The Marriott Bonvoy umbrella covers 30 brands and over 7,000 hotels, making it one of the largest and most well-recognized rewards programs in the world. Sheerly because of its massive size, holding Marriott elite status can be one of the most valuable types of elite statuses you can have.
The delightful and wide-ranging Marriott elite status benefits (including guaranteed reservations, enhanced room upgrades and late checkout for Gold and higher members, and free massages for Ambassador Elite members) go a long way, too.
Here's everything you need to know about earning and flexing Marriott elite status.
Changes to Marriott elite status in 2023
Marriott extended elite status in the early years following the pandemic. Now, its new process for deciding who gets status extensions is contingent upon whether you actually stayed at a Marriott in the past year.
Here's how long you'll hold elite status, based on your existing status (and how you attained it):
If you earned elite status in 2022, you'll hold it through February 2024.
If you held elite status in 2022 but did not re-achieve that tier, Marriott allows you to maintain some level of status, but at the next lower tier. Members maintain one tier below their current status starting March 2023 through February 2024.
Marriott Bonvoy status levels
There are five elite levels guests can reach with the Marriott Bonvoy program: Silver, Gold, Platinum, Titanium and Ambassador.
There's also Member status, which anyone can receive at no cost and with no effort, aside from signing up online and handing over some light personal details, such as name and email address. Marriott Bonvoy member benefits are scant — complimentary Wi-Fi, exclusive member rates and mobile check-in and key — but are certainly better than nothing.
For all the Bonvoy elite status tiers, benefits get increasingly better the higher you go. Here's an overview of all the Marriott Bonvoy elite status levels, how to earn them, and some of their benefit highlights:
Marriott Silver Elite
How to earn: Stay at least 10 qualifying nights per calendar year.
Bonus points earned on hotel purchases (including room rates and other incidental charges): 10%.
Best benefits: Priority late checkout, member rates, a dedicated elite reservations line, complimentary in-room Internet.
How to earn: Stay at least 25 qualifying nights per calendar year.
Bonus points earned on hotel purchases (including room rates and other incidental charges): 25%.
Best benefits: All of the benefits of Silver Elite status, plus 2 p.m. priority late checkout based on availability, in-hotel welcome gift of extra points and enhanced room upgrade based on availability.
How to earn: Stay at least 50 qualifying nights per calendar year.
Bonus points earned on hotel purchases (including room rates and other incidental charges): 50%.
Best benefits: All of the benefits of Gold Elite status, plus 4 p.m. priority late checkout, and an in-hotel welcome gift of extra points, a breakfast offering at participating hotels or a welcome amenity. Platinum Elite members also get an annual one-time Choice Benefit upon qualification. At the hotel, elites at this level get lounge access, as well as a guaranteed room type, along with enhanced room upgrades — including select suites — at check-in if available.
How to earn: Stay at least 75 qualifying nights per calendar year.
Bonus points earned on hotel purchases (including room rates and other incidental charges): 75%.
Best benefits: All of the benefits of Platinum Elite status, plus A second Choice Benefit selection upon qualification and a 48-hour room guarantee.
Marriott Ambassador Elite
How to earn: Spend at least 100 nights at Marriott properties a year and over $14,000 in qualifying spend at hotels.
Bonus points earned on hotel purchases (including room rates and other incidental charges): 75%.
Best benefits: All of the benefits of Titanium Elite status, plus Ambassador Service and Your24 concierge services before and during stays with Marriott Rewards.
Status benefits compared
Here’s a comparison table looking at some of the best benefits you get from each Marriott elite status level:
Silver Elite
Gold Elite
Platinum Elite
Titanium Elite
Ambassador Elite
Points earning bonus
10%.
25%.
50%.
75%.
75%.
Late checkout
When available (time unspecified).
2 p.m. (when available).
4 p.m. (guaranteed).
4 p.m. (guaranteed).
4 p.m. (guaranteed).
Room upgrades
None.
When available, no suites.
When available, including suites.
When available, including suites.
When available, including suites.
Check-in gift
None.
Points.
Points, breakfast, or welcome amenity.
Points, breakfast, or welcome amenity.
Points, breakfast, or welcome amenity.
Lounge access
None.
None.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
Annual choice benefit
None.
None.
At 50 stays.
At 50 stays and 75 stays.
At 50 stays and 75 stays.
Ambassador service + Your24
None.
None.
None.
None.
Yes.
» Learn more: Your complete guide to earning Marriott Bonvoy points
Marriott Annual Choice Benefits, explained
This benefit is a little confusing, especially as Marriott presents it on its website. Basically, Platinum elites earn a choose-your-own adventure benefit when they reach 50 stays. Titanium and Ambassador elites earn that benefit at 50 stays, as well as an additional benefit at 75 stays.
The first (50-night) benefit is your choice of:
Five Suite Night Awards.
