Marriott Bonvoy Free Night Award Top Off Is Live: Combine certificates with up to 15K points.

Marriott told us it would happen in April. It was barely.

Marriott will be working tonight and tomorrow to make sure that the Bonvoy Free Night Certificates with up to 15,000 additional points function as expected. It should be up and running on the app soon.

The Deal

Marriott Free Night Certificates can now be topped with up to 15,000 additional points in order to reserve a more expensive property. The certificates include 35K, 40K, 50K and 85K.

• The Marriott site or app will automatically see that you have a certificate that is within 15,000 points and give you the choice of the cert/point combo or just points.
• Members have the flexibility to add points to each eligible free night award including those used to book a multi-night stay.
• Members will still be able apply to a Suite Night award a redemption reservation, regardless of whether that redemption is made using standard points, PointSavers or free night awards.
• Should a member choose to modify a reservation in any way, it may impact the points needed to redeem for the stay, which may go up or down depending on the dates.
• Top-ups DO NOT appear possible on rooms that include a cash upgrade.

The FAQ page has a direct link.

Quick Thoughts

Marriott originally announced the ability to top off certificates in October of last year and then announced an April live date when they made the change to dynamic pricing. It was Stephen Pepper's birthday today and it gave him the perfect opportunity to finally roll it out.

This will be a win for everyone. My wife and I have been making reservations for vacations, including a trip to Europe next month, and have been fighting against properties that are out of reach of our certificates. We're coming for you, Bonvoy properties.

I wish they would go the IHG route and not put a maximum limit on the amount of top-up points you can use, and the fact that they still charge resort fees when redeeming them is a blemish when compared to other programs. It doesn't seem to work on rooms that have an upgrade component, which could make it difficult at higher-end properties.

The flexibility the top-ups will provide is something I'm thrilled about. The 35K certs will be more usable. It's good to hear that there will be a feature to top-up as part of a multi-night stay, although I could see that having some issues in the beginning.

There are many uses for a Marriott free night certificate.