Now that Marriott has merged with SPG and Ritz-Carlton, there are 32 Marriott hotel brands across the world representing more than 6,700 properties. You'll notice that the Marriott portfolio is geared more toward upscale and luxury properties than budget-friendly hotels, although there is a full spectrum of properties to choose from. And when it comes to earning Marriott Bonvoy points, no matter your travel style there are plenty of opportunities to rack up Marriott points with stays. Let's dive into it and take a look at the differences between all the Marriott Bonvoy hotel brands.
Marriott Hotel Brand Overview With over 30 brands, Marriott has hotels that fit just about every travel style and budget. In the ultra-luxury category, there are renowned brands such as Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis. Budget orientated brands that you are likely familiar with include Courtyard by Marriott and Fairfield by Marriott. Before going over the details of each brand, it may be useful to take a quick look at each Marriott brand:
You can see that some brands are much more developed than others. For instance, Courtyard by Marriott has over 1,241 properties worldwide. While new brands, such as Tribute Portfolio is still growing quickly with 40 locations open and many more in the pipeline.
How to Earn Lots of Marriott Points Of course, if you are looking at which Marriott brand fits your travel style, you're going to want to know how to earn the most points when you stay with Marriott. Welcome Offers & Spending with Marriott Credit Cards Earning a valuable welcome offer and continuing to use your card for daily spending is one of the best ways to rack up tons of Marriott Bonvoy points. Here's a breakdown of recommended Marriott credit cards:
Earning points with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
Current Bonus: The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card offers 75,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
Benefits: This card earns 6x points at Marriott hotels and 2x points on all other purchases. The most valuable perk of the card is the annual free night (worth up to 35,000 points) at a Marriott hotel. You'll also get automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver status by just having the card. And if you spend $35,000 on your card each account year you will get Gold status. This card also gives you 15 nights of elite credit each year.
Annual Fee: $95
Earning points with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card
Current Bonus: The Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card offers 30,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months.
Benefits: This card earns 3x points at Marriott hotels, 2x points on travel purchases, and 1x points on all other purchases. The card gives you automatic Silver status with Marriott Bonvoy and 15 nights of elite credit each year you keep the card.
Annual Fee: $0
Earning points with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card
Current Bonus: The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card offers Earn 75,000 after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
Benefits: With this card, you'll get a free night certificate each cardmember anniversary, $300 Marriott Bonvoy statement credit each year, automatic Gold Elite status, and 15 elite night credits. Other great benefits the card comes with are airport lounge access with Priority Pass Select, $100 property credit when you stay 2+ nights at The Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis, and $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit. This card earns 6x points at Marriott hotels, 3x points at U.S. restaurants and on airfare booked directly with airlines and 2x points on all other purchases.
Annual Fee: $450
Earning points with the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card
Current Bonus: The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card offers 75,00 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
Benefits: Each cardmember anniversary, you will get a free night certificate worth up to 35,000 points. Other perks are automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, Marriott Gold Elite status when you spend $35,000 in a year, and 15 elite night credits each year. This card earns 6x points at Marriott Bonvoy properties, 4x points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, U.S. mobile service providers, and on U.S. shipping purchases, and 2x points on all other purchases.
Annual Fee: $125
Having a co-branded credit card is one of the best ways to earn Marriott Bonvoy points. If you are frequently staying at Marriott properties, it's a no-brainer, as you will quickly be racking up points with each paid stay. Not to mention, each Marriott credit card offers automatic elite status, which gives you member benefits from free upgrades, free breakfast, late checkout and more. Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards to Marriott Bonvoy Another way to earn Marriott points is by transferring your Chase Ultimate Rewards Points over to Marriott Bonvoy. There are several Chase credit card options that earn Ultimate Rewards points. Once you have enough points you can transfer at a 1:1 transfer ratio. You can transfer Ultimate Rewards Points directly from the following Chase credit cards:
Chase Sapphire Preferred - Our favorite starter traverl card thats earns 2x points on everything. There is currently an offer of 100,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months..