40% off a Marriott bed (from their store).
Silver status for a friend or family member.
US $100 donation to UNICEF.
Five elite night credits.
The second (75-night) benefit is your choice of:
Five Suite Night Awards.
40% off a Marriott bed (from their store).
Gold status for a friend or family member.
US $100 donation to UNICEF.
Five elite night credits.
One free award night (up to 40,000 points).
Lesser-known Marriott Bonvoy perks explained
Marriott throws a ton of extra perks into each status level. Some (like mobile check-in) are basically fluff, while others are highly valuable. Here are some helpful explanations of the latter.
Welcome gift
Not to be confused with the “Annual Choice Benefit,” this is an in-hotel gift offered when checking in. Gold members receive points at check in. Most properties offer 500 points, but these brands only offer 250: Courtyard, Four Points, SpringHill Suites, Protea Hotels, Fairfield, AC Hotels, Aloft, Moxy, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites and Element hotels.
Platinum, Titanium and Ambassador members receive a choice of:
Points (at the same rate as Gold member).
Complimentary breakfast when available.
An “amenity” that differs by brand (but sometimes includes food and beverage).
Ambassador Service + Your24
At Bonvoy’s highest level, Ambassador elites receive two valuable perks.
The first, Ambassador Service, provides “personalized service” for each stay. This is essentially a personal travel concierge who can help plan your stay and organize activities.
The second, Your24, is an interesting one. It gives you a flexible 24-hour check-in and check-out window, which lets you avoid the hassle of arriving too early. That is, if your flight arrives at 6 a.m., you can check into your room immediately instead of waiting until the afternoon. Marriott also gives a more extreme example of staying “from midnight to midnight” (thought we’re not sure why you’d want to).
How to get Marriott status
There are two ways to earn Bonvoy status: by staying at Marriott properties and collecting enough eligible nights, or by holding a Marriott credit card.
» Learn more: The best hotel credit cards today
Eligible nights
You can earn the first four levels (Silver through Titanium) by staying enough qualifying nights per calendar year. It doesn’t matter if you stay at high-end Ritz-Carlton hotels or long-term Residence Inns — all nights count the same. However, the highest level (Ambassador) requires a minimum $14,000 annual spend.
Here’s the breakdown.
Elite status level
Elite night credits required to earn
Silver Elite
10 elite qualifying nights.
Gold Elite
25 elite qualifying nights.
Platinum Elite
50 elite qualifying nights.
Titanium Elite
75 elite qualifying nights.
Ambassador Elite
100 elite qualifying nights (plus $23,000 in spend per year).
Important: “Qualifying Nights” are those booked directly through Marriott.com or most corporate travel services. They do not include stays booked through third-party online travel agencies like Expedia or Orbitz. This is true of most hotel loyalty programs, but it can trip up travelers who are unaware.
Credit cards
Does spending a quarter of the year in hotels sound daunting? There’s an easier way. Several credit cards, including Marriott's own branded cards, provide complimentary elite status.
This Marriott status is identical to what you’d get if you earned it the hard way. You’ll still be thanked for being a loyal Bonvoy customer when you check in and get all the associated perks (even if it’s your first stay).
» Learn more: How to get a Marriott credit card
It’s important to note that the status offered through the Marriott co-branded cards usually comes in the form of Elite Night Credits. For example, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card includes 15 ENCs, which is enough to earn Silver status, but also gets you closer to earning higher status levels if you stay more. The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express offer Gold status not in the form of ENCs, so it is more difficult to earn a higher status level through these cards. Terms apply.
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is particularly delightful because it offers you automatic Platinum status, so you have higher tier benefits right off the bat, even if it's your first-ever Marriott stay. But since it also offers 25 ENCs, you're on a fast track to eventually earn Titanium or perhaps even Ambassador status.
Here’s a breakdown of what status comes with each personal card (You can get an additional 15 ENCs by holding the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card as well. Terms apply.):
15 Elite Night Credits (Enough for Silver status)
Terms apply.
25 Elite Night Credits (Enough for Platinum status)
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (though the card does you one better by also offering automatic, complimentary Gold status).
Terms apply.
Automatic Gold status (Not through ENCs)
Terms apply.
Credit cards that earn Marriott Bonvoy points
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
NerdWallet RatingNerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
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on Chase's website
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
NerdWallet RatingNerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
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Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Card
NerdWallet RatingNerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
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Rates & FeesMarriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
NerdWallet RatingNerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates, fees, rewards and other features.
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on American Express' website
Rates & FeesAnnual fee
$0
$95
$250
$650
Rewards
• 3 points per $1 at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
• 2 points per $1 on other travel purchases (such as airfare, taxis and trains).
• 1 point per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
• 6 points per $1 at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
• 3 points per $1 on up to $6,000 a year in combined purchases on grocery stores, gas stations and dining.
