Marriott International completed its transition to fully dynamic award pricing across all 8,800 properties worldwide, eliminating the fixed category-based redemption chart that loyalty members have used for years. Under the new system, the points required for a free night will fluctuate based on demand, seasonality, and the cash rate of the room, similar to how airline miles programs have operated for years.
The change means that off-peak stays at many properties will cost fewer points than before, but peak-season bookings at popular destinations could require significantly more. Marriott said the average redemption cost across its portfolio will remain roughly the same, but individual experiences will vary widely. A standard room at a Courtyard in a midsize city might cost 15,000 points on a Tuesday but 35,000 on a Saturday during a major event.
Loyalty program experts recommend that Bonvoy members check award pricing well in advance and remain flexible with travel dates to find the best value. The points-to-cents ratio, which indicates whether a redemption is a good deal, varies dramatically under dynamic pricing. Members should aim for at least 0.7 cents per point in value to justify using points over cash. Marriott has also introduced a new price alert feature in its app that notifies members when award rates drop for saved properties.
