Marriott Bonvoy Points Devaluation 2025: What You Need to Know

In a move that has left frequent travelers and loyalty program enthusiasts disappointed, Marriott Bonvoy has once again devalued its points, making it more expensive to redeem rewards at many of its properties worldwide. Here’s a detailed look at what has changed and how it could impact your travel plans.

What’s Changing ?

Marriott Bonvoy has quietly increased the number of points required to redeem free nights, especially at premium properties and during peak travel seasons. Here are the key changes:

• Luxury properties now cost significantly more points.

• Many mid-tier properties have shifted into higher redemption categories.

• Peak pricing has become even steeper, with no caps on how high point requirements can go.

  
  

Examples of Updated Redemption Rates

JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa

To understand the impact, here are a few examples of properties and how their rates have changed:

1. JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa

   • Old Rate: 85,000 points per night (off-peak)

   • New Rate: 120,000 points per night (off-peak)

   
   

2. The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo

   • Old Rate: 100,000 points per night (standard)

   • New Rate: 140,000 points per night (standard)

   
   

3. W Goa, India

   • Old Rate: 60,000 points per night (off-peak)

   • New Rate: 75,000 points per night (off-peak)

   
   

4. Courtyard by Marriott Agra

   • Old Rate: 15,000 points per night (off-peak)

   • New Rate: 20,000 points per night (off-peak)

     
     

These examples show the significant jump in point requirements, making it harder to stretch your points for valuable stays.

What Does The Marriott Bonvoy Points Devaluation Mean for Travelers?

1. Reduced Value of Points: Properties that previously offered exceptional value for points now cost significantly more, making it harder to justify redemptions.

2. Luxury Properties Hit Hard: Aspirational properties like The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis are now out of reach for many members, even with years of point accumulation.

3. Impact on Budget-Friendly Stays: Affordable redemptions at Courtyard or Fairfield properties have also seen increases, narrowing options for budget-conscious travelers.

Why This Devaluation Hurts

Loyalty programs like Marriott Bonvoy rely on providing tangible value to their members. With these changes:

• Members feel the points they’ve worked hard to earn are worth less.

• The devaluation discourages loyalty as competitors like Hilton Honors and World of Hyatt offer more consistent value.

How to Adapt

While this devaluation is frustrating, here are strategies to get the most value from your Bonvoy points:

1. Book Early: Secure stays at properties you’re considering before further increases occur. Many properties honor current rates for future bookings.

2. Find Sweet Spots: Explore lesser-known Marriott properties in off-peak destinations where point requirements may still be reasonable.

3. Leverage Promotions: Look out for bonus point promotions or “Stay More, Earn More” deals to offset higher redemption rates.

4. Compare Other Programs: Consider diversifying your loyalty with programs like Hyatt or Hilton, which may offer better redemption options and more predictable point values.

   
   

Final Thoughts

The Marriott Bonvoy devaluation has made it harder for members to extract value from their points, particularly at luxury and peak-season properties. While this is a setback for loyalists, there are still ways to navigate these changes and find value in the program.

At MaxMyCard, we help you stay ahead of industry changes and maximize your credit card rewards and points. Need help navigating these updates or optimizing your points? Get in touch today!