Chase Sapphire Reserve - We love this card's super valuable travel perks such as the $300 annual travel credit, excellent travel protection, and airport lounge access. Right now you can earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months when you are approved.
Ink Business Preferred Credit Card - The welcome offer on this card is currently 100,000 points after spending $15,000 in the first 3 months. This business card is a great way to rack up Ultimate Rewards points on business spending.
It's important to note that transferring Ultimate Rewards points to Marriott is not the best use of points — but it may make sense in some situations when you are in need of Marriott points to complete an upcoming award booking or using points for a discounted PointSavers rate. You can also transfer Ultimate Rewards points earned from the cards below as long as you also have one of the premium Chase cards lsited above:
Chase Freedom Flex - Right now you can earn a welcome offer of $200 after spending $500 in the first 3 months. This card earns 5x points in rotating bonus categories, which makes it a powerful way to earn Chase points.
Chase Freedom Unlimited - Earn $200 after spending $500 in the first 3 months
Ink Business Cash Credit Card - The currenty welcome offer is $750 cash back after spending $7,500 in the first 3 months
Transfer Amex Membership Rewards to Marriott Bonvoy You can also earn Amex Membership Rewards points and transfer them to Marriott Bonvoy. As with Ultimate Rewards transfers, you'll likely get more value transferring to other Amex transfer partners, but in some cases it makes sense. After you have earned Membership Rewards points you can transfer them at a 1:1 ratio to Marriott Bonvoy. These following American Express cards earn Membership Rewards points that can be transferred to Marriott:
The Platinum Card® from American Express - There's currently a welcome bonus of 100,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months (terms apply). Plus, earn 10x points at U.S. restaurants and U.S. small businesses for the first 6 months (on up to $25,000 in combined purchases). This card is an excellent option for anyone looking for premium airport lounge access and other top-notch travel perks.
American Express Gold Card - With 4x points at restaratunts worldwide and US supermarkets this card is a top option for dining and grocerty store spending. Right now the card is offering 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months (terms apply) as a welcome offer.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express - Another good card option for airport lounge access. It is currently offering a welcome bonus of 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $15,000 in the first 3 months (terms apply).
American Express Business Gold Card - This card earns 4x points in the top 2 select categories that you spend the most in each month (up to $150,000 in spend each year). Right now you can earn a welcome offer of 35,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months (terms apply).
None - Earn $0. This card is a straightforward, no annual fee card that earns 2x points an business purchases (on up to $50,000 per year).
Marriott Hotel Brand Guide Here is a more in-depth breakdown detailing all of the differences between each Marriott hotel brand. This way you'll know which hotel fits your travel style on your next adventure and which brands you want to explore in the future.
