Given how lackluster Hyatt’s fourth quarter promotion is, I think it’s at least worth mentioning Marriott’s MegaBonus promotion, which will run from September 15, 2012, to January 15, 2013, which registration required by October 31, 2012. Members are targeted with different offers, so log-in to your Marriott account to see which version of the offer you got. My offer (which seems to be pretty common among non-frequent Marriott guests) is for one free night at any category 1-4 Marriott property after every two stays, with a maximum of three free nights.

Now, that’s a spectacular promotion, though is it worth mattress running for? There are several Marriott properties in Tampa that are ~$80 per night, so I could get a free category 1-4 night for ~$160.

In looking at Marriott’s category 4 hotels (just select the category at the top right of the page), it seems category 4 hotels are mostly SpringHill Suites and Residence Inn properties — nothing wrong with that, but simply pointing out we’re not talking about JW Marriotts or Ritzs (not that I was expecting that). ;)

So as much as I overlook Marriott, this is actually a very generous promotion, and if Marriott weren’t my least preferred brand in terms of their loyalty program, I might even go for it.

Frequent Miler further points out that Marriott is pretty generous with giving out Platinum status challenges (though not matches), typically requiring nine stays during a period of a couple of months. Knocking out nine stays wouldn’t be too pricey for top tier status for a year, especially when you’d also be earning three free nights at comparable (or possibly more expensive) hotels, plus points.

So I’m intrigued, though I already have top tier status with Hyatt, InterContinental, and Starwood, and am pursuing top tier status with Hilton through the Citi Hilton Reserve card. The last thing I need is another status level to maintain.

I am still curious, does anyone know of any awesome category 4 hotels that might justify mattress running for this promotion?

Posted on August 10th, 2012 by lucky
Filed under: Great Deals, Marriott | 21 Comments »

  1. August 10th, 2012 at 5:39 am

    The Deal Mommy said,

    I did this promo in the summer and am using my free night in Montreal…the Residence Inn Westmount is a level 3. The best refundable rate for my dates is $286.79 CAD including taxes. https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/yulmr-residence-inn-montreal-westmount/

  2. August 10th, 2012 at 6:06 am

    Thomas199023 said,

    Just some JW’s on the list.

    Cat 3&4 China:
    Chongqing- JW Marriott Hotel Chongqing
    Hangzhou- JW Marriott Hotel Hangzhou
    Beijing- JW Marriott Hotel Beijing

    Cat 3 India
    Bengaluru, Karnataka- JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru
    Chandigarh- JW Marriott Hotel Chandigarh

    Cat 3 Indonesia
    Jakarta- JW Marriott Hotel Jakarta
    Medan- JW Marriott Hotel Medan
    Surabaya- JW Marriott Hotel Surabaya

    Cat 3 Kuwait
    Safat, Kuwait City- JW Marriott Hotel Kuwait City

    Cat 3 Romania
    Bucharest- JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel

    Cat 4 Egypt
    Cairo- JW Marriott Hotel Cairo

    Cat 4 Equador
    Quito- JW Marriott Hotel Quito

    Cat 4 Malaysia
    Kuala Lumpur- JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur

    Cat 4 Turkey
    Ankara- JW Marriott Hotel Ankara

    Cat 4 Venuzuela
    Caracas- JW Marriott Hotel Caracas

  3. August 10th, 2012 at 8:03 am

    anonymous said,

    Weren’t you going to drop IC?

  4. August 10th, 2012 at 8:03 am

    lucky said,

    @ anonymous — That’s the plan… eventually.

  5. August 10th, 2012 at 8:05 am

    DanR said,

    My MB offer is useless: stay 25 paid nights for 40,000 points. Totally not worth it and this time around Marriott will not let me choose a different promo.

  6. August 10th, 2012 at 8:07 am

    lucky said,

    @ DanR — Ouch! How many nights have you stayed with them in the past year?

  7. August 10th, 2012 at 8:16 am

    chemist661 said,

    My wife & I flew LAX-Monterey (9K Avios each)and we stayed at the Salinas (20 minutes away) Residence Inn. We used my wife’s Cat 1-4 free night from her CC signup. The rate was $209/night and the property is decent and category 4.

