Since the merger to what has now become the Marriott Bonvoy program, members have been able to redeem their Marriott Bonvoy points at standard rates. For example, members were able to redeem points for a Category 5 property at the standard rate of 35,000 Bonvoy points.
However, this is changing on September 14, 2019. Starting on that day, Marriott Bonvoy is introducing Off-Peak and Peak rates. Off Peak will require points less than the standard rate while Peak rates will require more points than the standard rate. The peak and off-peak rates will be based on demand. Bonvoy is also introducing new similar Cash + Points rates.
What else will happen because of this change?
1. Previously, when all nights were the same redemption rate, you were able to book four nights and get the fifth night free. This is remaining, however, now you will receive the lowest value night free. This will only come into play if your reservation includes different redemption rates (ie peak and standard nights).
2. Members still have until September 14, 2019 to make point reservations under the current standard award chart and those point values will stick.
3. One of my favorite features of the Bonvoy program is the Points Advance feature. This feature allows you to make a future reservation without having the points in your Bonvoy account. You only need to have the points in your account with enough time to order an e-certificate for the reservation (usually 14 days prior to your arrival date). The feature still exists under the new rules but know that if you do book a reservation using the Points Advance feature before September 14, you will be subject to the changes in redemption rates at the time of redemption. The only way to lock in the STANDARD redemption rate at the time of booking before September 14th is to fully use your Points to book your redemption reservation (like in number 2 above).
4. I always thought that the ability to have multiple points advance reservations was a very generous feature of the program. Apparently Marriott Bonvoy did too. Starting September 14, you will only be permitted a maximum of three Points Advance reservations at any time.
5. In fact, if you currently have more than 3 reservations booked on the Points Advance feature, you will receive an email from Marriott Bonvoy asking that you “KEEP, CANCEL, CONVERT” you reservations to get within the 3 Points Advance reservation limit. If this pertains to you, make sure you take care of this before 9/14.
6. Here is the new Marriott Bonvoy Award Redemption Chart.