• 2 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
• 6 points per $1 at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
• 4 points per $1 on up to $15,000 a year in combined purchases at grocery stores and on dining.
• 2 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
• 6 points per $1 at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
• 3 points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines.
• 2 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
Other benefits
• 15 Elite Night Credits annually, qualifying you for Silver Elite Status
• Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
• 15 Elite Night Credits annually, qualifying you for Silver Elite status, plus path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
• 1 Elite Night Credit toward Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
• Free Night Award (valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $15,000 in a calendar year.
• Automatic Gold Elite status, plus 15 Elite Night credits each year toward Platinum Elite status.
• 1,000 points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott Bonvoy at participating properties. Terms apply.
• Free Night Award (valued up to 85,000 points) every year after your account renewal month.
• Automatic Platinum Elite Status and 25 Elite Night credits per year.
• Fee credit for either Global Entry or TSA Precheck.
• Priority Pass Select lounge membership (enrollment required).
• Up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide.
• Terms apply.
New cardholder offer
Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after spending $1,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card.
Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card!
Earn 85,000 Bonus Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening.
Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
Learn more
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* Rewards earned by using one of these cards at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels come on top of the points you earn for being a member of the Bonvoy loyalty program. Taken together, paying with a Bonvoy card at a Bonvoy location can earn 14-17 points per dollar spent.
** There are two Marriott Bonvoy cards with substantially the same benefits but they come from different issuers. The Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Card, described above, is from Chase. Its near-twin is the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, which you can read about here.
To view rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, see this page.
How much is Marriott Bonvoy status worth?
In NerdWallet’s annual analysis of the best hotel elite status programs, we sought to determine how much value the major U.S. hotel loyalty programs deliver to guests. Here's how Marriott Bonvoy did.
Value of benefits
Cost to earn
Elite earning rate
Silver
$12.
$1,460.
0.8%.
Gold
$136.
$3,650.
4%.
Platinum
$3,350.
$7,300.
46%.
Titanium
$5,315.
$10,950.
49%.
Ambassador
$7,317.
$20,000.
37%.
Marriott lifetime status
Super-dedicated travelers (and extreme Bonvoy loyalists) can earn lifetime status, too. Here’s how it works: You must collect a minimum number of both qualifying nights and years of elite status. For example, to earn lifetime Gold status, you need 400 total nights and seven years of Gold status.
One extra perk of lifetime status: Your Bonvoy points will never expire. Otherwise, Marriott Bonvoy points expire if your account does not have any qualifying activity for 24 consecutive months.
» Learn more: Why I love the Marriott Bonvoy program
Is Marriott elite status worth it?
Deciding whether it’s worth shooting for Bonvoy status depends entirely on your travel preferences and goals. If you’re a frequent business traveler considering Ambassador status, you’ll want to compare it to other high-end hotel elite levels. If you’re an infrequent traveler, you might wonder whether it’s worth earning any hotel elite status at all.
For example, Bonvoy Silver status offers almost no tangible benefits. The only real benefit is the bonus points earning benefit, which is still paltry at 10%. So we definitely wouldn’t suggest shifting your travel plans just to earn that 10th night.
Gold status offers a bit more, including late checkout and room upgrades. But remember it can be obtained hassle-free via getting a credit card instead of spending nearly a month in Marriott hotels.
As expected, Platinum, Titanium and Ambassador status offer the more meaty perks, including the flexible annual choice benefits and check-in gifts. But they also require a lot of Marriott loyalty (and spending) to earn, of course.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Marriott Silver status worth?
According to our analysis, Marriott Bonvoy Silver status has a value of $10 and costs $1,460 to earn.
How much is Marriott Gold status worth?
According to our analysis, Marriott Bonvoy Gold status has a value of $126 and costs $3,650 to earn.
How much is Marriott Platinum status worth?
According to our analysis, Marriott Bonvoy Platinum status has a value of $3,314 and costs $7,300 to earn.
How much is Marriott Titanium status worth?
According to our analysis, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium status has a value of $5,233 and costs $10,950 to earn.
How much is Marriott Ambassador status worth?
According to our analysis, Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador status has a value of $7,617 and costs $20,000 to earn.
How much is Marriott Silver status worth?
According to
our analysis
, Marriott Bonvoy Silver status has a value of $10 and costs $1,460 to earn.
How much is Marriott Gold status worth?
According to
our analysis
, Marriott Bonvoy Gold status has a value of $126 and costs $3,650 to earn.
How much is Marriott Platinum status worth?
According to
our analysis
, Marriott Bonvoy Platinum status has a value of $3,314 and costs $7,300 to earn.
How much is Marriott Titanium status worth?
According to
our analysis
, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium status has a value of $5,233 and costs $10,950 to earn.
How much is Marriott Ambassador status worth?
