Bonvoy says Marriott Rewards points are worth $0.0056.

[bobpark56]

Bonvoy says Marriott Rewards points are worth $0.0056 . Try renting one of their Homes & Villas with points, and you quickly learn this.

 

[ljmiii]

Bonvoy says Marriott Rewards points are worth 0.0056 cents. Try renting one of their Homes & Villas with points, and you quickly learn this.

Who or what is Bonvoy in this context? I never use Bonvoy Points if they are given a value of less than a penny a point and with the increase in cash rates I usually get more like 1.1 to 1.2 cents a point.

 

[DanCali]

Bonvoy points have different values at different locations/hotels/seasons.

Like the prior poster, I have a cuttoff value I use. If I get less, I use cash. If I get more, I use points. If it's expiring certificates from credit cards, I just try to use them before they expire.

Homes and Villas are not exactly hotels and probably involve third parties. Almost like using points for cruises. It's not surprising you get less value.

 

[dioxide45]

This is like saying Abound Club Points have a value of $0.25 because that is the value if you use them to purchase travel insurance.

 

[marmite]

Who or what is Bonvoy in this context? I never use Bonvoy Points if they are given a value of less than a penny a point and with the increase in cash rates I usually get more like 1.1 to 1.2 cents a point.

I would love to get values like that but just hitting the 1 cent mark is very difficult for where I want to go. I did the math on 14 different London hotels, and only 3 came out at a value of over a cent for my time period (Sheraton Grand, Marriott Canary Wharf and Great Northern). W London had a pathetic value at just over half a cent. None of those hotels interest me, and I was wondering if you have used points in London at great rates (I saw some other threads that you seem to make repeat trips there and like St. Ermin's).

 

[DanCali]

I would love to get values like that but just hitting the 1 cent mark is very difficult for where I want to go. I did the math on 14 different London hotels, and only 3 came out at a value of over a cent for my time period (Sheraton Grand, Marriott Canary Wharf and Great Northern). W London had a pathetic value at just over half a cent. None of those hotels interest me, and I was wondering if you have used points in London at great rates (I saw some other threads that you seem to make repeat trips there and like St. Ermin's).

Not London specifically but generally, I've found it really depends on the hotel category and time of year (season) yougo. There's a limit to how many points you'd pay at a Residence/Fairfield Inn but sometimes the cash rates at those hotels are really high, depending on when you choose to go. WIth Marriott, JWs etc thay have more flexibility to increase the point values which makes them often less worthwhile more times during the year. But at the really higher end hotels (Ritz, St. Regis, Luxury Collection) cash rates can sometimes go so high ($1500+/night) that it can make points look "good" again, if you're willing to spend ~100K per night with points. And with a 5 night stay, things will look better with points with the 5th night free.

For example, here's a hotel near West Palm Beach, FL that prices very differently in terms of value per point, depending on whether you go in March or September (cash rates exclude taxes):

 

[cubigbird]

The Points Guy current Bonvoy point valuation is .085 cents. Your miles may vary of course depending on your usage habits but that’s a good place to start. As others have mentioned, if you can get usage at 1 cent or higher that’s a good redemption rate.

 

[Dean]

Not London specifically but generally, I've found it really depends on the hotel category and time of year (season) yougo. There's a limit to how many points you'd pay at a Residence/Fairfield Inn but sometimes the cash rates at those hotels are really high, depending on when you choose to go. WIth Marriott, JWs etc thay have more flexibility to increase the point values which makes them often less worthwhile more times during the year. But at the really higher end hotels (Ritz, St. Regis, Luxury Collection) cash rates can sometimes go so high ($1500+/night) that it can make points look "good" again, if you're willing to spend ~100K per night with points. And with a 5 night stay, things will look better with points with the 5th night free.

