same time.
No, I didn’t take a screen shot…..in hindsight I should have. Of course, it’s sad that we have to do that to protect ourselves. No way the average traveler much less the average frequent traveler does that.
I heard that Hyatt lets you upgrade your anniversary free night with points. Greg, do you know if that is true? If it is, it certainly seems like it would be a big win over Marriott’s free nights.
No, you can’t do that with Hyatt either.
thanks nick,..bummer
confirmed it is not.