Luxury When it comes to luxury hotels, Marriott Bonvoy has you covered with seven unique brands that offer everything from traditional luxury to modern elegance. Ritz-Carlton Ritz-Carlton is one of the highest-ranked hotel brands in the world in terms of guest satisfaction with locations in the world's top cities. Ritz-Carlton offers the most luxurious five-star experience you can get within the Marriott Bonvoy program. A great example of the Ritz-Carlton brand is the Ritz-Carlon New York, Central Park, an iconic property just on the edge of Central Park with the elegance and space of a private townhouse and a fully transformed Club Lounge. Footprint: 97 hotels in 30 countries St. Regis Formerly part of the Starwood portfolio, St. Regis properties are at the same level of luxury as Ritz-Carlton with more history and personality. You'll find St. Regis properties at some of the most sought-after destinations in the world. The St. Regis Lhasa Resort sits at the "Roof of the World" where you can enjoy sweeping views of the Tibetan landscape and enjoy the Golden Energy Pool. This luxurious property is a Category 5 hotel requiring only 35,000 points per night. The St. Regis Deer Valley in Park City, Utah is another great example of what this brand has to offer. This AAA Five Diamond resort offers exclusive ski-in, ski-out access to the famous Deer Valley Resort with a private beach, ski valet, infinity pool, and more. Footprint: 49 hotels
JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts JW Marriott properties are great when you want a luxurious experience and great location but you don't want to spend the points necessary for a stay at Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis. JW Marriott offers beautiful properties in some of the world's most exotic destinations and top cities. You'll find this brand fills the gap between ultra-luxurious properties and typical full-service hotels. Footprint: 77+ hotels on 5 continents
W Hotels W Hotels is a former Starwood brand that helped Starwood build its recognition and success. This brand helped bring boutique hotels into the public eye with iconic property design and services built around lifestyle. Every W property has a Living Room where guests can socialize. The W Hotels brand is big on social movements, promoting equality, and delivering innovative guest experiences like fitness classes, dancing, and music. Footprint: 50+ hotels in 25 countries
The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts The Luxury Collection delivers beautiful architecture and upscale services in the world's best getaway destinations. Luxury Collection properties offer a unique experience that blends a luxurious retreat with an authentic experience. You can see what the Luxury Collection has to offer with The Romanos Resort in Costa Navarino, Greece. Sitting right on the Ionian Sea, this award-winning resort features an open-air lobby with Messinian architecture and a combination of villas and suites, many with a private infinity pool to enjoy the sunset over the sea. Footprint: 99 hotels in Europe (45), Asia (33), North America (20), Middle East (9), Central America/Caribbean (9), South America (4), Africa (1), and Australia (1) Bulgari Hotels & Resorts The Bulgari brand features a bold and contemporary style inspired by the Italian jeweler. This interesting design concept is found in just a handful of properties in major luxury resort destinations and cosmopolitan cities like Bali, Dubai, London, Milan, and Shanghai. Footprint: 6 in 5 countries (3 more by 2022)
EDITION Hotels EDITION represents a unique luxury hotel brand created in collaboration with Marriott. This is one of the first hotel brands to truly blend the lifestyle and luxury segments into a rewarding guest experience. Every EDITION property is unique and based on the community in which it's located and all are well received by their communities. Footprint: 10 hotels (new hotels under development in the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and North America)
Upper Upscale These hotels are just a step below Marriott's top luxury brands. They still offer an incredible hotel experience, but you may not receive quite as refined and personalized service as Marriott's luxury brands. Marriott Hotels Despite being the flagship of the Marriott brand, Marriott Hotels lacks the personality and unique personality you'd expect from one of Marriott's largest brands. Still, you can count on comfortable and spacious rooms at Marriott with great amenities like M Club, a lounge with complimentary food and beverages and 24/7 access. Marriott Hotels caters to business travelers as a full-service meeting hotel. One of the best properties in the Marriott brand is the Kaua'i Marriott Resort in Hawaii, a Category 6 property with five-star services close to popular attractions on the island of Kaua'i. Footprint: 565+ hotels mostly in North America