For example, here's a hotel near West Palm Beach, FL that prices very differently in terms of value per point, depending on whether you go in March or September (cash rates exclude taxes):


View attachment 93657

View attachment 93658

And since they now use dynamic pricing, the rates can vary quite a bit. I routinely check rates and modify the reservation when it's cheaper. I've saved more than 20% at times over the original cost of the booking in points by doing so.

 

[marmite]

@DanCali is there definitely a limit on points for hotels like Residence Inn? I do see that in your screenshots above the cash rate is more than double, but the points value only went up by 5k. Sometimes I see wildly different rates for the same place on even slightly different dates, but when I click into see the details page they aren't the same unit types (because the cheaper ones have sold out), or that if I see a low price for a date, they are displaying the prepaid non-refundable rate. They also can be deceptive when you compare the points listed for a date, because on further inspection those points required are sometimes points PLUS cash.

I think I am reading different information online about the switch to dynamic pricing, and that there is not necessarily a limit to the points they can charge?


Here's an example of how deceptive the initial points rate is on some listings:

When I click into it you can see the Prepay and Save tab is where the 1,261GBP came from. But the 128,500 points is not the points rate. It is points PLUS 700 GBP for one night. Points only is actually 277,500 for the night. I didn't even know points rates went that high until now.

 

[marmite]

And since they now use dynamic pricing, the rates can vary quite a bit. I routinely check rates and modify the reservation when it's cheaper. I've saved more than 20% at times over the original cost of the booking in points by doing so.

Absolutely great advice. I do have a reservation already, but check often to see if there is a price change. I've switched hotels and rebooked a couple of times now.

 

[jwalk03]

Bonvoy says Marriott Rewards points are worth 0.0056 cents. Try renting one of their Homes & Villas with points, and you quickly learn this.

The value of any single redemption option is not indicative of the true value. I only use Bonvoy points for hotel stays and only when I can get at least 0.01 per point. If the rate is lower than that I look elsewhere or pay cash. Occasionally I have gotten in excess of 0.03 per point which is really outstanding when you can find it!!

 

[ljmiii]

I would love to get values like that but just hitting the 1 cent mark is very difficult for where I want to go. I did the math on 14 different London hotels, and only 3 came out at a value of over a cent for my time period (Sheraton Grand, Marriott Canary Wharf and Great Northern). W London had a pathetic value at just over half a cent. None of those hotels interest me, and I was wondering if you have used points in London at great rates (I saw some other threads that you seem to make repeat trips there and like St. Ermin's).

At our last points stay at St Ermin's I got an amazing rate...but it was in 2019. I used a Category 9, 5 night cert + 1250 GBP to get a five nights in a 1BR suite in July. I don't remember how much the cash rate was at the time, but the Junior Suite for the same nights this year is ~800 GBP/night (there's no availability for an actual suite but I would expect it to be 1000GBP+/nt).

Since then (as you wrote), good points redemption rates in London are very hit or miss. Of the three you list, I'd suggest you go with the Sheraton Grand (even though it pains me to say it...our stay there was the worst Marriott customer service experience I've ever had). Nice lounge, comfy beds, fabulous high tea, and reasonable location for getting around London (since you're on Piccadilly).

However, I've had good luck in getting great redemption rates in Copenhagen, the Caribbean, and many locations in the US. Obviously, YMMV.

 

[DanCali]

@DanCali is there definitely a limit on points for hotels like Residence Inn? I do see that in your screenshots above the cash rate is more than double, but the points value only went up by 5k. Sometimes I see wildly different rates for the same place on even slightly different dates, but when I click into see the details page they aren't the same unit types (because the cheaper ones have sold out), or that if I see a low price for a date, they are displaying the prepaid non-refundable rate. They also can be deceptive when you compare the points listed for a date, because on further inspection those points required are sometimes points PLUS cash.

I think I am reading different information online about the switch to dynamic pricing, and that there is not necessarily a limit to the points they can charge?


