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Choice Benefits is one of the perks of Marriott Bonvoy elite status. If you are eligible for the selection period for 2021, you will want to make your decision soon. Everything you need to know about the program is summarized.
What are Marriott Choice Benefits?
Marriott Bonvoy elite members are able to choose additional perks for passing certain thresholds, which is in addition to the standard published program benefits.
Choice Benefits can be selected by elite members when they pass 50 and 75 elite nights in a year.
The nights that are not earned through stays qualify. This also includes:
I started the year with a total of 68 elite nights in my Bonvoy account, without having stayed a single night.
Marriott's 50 night Platinum Choice benefits.
Bonvoy members who pass 50 elite nights in a year can choose from Marriott Choice Benefits.
The five suite night awards were held.
Five credits of elite night.
The ability to give status to a group.
40% off a hotel bed.
A donation of $100.
Marriott Choice Benefits will give you 40% off a hotel bed.
Marriott's 75 night Titanium Choice benefits.
Marriott Bonvoy members who pass 75 elite nights in a year can choose from the following rewards.
The five suite night awards were held.
Five credits of elite night.
There is a free night award at a hotel.
The ability to give a status to someone.
40% off a hotel bed.
A donation of $100.
You can get a free night certificate with Marriott Choice Benefits.
The Marriott Choice Benefits can be selected.
Marriott Bonvoy emails members to prompt them to choose a benefit. If you are eligible to select Choice Benefits, you will see the options immediately. That is something to note.
You can't change your rewards once you select them.
You have to make your selection by January 7, 2022.
If you don't have an immediate use for it, it's a good idea to wait, since you might change your mind on what makes more sense over time.
The benefits of the Marriott Choice.
While I was close to the 100 elite nights needed for Ambassador status, I was far from the spending requirement.
I have historically selected suite night awards as my Choice Benefits, since they can unlock the most value. I have only used two of the 10 suite night awards from 2020 and they have been extended by six months.
In the first half of 2021, I selected five suite night awards for my Platinum Choice Benefits selection, since at the time I had a stay in early 2022, I wanted to use suite night awards for my old one. I have had 13 suite night awards, with the ability to still choose my Titanium Choice Benefits selection.
I chose the five suite night awards just now, after making my final selection. I don't stay at Marriotts often, but I have good luck using suite night awards outside the United States, and I generally avoid Marriotts in the United States anyway.
The other options don't appeal to me.
Adding five elite nights to my total is pointless since I already qualified for Titanium status.
The status of Silver Elite or Gold Elite isn't worth much, as it doesn't offer many benefits.
I value some of the other options at more than $100, so donating wouldn't be a good way to maximize value.
If you don't get value out of the suite night awards, selecting a free night award worth up to 40,000 points is a good option.
I upgraded to a two bedroom suite last year using suite night awards.
Marriott Bonvoy Platinum and Titanium members get Choice Benefits. Marriott Bonvoy made it easy for people to earn elite nights in 2021, so even if you don't stay a lot, you can still get the benefits.
We have a couple of days left before the deadline for selecting Marriott Choice Benefits, so you will want to make your final choice now. I think I better start thinking of ways to use the awards since I selected more.
Assuming you are eligible, what Marriott Choice Benefits have you selected?