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts Sheraton is one of the largest and most well-known brands in the Marriott family. In the U.S., Sheraton is a more midscale brand but in Asia, it's considered more of a luxury brand and a top hospitality brand. Some Sheraton properties are starting to show their age and the brand could use a new identity and consistency. Footprint: 500+ hotels in 70+ countries in North America, Asia, Africa, South America, Middle East, Europe, and Central America/Caribbean Westin Hotels & Resorts The Westin brand is focused on wellness with a holistic approach that includes WestinWORKOUT studios, SuperFoodsRx dishes, Heavenly Beds, and jogging paths. Footprint: 269+ hotels mostly in North America (140) as well as Asia (54), Europe (19), Central America/Caribbean (15), Australia/Pacific (6), Middle East (5), and South America (1)
Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts Le Meridien is a brand focused on design, art, and connecting guests to the culture of their destination. The brand partners with local companies to offer unique cultural experiences and perks like free access to local museums. This Paris-born brand also has a unique lobby concept with a cafe-inspired environment with food, beverage, and art experiences. This brand is definitely an under-appreciated gem in the Marriott portfolio. Footprint: 106+ hotels mostly in Asia and North America with some locations in Europe, Africa, Australia/Pacific, Central America/Caribbean, and the Middle East
Renaissance Hotels Renaissance is a full-service, lifestyle-oriented brand that targets business travelers. This brand is similar to Le Meridien as both promote local culture, arts, and events with unique properties that have their own style. Every Renaissance property offers the Navigator program to help you find fun experiences in the area Evenings at Renaissance with live music, art exhibits, and mixology in the lobby bar. Footprint: 160 hotels in 36 countries Tribute Portfolio Tribute is a small brand of 4-star hotels that are independently owned and similar to the Autograph Collection with properties that each have their own personality. This brand debuted in 2015. Footprint: 40 hotels in 13 countries Autograph Collection This brand of independent upper-upscale properties offer unique design and experiences. Every Autograph property has its own design, character, and resort amenities similar to the Tribute Portfolio. Footprint: 100+ hotels in 34 countries
Design Hotels Starwood had majority ownership in Design Hotels that now belongs to Marriott. Design Hotels is a curated collection of about 300 properties that each have something unique to offer in popular destinations. Footprint: 300+ hotels in 59 countries
Delta Hotels & Resorts This smaller full-service brand targets business travelers by elevating business travel essentials. Delta Hotels offers large and functional work spaces, free Wi-Fi, and pragmatic or utilitarian room design. Simplicity is what you can expect at Delta Hotels. Footprint: 27 hotels in the US, Canada, Europe, and China Gaylord Hotels Gaylord Hotels is a small but unique brand placed in the suburbs of popular gateway destinations. These large convention properties have anywhere from 400,000 to 600,000 square feet of convention and meeting space with dining and entertainment options. Footprint: 5 locations in the U.S. Marriott Executive Apartments This is a serviced apartment brand with five-star apartments in emerging gateway cities. Marriott Executive Apartments are designed for business executives who need quality housing outside of their country for at least a month. Footprint: 29 properties in 16 countries, mostly in Asia
Upscale Marriott's upscale brands are your typical mid-range hotels when it comes to design and service. They are still comfortable but don't expect that extra awe factor when it comes to on-property experience and amenities. Courtyard by Marriott Courtyard by Marriott is the largest upscale brand and one of Marriott's largest global brands. This no-nonsense brand offers a good value with spacious rooms and social areas like outdoor patios and firepits plus convenient amenities like 24-hour fitness centers and business centers. Footprint: 1050+ hotels in more than 50 countries
Residence Inn by Marriott This is one of the most popular upscale extended-stay brands in the world and it's designed for frequent, extended stays for leisure or business. Residence Inn offers large suites with separate working, living, and sleeping areas plus full-size kitchens. Amenities include free Wi-Fi and on-site fitness centers. Footprint: 700+ hotels on four continents
SpringHill Suites This is the largest upscale all-suites hotel brand in the United States and Canada. SpringHill Suites often performs well in terms of guest satisfaction with West Elm furniture in suites, free breakfast, fitness centers, in-suite workspaces, and Airy beds. Footprint: 400+ hotels in North America Element The Element brand began in 2008 as a lifestyle-oriented extended-stay brand. While no longer a requirement, Element properties were once required to pursue sustainable certifications. Today, Element is positioned as an alternative to Airbnb. Footprint: 55 hotels mostly in North America AC Hotels by Marriott AC Hotels by Marriott is like a European take on W Hotels with a modern design with unique, stylish European touches like tapas plates at the AC Lounge and European-style breakfast. AC Hotels are usually located in downtown, lifestyle, and destination centers. Footprint: 80+ locations mostly in Europe with many planned for the U.S.