Here's an example of how deceptive the initial points rate is on some listings:

When I click into it you can see the Prepay and Save tab is where the 1,261GBP came from. But the 128,500 points is not the points rate. It is points PLUS 700 GBP for one night. Points only is actually 277,500 for the night. I didn't even know points rates went that high until now.

But you don't see that for the basic "deluxe" room, right - if it's available? Only for superior rooms (e.g. Thames or Big Ben view, or a suite in your example).

I think it's fair on their part that once you redeem for a non standard room, they can upcharge for the upgrade. A better way to get the upgrade if you don't want to pay for it is using the suite night awards.

In your example, isn't the basic room 128,500 points/night like it's 113,500 in the example below?

As for points limits of hotels like Residence Inn - I don't know that it's by brand (there may be Residence Inns that cost 70K points per night in downtown NYC or Chicago) but I suspect there is a limit by hotel - i.e, a given hotel cannot be more than X points per night but the cash rate can probably fluctuate a lot more depending on seasons/events/conferences etc

 

[marmite]

But you don't see that for the basic "deluxe" room, right - if it's available? Only for superior rooms (e.g. Thames or Big Ben view, or a suite in your example).

I think it's fair on their part that once you redeem for a non standard room, they can upcharge for the upgrade. A better way to get the upgrade if you don't want to pay for it is using the suite night awards.

In your example, isn't the basic room 128,500 points/night like it's 113,500 in the example below?

As for points limits of hotels like Residence Inn - I don't know that it's by brand (there may be Residence Inns that cost $70K per night in downtown NYC or Chicago) but I suspect there is a limit by hotel - i.e, a given hotel cannot be more than X points per night but the cash rate can probably fluctuate a lot more like say AZ or Miami during Superbowl weekend.

View attachment 93663

For the date I want to book (the one from the screenshot was December 11-12th), there were no other lower priced rooms available.

 

[DanCali]

For the date I want to book (the one from the screenshot was December 11-12th), there were no other lower priced rooms available.

I suspect it's just showing the lowest priced room even if not available.

It may also not show that "deluxe" room with 1 King bed due to occupancy issues (it sleeps max 2). Are you entering more than 2 people in the room?

This is what I see for the example I had above for your hotel, which is accurate.

 

[marmite]

At our last points stay at St Ermin's I got an amazing rate...but it was in 2019. I used a Category 9, 5 night cert + 1250 GBP to get a five nights in a 1BR suite in July. I don't remember how much the cash rate was at the time, but the Junior Suite for the same nights this year is ~800 GBP/night (there's no availability for an actual suite but I would expect it to be 1000GBP+/nt).

Since then (as you wrote), good points redemption rates in London are very hit or miss. Of the three you list, I'd suggest you go with the Sheraton Grand (even though it pains me to say it...our stay there was the worst Marriott customer service experience I've ever had). Nice lounge, comfy beds, fabulous high tea, and reasonable location for getting around London (since you're on Piccadilly).

However, I've had good luck in getting great redemption rates in Copenhagen, the Caribbean, and many locations in the US. Obviously, YMMV.

Wow, that was an amazing rate.

At the beginning of my December trip, I have 5 nights booked at St. Ermin's as a combination of 150 GBP cash (30/night) plus 248,800 points. I am satisfied with the redemption rate, though it does shake-out at under 1 cent per point. It's only a Deluxe King room but I've put some SNA's on those nights (they have a different name now, upgrade award?), so will hope for an upgrade with that or at least a little upgrade based on status if they have availability.

I go to France after that, and then back to London for a night, which is the last thing I'd like to book on points. The best cash rate I could find was for W London (which I have booked to hold the rate), but am hoping to switch that to a points reservation somewhere else when I have enough points. I don't quite have enough points for the last night, even if it was the Sheraton Grand.

 

[Dean]

I've gotten less strict on my valuation of Bonvoy Points but that's largely because I had a boatload and I haven't had the opportunity to use them for the higher end more expensive options. I'm mainly using for 1-2 nights over weekends and on en route while traveling for a night at a time. I do look at the $$$ comparison on a Per Point basis but I tend to put more emphasis on the location, cost, quality, breakfast options and total number of points rather than the $$$ amounts themselves.

