Marriott Bonvoy

When you read angry posts from Marriott Bonvoy elites, the complaint is usually the same: “I didn’t get upgraded.” What people forget is that Marriott’s upgrade benefit is availability-based at …

As we enter 2026, many travelers are reflecting on their hotel loyalty program status and planning how to maximize their benefits for the new year. If you already hold elite …

Transferring points to airline and hotel partners is one of the best ways to squeeze extra value out of your rewards. It’s also one of the easiest ways to get …

One of the easiest ways to earn a big stash of points or miles is by grabbing a strong sign-up bonus. Apply, hit the minimum spend, collect the rewards, repeat …

I never thought I’d be considering the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant again. We ditched this card back in 2023, right around the time the annual fee jumped to $650. Not because …

Marriott elite benefits can be a little… situational. Upgrades and late checkout depend on the property, the day, and sometimes the mood of the person at the front desk. But …

When it comes to earning points, it’s actually pretty hard to make a truly catastrophic mistake. Sure, you can forget to use the “right” card and earn 2X instead of …

We’d held Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status for seven straight years. That’s long enough that it starts to feel like part of your travel identity — even if you’re not …

If you’ve read this blog for a while, you already know we’re unapologetically pro-Starbucks when we travel. It’s predictable coffee in unfamiliar places, mobile ordering in chaotic airports, and an …

When we travel, we try to stretch every dollar — not just on flights and hotels, but also on dining. And while we love supporting local spots when we travel, …