    That stay worked out nicely for us as we rented a car from the airport.

  8. August 10th, 2012 at 8:17 am

    Oscar said,

    JW Mexico City, oponed in May.

  9. August 10th, 2012 at 8:45 am

    DanR said,

    Ouch indeed- I’ve only got 15 nights w/ Marriott this year.

  10. August 10th, 2012 at 8:46 am

    KevinZ said,

    It really depends on the time and location, I found the free night certificates very handy even thought only 1-4. I’m planning to use mine at Marriott Pattaya during X’mas time. Previously I’ve used mine at JW Kuala Lumpur, excellent value…..

  11. August 10th, 2012 at 8:58 am

    Jimmy @TraveByPoints said,

    Hopefully, US Air Grand Slam returns this year, so we can do some double-dipping.

  12. August 10th, 2012 at 9:06 am

    ShaneInTulsa said,

    I’m ineligible for the promotion. I’ve stayed 31 nights with them thus far. I have 3 free certificate nights in a 1-4 category hotel so perhaps I signed up or this is a repeat of a previous quarters’ promotion?

  13. August 10th, 2012 at 9:42 am

    Bill @ Charm City Traveler said,

    My Summer Bonus had the exact same terms as the upcoming Megabonus. I have more 1-4 category certificates than I will know what to do with.

  14. August 10th, 2012 at 12:24 pm

    DanR said,

    After a tweet, Marriott contacted me and manually switched me to 2 stays = 1 nt Cat 1-4 :)

  15. August 10th, 2012 at 1:30 pm

    mac said,

    Got the 2-4-1 option but will NOT be participating. I’d much rather earn my 5000 UA miles & 8000 hyatt pts for 2 stays vs. 1 “free” nt at a lower tier Marriott prop. Plus I actually get perks for making 25 stays/yr at Hyatt rather than whatever small time bennies Marriott offers

  16. August 11th, 2012 at 10:36 am

    Kevin said,

    There are a ton of excellent Marriott category 4 properties, just not in the US…

    In Thailand, I’ve stayed many times at these properties:

    Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel
    Courtyard by Marriott Hotel Bangkok (Cat3)
    JW Marriott Pattaya Resort & Spa

    Some other Asian locations I’ve stayed
    JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur
    JW Marriott Jakarta (Cat3)

    We’re not in this game burn certs at a US based Courtyard or Fairfield Inn… :-)

    JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur

  17. August 13th, 2012 at 4:16 am

    Gregorygrady said,

    Mac: how are you getting 5000 UAL miles AND 8000 Hyatt pts per two stays? RC closed bonus AND you are planning on having the hotel not post your diamond amenity each time so u get the bonus pts each time?

  18. August 27th, 2012 at 7:42 am

    vivek said,

    how does marriott define a stay for MEGABONUS PROMOTION. is one night qualify for a stay?

  19. August 27th, 2012 at 8:09 am

    lucky said,

    @ vivek– Yes, a one night, paid stay booked through Marriott would qualify.

  20. September 18th, 2012 at 8:37 pm

    Timex said,

    I was offered the 15000 point thing, also. Im going to talk to an operator tomorrow to see whats up (too late now).
    I maxed the summer promotion and used my certs already, got gold status in the process. Top tier Platinum isnt much better than gold on benes.

    Residence Inn downtown Pensacola.
    Springhill Suites New Orleans (French Quarter).
    Springhill Suites Downtown Memphis.
    Free upgrades with Gold Status.

  21. October 8th, 2012 at 2:40 pm

    Rachel said,

    I am Diamond for Hilton and Hyatt. I saw this and figured this might be worth trying out for Marriott since I have secured my statuses at the other chains for next year – but this is what I got when I logged in. No thanks – will stick to Hilton and their crappy 4th quarter promo instead.

    Don’t forget – Marriott Rewards MegaMiles registration ends 10/31/12 Earn triple miles beginning with your 2nd stay at any of 3,600+ participating Marriott® hotels. With the world’s most distinctive array of hotel brands, you’re always on the road to something amazing.

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