 

[marmite]

I suspect it's just showing the lowest priced room even if not available.

It may also not show that "deluxe" room with 1 King bed due to occupancy issues (it sleeps max 2). Are you entering more than 2 people in the room?

This is what I see for the example I had above for your hotel, which is accurate.

View attachment 93665

No, I still have my screen up and it is for 2 people (see below). I have had it glitch several times though where it adds 1 child to my reservation. I opened up the rooms & guests section to confirm, and it only shows 2 people in the search criteria.

 

[DRH90277]

Even Marriott says the points are near worthless. The Bonvoy points are a long way from the routine 2%+ of transactions I earn with other cards.

I don't understand why this Bonvoy program even survives aside from the accumulations of severely devalued points many of us acquired over the years.

Suggestion - Look around at the alternative point programs and make a better choice.

Note - even accumulating at 6x for Marriott expenditures doesn't cure the deficiency in value compared to other programs.

 

[marmite]

I don't understand why this Bonvoy program even survives aside from the accumulations of severely devalued points many of us acquired over the years.

Suggestion - Look around at the alternative point programs and make a better choice.

I would love to have the problem of having too many points sitting there, but alas, I am burning through mine.

Sure, you can extract less value from the program than you could last year, but that goes for other things too (exchanging in Interval comes to mind!). I have read far too many articles on the other points programs out there (I think this article has a good summary) but am not ready to trade in Bonvoy for another option. Clearly Bonvoy is not the best program overall, but it might be the best "for me" despite my grumbles about it.

The lower levels of some other programs are better comparatively (Hyatt being great), but once you hit Bonvoy Platinum status (and of course Titanium) the program is quite excellent. It has a lot of perks that I actually want to use and they have locations I actually want to stay at. Your earning rate for points goes up considerably for Platinum/Titanium, and for business travel especially it has a lot of locations that I can earn at (whereas Hyatt not so much).

I considered Hyatt and Hilton status as being contenders, but you have to earn a lot of nights to get into a tier I would actually benefit from (or in the US of course you can hold a credit card that gives you instant status, in Canada not-so-much). For those of us earning Elite nights based on timeshare stays to Marriott/Vistana, it is easier to obtain status than booking Hyatt or Hilton on your own dime.

Is there another points program that you like better?

 

[jwalk03]

Even Marriott says the points are near worthless. The Bonvoy points are a long way from the routine 2%+ of transactions I earn with other cards.

I don't understand why this Bonvoy program even survives aside from the accumulations of severely devalued points many of us acquired over the years.

Suggestion - Look around at the alternative point programs and make a better choice.

Note - even accumulating at 6x for Marriott expenditures doesn't cure the deficiency in value compared to other programs.

While I agree that a Bonvoy credit card for non-Bonvoy spend is not the best choice- I disagree that the points are nearly worthless.

The earning for Marriott spend and on-property spend is very good. Using a Bonvoy card and titanium bonus I am earning 23.5 points per dollar for Marriott spend. (10X from Marriott; 6X Ritz card; and 7.5X Titanium bonus) Then redeeming for at least a penny per point for hotel stays- much better return than any other program I'm aware of! That 23.5%+ return makes the high prices much more palatable!!

 

[ljmiii]

Even Marriott says the points are near worthless.

I must have missed that email...but I'm baffled by most of your post.

The Bonvoy points are a long way from the routine 2%+ of transactions I earn with other cards.

All the spend I put on the Bonvoy card - MVC MFs and Marriott stays - yields 6x points or around 7% cash. The only other credit card I own that is comparable is the Hilton Aspire which yields 14x points or (again) around 7% cash on HGVC MF and Hilton spend. As much as I love putting misc travel and dining spend on my CSR it only yields 3x points or about 4.5% cash.

