New Marriott Promotion Misses The Mark

Marriott has rolled out a new promotion for the fourth quarter of the year, but it really misses the mark.  This new Marriott promotion covers the end of 2019 and the early part of 2020.  That’s a plus, but the plus parts sort of end there.

New Marriott Promotion: Unlock More

The new Marriott promotion is something of a mystery, and that’s intentional.  First, let’s go over the details:

• You need to register for the promotion to be eligible.  You should do that now so that you don’t forget later.
• You’ll earn 2,000 bonus points after your second stay.
• A few days after your second stay, you’ll receive an e-mail with an additional offer.
• The promotion starts October 29, 2019 and runs through January 14, 2020.

Looking At The Math

As promotions go, this is a pretty weak one for your first two stays.  Obviously, we have no idea what we’ll earn on subsequent stays.  Let’s compare this quickly to Hyatt’s latest promo offering up to triple points.

If we use a $200 nightly rate and consider two one-night stays with both chains, you would earn 1,000 bonus points after your second stay with Hyatt (5 points per dollar on $200).  If that stay was at a Hyatt Place hotel, you’d earn 2,ooo bonus points (10 points per dollar on $200).  And, don’t forget bonus Hyatt  spoints at MGM properties in Las Vegas.

I value Hyatt points somewhere between 1.5 cents and 2 cents each.  Let’s call it 1.75 cents each.  At a double points hotel, I’m earning $17.50 worth of points per stay (assuming $200 per night).  At a triple points hotel, I’d be earning $35.

I value Marriott points much lower, especially when you consider at the merger a Starpoint was exchanged for 3 Marriott points.  Let’s say a Marriott point is worth .7 cents each.  2,000 bonus points on that second Marriott stay is worth about $14.

The Final Two Pennies

If you’re comparing a double points hotel with Hyatt to a Marriott stay, the amount of points you’ll earn over your first two stays is similar.  What you have to ask yourself is if you trust Marriott enough to book reservations with them past that point, in the hopes that future rewards will be worth it.  I’m betting against that and going with the solid promotion from Hyatt.  If you have stays you can put with Hyatt Place (or in Vegas) this year, I have to think triple points is the clear winner.

Let me know if you “Unlock” a great Marriott offer after two stays!

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