We keep most of our hotel-branded credit cards year after year. This is because the benefits of the cards typically outweigh their annual fees (especially those hotel cards that come with an annual free night certficate). Some of our favorites are our Marriott annual free night certificates! 

Marriott allows you to “top off” free night certificates with up to 15K points, so each 50K free night certificate could be redeemed for award nights that cost up to 65K points if you topped them off with some of your Marriott points.

Let’s dive into some of the best ways to redeem a Marriott 50K free night certificate. Check out this post to learn more about all the Marriott cards and the rules for getting each one.

 

Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa

How does a night in the Maldives sound? And it’s an overwater villa! Obviously, you would want to use other certificates, points, or cash to stay longer if you are going that far, but seriously, the Maldives on a credit card with a $95 annual fee? Alex stayed there and absolutely loved it! Did you read her post about the Maldives?

The Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa looks amazing! You can use a Marriott 50K certificate for a beach bungalow and top it off with 3,000 points. Additionally, pay $50 more for an overwater bungalow!

 

 

JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa

Yes, I’ve stayed at the JW Marriott in Phu Quoc, Vietnam, and yes, I’d love to stay again. You can read all about it in my post, but it was magical and worth the long flight. It was the only time I’ve travel hacked just to stay at a hotel, and it did not disappoint. It is hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that you can stay there for only 50K points/night—it is that special!

 

Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa

If you have some Marriott points to top off your Marriott 50K certificates, you can book the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa, which is located steps from Kaanapali Beach (one of my favorite spots on Maui)!  Note: The Sheraton is currently closed due to the fires on Maui—it may reopen in Oct/Nov.

 

 

My sister and I have stayed there, and you can read my review here. The location is perfect for restaurants, shopping, and fun at the beach.

 

Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino

The Renaissance brand of Marriott Hotels is another brand I like. I had a friend with five 50K certificates from a sign-up bonus, so we booked the Renaissance Aruba. We really enjoyed our stay in Aruba, and visiting Flamingo Island because we were staying there was amazing! 

 

 

 

Residence Inn Vail

You may want to take a ski or snowboarding trip. The Residence Inn Vail is a new hotel and could fit a family of 4-6. You would need to add some points to your certificates, though. Book early as all Colorado ski resorts are busy during the winter.

 

Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa

A great option near San Diego is the Coronado Island Marriott Resort and Spa. I stayed here courtesy of an annual 50K certificate. With two double beds and a sofa bed, this room could sleep a family. They offer Food Truck Thursdays and Movies by the Bay on Fridays, making it a fun destination for all.

 

THE US GRANT, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego

THE US GRANT, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego is another hotel I might use a Marriott free night certificate at some time. I have always loved San Diego and we’ve talked about family stays there, but this would be better for a couples’ stay. It is located in the Gas Lamp District (close to restaurants and all the action). It has great reviews and could be a fun stay.

 

 

Bottom Line

We keep our hotel-branded credit cards because we get great value from our Marriott free annual night certificates. We hope you’ve found some inspiration for where you can use yours. If you don’t have one yet but have plans to stay at Marriott hotels, read our post about Marriott credit cards and get one—you’ll be glad you did! Do you have a 50K Marriott hotel stay that you would recommend?