74 Nights (Need 1 More)

[hangloose]

So. My Marriott Bonvoy status as of today has 74 nights in 2019. I am only 1 shy of getting to 75, which enables the extra Marriott Choice Benefit. Only problem, I think my travel for the year is over. :/

Any thoughts on how to get that 1 extra night?

- I'm on the old MR Chase Premier card...which I think gives an extra night for every $1k in spend? Just not sure how quickly that posts? Perhaps I pre-pay my Christmas gift bill?
- Use a free hotel reward locally, check-in. Seems like a waste of an award
- Book a cheap hotel locally, check-in.
- Call MR Plat...and beg for 1 extra night credit free

Any other ideas from the MR Bonvoy experts?

Is the hard date cutoff for this Dec 31st, or does it extend at all into Jan?

 

[StevenTing]

Search for Vernal UT. There are some Cat 1 hotels. Book a room for 5000 points. Maybe call them and see if they’ll check you in over the phone. Tell them what you’re doing.

Or Find a Cat 1 close to you.

 

[Iggyearl]

I wouldn't pay Chase as they admit it takes 4-6 weeks for CC spend nights to appear on the Marriott Bonvoy account. I would burn the free night locally, as you can track it and guarantee it is a credited night. I will be getting my 50th night in Virginia Beach on 12/28. Don't need to be there, but the rate is $95/night. Good getaway from Williamsburg, and the restaurant selection is great. What we do for status.

 

[NiteMaire]

Depending on what it is worth to you, the quickest way is to either use the reward (which you don't want to do) or book the nearest hotel as you mentioned.

 

[sjsharkie]

Mattress run... plain and simple. Book points in lowest category and check-in/check-out. No other way to guarantee without jumping through a bunch of hoops.

 

[bazzap]

Did you receive your Birthday Elite night credit?
You need to have added your Birthday to your Bonvoy account and be registered to receive promotions.
This night does not always get automatically credited for some unknown reason.
I have just had to ask for mine to be added for this year.

 

[mdurette]

If it were me and I knew that next year that Plat status would be beneficial....I would be seeking out the cheapest room in my general area to check in (but most likely not stay) for the night.

 

[jonmaiman]

Is there any place nearby that is good for a staycation to enjoy the holidays? Even someplace that would make your holiday shopping easier by staying nearby? Bottomline, either for cash or points, you need to stay one more night. If/how you use the night is up to you. You just need to check in (in person). This late in the year, that is the only option available to you.

--Jon

 

[PaulaC]

I was in the same situation and reserved an inexpensive room for one night. However, I never received my birthday elite night credit, so I sent Marriott an email and voila my night was added.

 

[capjak]

Also if you fly United, once you get titanium status you can also get United Silver status (free checked bag, economy plus 24 hours prior to check in if available). I just did it and it was credited within 3 business days. https://thepointsguy.com/guide/marriott-united-rewardsplus/

 

[hangloose]

Thanks everyone! I am Titanium either way, given my MVC Presidential status. Real perk here is the extra choice benefit at 75 days. I selected suite night upgrades in 2019 and struggled to use them. Just not sure if it is worth going out of my way for the extra 1 night.

 

[bazzap]

Thanks everyone! I am Titanium either way, given my MVC Presidential status. Real perk here is the extra choice benefit at 75 days. I selected suite night upgrades in 2019 and struggled to use them. Just not sure if it is worth going out of my way for the extra 1 night.

I never managed to use the 5 SNAs this year.
The 1 Free Night was very useful though.
I tried unsuccessfully to use one of the SNAs with the Free Night, but I did get a good upgrade anyway as Lifetime Titanium. So I am really not sure how much value the SNAs might have for me.

 

[JIMinNC]

- I'm on the old MR Chase Premier card...which I think gives an extra night for every $1k in spend? Just not sure how quickly that posts? Perhaps I pre-pay my Christmas gift bill?

The nights credit from the old Chase Visa posts a couple days after the billing cycle date on your card. My bill cycles on or about the 14th of each month, so the additional elite nights generally hit my Bonvoy account on or around the 16th or 17th of each month. I just used that spend to hit 50 nights on my account this past week. I presume any charges that hit after the Dec 14 cycle date will be credited to 2020 since they will be associated with the January 14 bill.

And its one night for every $3,000 in spend, not $1,000.