Aloft Hotels Acquired by Marriott in 2016 and formerly part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Aloft Hotels offer affordable stays with a boutique style and a grab-and-go 24-hour snack shop. Marriott is currently revamping and expanding the Aloft brand. Footprint: 137+ hotels in the U.S. and 22 countries with plans for 130+ more Four Points by Sheraton Four Points offers a decent global footprint and it was the first U.S. hotel chain to operate in Cuba after a 60-year absence. The Four Points brand is focused on a relaxed atmosphere with convenient amenities. The brand is known for its focus on beer with a local craft beer highlighted at each Four Points hotel around the world. Footprint: 300+ hotels in North America (160+), Asia (70), Europe (19), Central America, the Caribbean, Australia, and Africa
Upper Midscale You can expect a comfortable stay at these brands, but most you can expect most properties within the brand to look almost identical and offer the same, rather limited, amenities. Fairfield Inn by Marriott Fairfield Inn is one of Marriott's largest brands and it was created in the 1980s to compete with Hampton Inn, Red Roof Inn, and other limited-service economy chains. You'll notice some differences in branding: the brand formerly included "Fairfield Suites" properties which became part of the separate SpringHill Suites chain. Some properties are still called Fairfield Inn & Suites. Like TownPlace Suites, Fairfield Inn offers a free hot breakfast plus mini-refrigerators, microwaves, and pools. Footprint: 1,000+ hotels mostly in the U.S. and Canada with 38 Asian locations and 15 properties in Central America/Caribbean TownPlace Suites TownPlace Suites targets families and business travelers with extended-stay suites that are affordable and just a step below Fairfield Inn & Suites, Marriott's other extended-stay property. TownPlace Suites offer a great value with a full kitchen in every suite, free hot breakfast, on-site laundry, fitness centers, outdoor Weber grills for guest use, and items to borrow during your stay like board games and small appliances. Footprint: 400 locations in the U.S. and Canada
Protea Hotels by Marriott This is Marriott's African brand with great recognition in South Africa, Nigeria, Uganda, and many other African nations. Protea Hotels by Marriott includes two brands: a lifestyle brand called Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott and Protea Hotels by Marriott. Protea Hotels offer full-service restaurants, free Wi-Fi, and other popular amenities. Footprint: 100 hotels in 9 countries Moxy Hotels Moxy Hotels are geared toward younger travelers. Moxy lobbies are designed to resemble hip living rooms with a bar and an energetic, social design. The first Moxy opened in Italy in 2014. Footprint: 50+ hotels in the U.S., Indonesia, Japan, and select European countries (rapidly expanding footprint)
What are marriott brand hotels? Marriott brand hotels include: AC Hotels, Aloft, Autograph Collection, Bulgari Hotels, Courtyard, Delta, Design Hotels, EDITION, element, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Four Points, Gaylord Hotels, Homes & Villas by Marriott, JW Marriott, Le MERIDIEN, Marriott Executive Apartments, Marriott Hotels, Marriott Vacation Club, Moxy, Protea, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Sheraton, Springhill Suites, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, TownePlace Suites, Tribute Portfolio, W Hotels, and Westin. How are marriott brands differentiated? Marriott brands are differentiated level of luxurious, hotel amenities, and quality of service at the hotel. What Marriott brands have lounges? The following Marriott brands have lounges: JW Marriott, Sheraton, Marriott, Le Meridien, Delta, Westin, Autograph Collection, and Renaissance. What Marriott brands have free breakfast? These Marriott brands have free breakfast for all hotel guests: Residence Inn, Towne Place Suites, Springhill Suites, Fairfield Inn and Suites, and Element. To get free breakfast at one of Marriott’s other brands you will need to have Marriott Bonvoy elite status. What Marriott brands are pet friendly? Most hotels in these Marriott brands are pet friendly: Autograph Collection, Renaissance Hotels, Delta Hotels and Resorts, Gaylord Hotels, Courtyard, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites, Fairfield Inn & Suites, and TownePlace Suites.