I don't understand why this Bonvoy program even survives aside from the accumulations of severely devalued points many of us acquired over the years.

Starting in 2021 when travel resumed, I stopped doing point redemptions for a little over a year because Marriott and Hilton were giving away their hotel rooms. But if I compare 2018/19 to 2023/24 my points have increased in value, not decreased (much less been severely devalued). Where there has been a severe devaluation is converting MVC Weeks to MRPs (now Bonvoy Points) and the cancellation of the MVC Certificate program. But I look at those as more MWV issues not Marriott Int'l.

Suggestion - Look around at the alternative point programs and make a better choice.

I have...most particularly Hyatt. But owning MVC and HGVC gives me such a huge leg up on my Marriott and Hilton status and point balances (partially through CC ownership) that Hyatt doesn't stand a chance. I would need to stay 60 nights to become Globalist and I wake up Jan 1st every year as Titanium/Diamond.

Most to the point, I *like* the Marriott and Hiltons in which we stay and with rare exception they treat me very well. We just celebrated our anniversary at the Conrad Downtown NY. An amazing hotel with wonderful service, rooms, and bedding, they gave me a free Diamond upgrade to a high floor Hudson River view suite (before I could even mention it was our anniversary). A Free Night Reward + $50 Diamond credit + $50 Surpass credit led to a wonderful anniversary stay.

We've had similar experiences at JWs, Marriotts, and Autographs around the world - staying for 'free', given an upgrade, and enjoying our free breakfasts and/or lounge access.

 

[ljmiii]

The best cash rate I could find was for W London....

I hate to denigrate your choice, but feel I need to warn you. Even I - a hardened New Yorker - have to pass on the W. Perfect location for us...but by all accounts it is the noisiest hotel in the city. For what it's worth, the Kensington Marriott is our 'value option' when we're priced out of the usual suspects. Very good restaurants and shopping nearby in Kensington and reasonable tube access into Central London.

 

[marmite]

I hate to denigrate your choice, but feel I need to warn you. Even I - a hardened New Yorker - have to pass on the W. Perfect location for us...but by all accounts it is the noisiest hotel in the city. For what it's worth, the Kensington Marriott is our 'value option' when we're priced out of the usual suspects. Very good restaurants and shopping nearby in Kensington and reasonable tube access into Central London.

I'll take a look, thanks. It wasn't so much my "choice" as it was the AAA rate (£365) being super-low for the night (in comparison to other Marriotts) and good access to/from Piccadilly. We're coming in on the train that day from Paris and going out the next morning to Heathrow. There are things about the W I'm not keen on, so am hoping to find something else on points when I have enough. For one night (with earplugs) I could hack it if I need to.

The Kensington Marriott (for a King bedded room) is £404 that night, which I know is high for that property as other dates seemed more reasonable. I will take a look though at how it is getting in and out of that area and continue to watch for a price drop. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Mroze]

We have a night booked [St Ermin's] due to a flight schedule change resulting in a 24+ hour layover in Jan-2025.
Looked at the Higher-End properties and this seemed like the most reasonable rate BON-45600 + £30 for a DELUXE-KING.
Cash rate is £408 or USD-$523.

In addition to the Cost [Points/Cash], I usually check 2 more things [Location]+ [Rating: [4.7] to help decide on the best value.

Bonvoy-Points have worked really well for us [especially in Europe/ Aisa where +90% of the time we are upgraded to Suites].
The Breakfast + Lounge-Access + Room-Upgrades + 5th-Night-Free have made the Points-Value great [relative to current Room-Rates caused by inflation].
However, we burn through them really quick [used over 6M-Bonvoy each year for the last 2 years]. This is because we have to book multiple rooms.
Down to the last 2M [1M in each of our accounts]. Yes, wife and I are both Titanium [Vistana: Wife-Primary / Marriott: Me-Primary].
In summary. We love the program and find great value [by adapting]. Continue to use it as we get it as [like Airline-Miles] they do depreciate.