Making Travel Sexy Again: Meet Marriott Bonvoy

ByThe Open Suitcase

Anyone else seduced by the launch of Marriott’s new Bonvoy rewards program?

Let’s start with the new name. Bonvoy. It brings to mind a long ago time when a vacation was cause for celebration. If you were leaving on a cruise or departing for Europe, friends and family would host a bon voyage party.

What fun!

Then there’s the new Marriott video.

It’s gorgeous, right? Instead of focusing on properties, Marriott puts the spotlight on experiences and includes all types of voyagers: business travelers, families, couples, solo adventurers.

Watching it makes me want to pack my bag and GO!

Once hooked, I had to find out more and thought you might want to know more too.

What is Marriott Bonvoy?

Marriott Bonvoy is the brand’s new loyalty rewards program that replaces existing Marriott Rewards, Ritz Carlton Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest programs. Marriott completed its purchase of Starwood in 2016 and currently has a portfolio of 30 brands and over 5,700 properties worldwide.

Uniting such a kingdom is a Game of Thrones-worthy marketing challenge.

Read More: Miami’s South Beach: Spring Break for Boomers 

Did I Lose My Starwood Points?

In August 2018 Marriott merged the three programs into one loyalty program. The consolidation of your points and recognition of your tier status happened at that time. The launch of Bonvoy in February 2019 is really a branding move. No member benefits changed, only the names of two of the Elite tiers: Platinum Premier Elite is now Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite, and Platinum Premier Elite with ambassador service is now Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite.

Marriott Autograph Collection hotels, like the Domes of Elounda in Greece, are included brands in the Marriott Bonvoy Travel Rewards Program.
Domes of Elounda, An Autograph Collection hotel. Located on Spinalonga Island, Crete, Greece. Photo: Marriott International

If you haven’t accessed your account in a while, go ahead and give it a go. You can use your old login and you’ll be redirected to the new Bonvoy site. GOOD NEWS…you do not need to sign up again. 

There’s an App for That

Download the new Marriott Bonvoy app for mobile access to your account and reservation info. It does not, as far as I can tell, have electronic room key functionality.

If you have other info, let me know!

When you click on “Explore” on the app’s home screen, it redirects you to Marriott Bonvoy Moments, a collection of experiences you can pay for in points.

Want two tickets in a luxury suite for an upcoming New York Rangers game?

It’ll cost you 50,000 points.

Marriott launched its new loyalty rewards program in 2019. It tempts travelers with experiences, not just hotel rooms. Are you tempted? #hotelbrands #vacation #travelplanning

Current Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card Offers

With the launch, Marriott is offering two new American Express credit cards for personal and business customers. Both offer a 100,000 point bonus after making $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months. There’s a hefty annual fee, but an annual statement credit for travel purchases offsets it. Additional information can be found here.

I’ve never had a hotel rewards credit card before, preferring to use my Chase Sapphire Reserve card instead. But I’ve got such a crush on the Bonvoy program, I might have to dive in. If you want a full review of the card, check out this write-up by The Points Guy.

I’m a big fan of Marriott’s boutique line, The Autograph Collection. With the launch of Bonvoy, I’m excited to explore other properties and experiences. 

Have a Favorite Marriott Brand? Tell Us More!