One of the benefits of earning Marriott Platinum (50 nights) or Platinum Premier (75 nights) status is that you are eligible to select an annual choice benefit. This is a new concept to the Marriott program and a benefit that was adopted from the Starwood merger. Originally you had until January 14, 2019to select your benefit, but do to many Marriott system glithes (surprise, surprise!) they extended the date to February 7, 2019. This means you have about 24 hours left to make your choice if you have earned either status soon. Remember, your Marriott and Starwood nights from 2018 were combined as well.Â
Marriott Choice Benefit Options
Platinum Status
If you’ve earned Platinum status this year (50 elite qualifying nights), you can select from one of these 5 options:
- 5 Suite Night Awards
- 5 Elite Night Credits
- The ability to gift Silver Elite status
- 40% off a hotel bed
- A $100 UNICF donation
I personally selected 5 Suite Night Awards as hopefully those will allow my family to enjoy some upgraded rooms this year (they are valid through December 31, 2019). Unlike Hyatt, however, you cannot apply these awards at the time of booking and the hotel will not start to look for an upgraded suite until 5 days prior to check-in date. You’ll also use one award per night, so 5 Suite Night Awards is only valid for 5 nights, NOT 5 stays.
Another popular option is the 5 Elite Night Credits. If you are trying to earn the next level of status and think you’ll be slightly shy, this is a good way to get there.
Platinum Premier Status
If you’ve earned Platinum Premier status this year (75 elite qualifying nights), you are eligible for BOTH one of the Platinum options above as well as one of these 6 options:
- 5 Suite Night Awards
- 5 Elite Night Credits
- A free night award
- The ability to gift Gold Elite status
- 40% off a hotel bed
- A $100 UNICF donation
Again you have the 5 Suite Night Awards and 5 Elite Night Credits. You are able to select those options twice if you want giving you 10 Suite Night Awards or 10 Elite Night Credits. Another solid option is the free night award which can be redeemed at a hotel costing up to 40,000 points.
Selecting Your Choice Benefit
One thing to know is that you actually have to earn the elite qualifying nights within the calendar year. Those with Lifetime Platinum or Platinum Premier status will not be able to select from one of the options without actually re-qualifying for the year. Although, elite qualifying nights earned from any of the Marriott or Starwood credit cards do count!
Once you’ve reached the 50 or 75 nights, you’ll need to sign into your account here to make the selection. I personally earned 55 elite qualifying nights in 2019 so I was able to select from the Platinum choice options.
Overall..
As I mentioned above, I personally selected the 5 Suite Night Award option. I personally have not tried to apply them to a hotel reservation yet, but I hope they work as they are supposed to (although I do not have high hopes). Just remember to make you selection or else you will automatically be given the 5 Suite Night Award option.
What choice benefit did you select?
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