According to
our analysis
, Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador status has a value of $7,617 and costs $20,000 to earn.
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
For fans of Marriott hotels and resorts, the hotel brand’s loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy, allows you to earn valuable rewards towards free stays and access other hotel perks, like room upgrades, late checkout and free WiFi. The free loyalty program offers basic benefits to standard members, but you can unlock other perks by reaching one of its five elite status levels.
With over 30 brands and more than 8,000 properties worldwide, Marriott’s portfolio includes luxury hotels, all-inclusive resorts and a diverse range of properties for every type of travel need.
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Marriott Bonvoy is the Marriott hotel brand’s loyalty rewards program. Participation in the loyalty program can earn you Bonvoy points, redeemable for award nights at Marriott resorts and hotels. The loyalty program features six status levels, one basic and five elite, each offering varying benefits and amenities.
When you join the program, you receive a basic Bonvoy membership, reserved for individuals who stay nine nights or fewer at Marriott properties. Basic membership includes benefits like free in-room WiFi, mobile check-in privileges and member rates when booking accommodations.
To reach elite status, you must stay at least ten nights at Marriott properties. Each subsequent level requires a greater commitment, but also unlocks new benefits.
Here’s a breakdown of all five elite status levels, what you need to do to earn status and the benefits of each status achievement.
Marriott Bonvoy Silver is the entry point to Marriott Elite status. You can achieve Silver Elite by staying 10 nights each year at Marriott properties. Silver Elite status not only includes several useful perks, but you’ll earn 10% more points on eligible hotel purchases. Other benefits include:
You can achieve Bonvoy Gold Elite status after staying 25 nights per year with the hotel brand. In addition to Silver benefits, Gold Elite members earn 25% more points on eligible hotel purchases. Other Gold Elite benefits include:
Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite is for members that stay at least 50 nights per year at Marriott properties. Platinum Elite members earn 50% more points on eligible hotel purchases. Platinum members get to choose between points, complimentary breakfast or other amenities for their welcome gift during their stays. Enhanced room upgrades are included with Platinum status, including upgrades to select suites when available.
One of the better perks included with Platinum Elite status is the annual choice benefit of one of the following options:
Other Platinum Elite benefits include:
Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite status requires staying 75 nights annually to achieve. Titanium status will earn you 75% more points on eligible hotel purchases and a 48-hour room guarantee. Achieving Titanium also gives you 24/7 dedicated support for all hotel booking needs.
Titanium status also earns you not one but two annual choice benefits—one with 50 elite night credits and another at 75 elite nights. In addition to the benefits of lower status levels, Titanium Elite members also receive complimentary United MileagePlus Premier Silver status.
Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite status is the only tier that requires meeting a spending threshold. To reach Ambassador Elite, you must stay at least 100 nights per year plus spend $23,000 in qualifying purchases annually.
Ambassador Elite members earn 75% more bonus points on eligible hotel purchases. Starting in the middle of 2023, the top Elite status also features a unique benefit — a dedicated personal ambassador to help with all your travel needs. On top of all the benefits of Titanium status, Ambassador Elite status also features a perk called “Your24,” which allows you to choose your own 24-hour check in and checkout times.
Earning elite nights also counts towards earning lifetime status within Marriott Bonvoy. The program offers three tiers of lifetime status, each with its own requirements:
Elite nights are nights that earn you credit towards Elite status requirements in the Marriott Bonvoy program. There are two primary ways to earn elite qualifying nights.
First, you can earn qualifying nights by staying at participating Marriott properties. You’ll earn one qualifying night for each night of booked and billed stays. You can also earn elite nights through award stays.
You can also earn qualifying nights through Marriott co-branded credit cards. Among the many benefits included with Marriott credit cards is 15 to 25 elite night credits annually just for holding the card.
If you have a personal and business Marriott card, you can double dip, earning up to 40 elite nights from two cards. If you have more than one personal card, you can only claim the elite night benefit for one of the cards.
Here’s a look at the co-branded cards that earn elite night credits:
If you prefer more versatile rewards credit cards over co-branded hotel cards, you can still earn elite status within Bonvoy. The Platinum Card® from American Express (Terms apply) and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (Terms apply) both earn automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status.
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Marriott Elite status could be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars. The value of elite status depends on your annual travel habits and what benefits you’re most likely to utilize. If your travel plans don’t allow you to earn enough qualifying nights to earn status, opening a Marriott co-branded credit can help fast-track you toward elite status.
If you tend to sleep in or skip breakfast, then earning free breakfast may not appeal to you. Early check in and late checkout can help maximize your stay, but may not be necessary for everyone. Much of the value of Bonvoy Elite status is tied up in personal preferences with program benefits. Determine what program perks you’re likely to use to determine whether Marriott Bonvoy Elite status is worth pursuing.