The golden rule for getting the most out of your travel rewards is to use them for what they were designed for – in other words, use airline miles for free flights and hotel points for free stays.
Every rule, however, has an exception.
Enter Marriott Bonvoy Moments, a programme that lets you use your Marriott points for a variety of purposes other than travel.
Culinary experiences, sporting events, concerts, and more may all be booked.
And, if you're careful with your redemptions, you can get a lot of bang for your buck.
When, on the other hand, is it a good idea to spend Marriott points with Marriott Bonvoy Moments?
When should you use Marriott points to book experiences?
The solution is straightforward.
It's a good deal if you get more value than that.
Two seats in a Luxury Suite at Wrigley Field, for example, went for 55,000 Marriott points.
During your stay in the suite, you'll also get free food and drinks.
A similar suite with 21 suite seats costs $8,000 for the same game.
We can properly estimate the value by dividing the $8,000 cash price of the suite by the number of tickets included, because Marriott's package only includes two.
$8,000 divided by 21 tickets equals $380 each ticket.
Two tickets for $380 each are available for 55,000 Marriott points.
That implies each Marriott point is worth 1.38 cents to you.
That's 64% more than the average Marriott point value, making this a fantastic offer.
Assuming that you screen Marriott Bonvoy Moments with routines, you'll see a few significantly more extraordinary arrangements spring up. Some you should offer on and some you can "purchase now" with focuses. Previously, we've seen things like Super Bowl tickets and amazing travel bundles including suite evenings, exceptional culinary encounters and nearby visits.
You'll likewise track down things that cash can't precisely purchase, for example,
In-person ace classes with Michelin Star gourmet experts.
Sports season finisher passes to occasions that are generally sold out.
Selective behind the stage passes to different melodic occasions.
Those are the genuinely charming offers, as they're "beyond value" as it were. To do, similar to toss out the principal throw at a ball game, your Marriott focuses are worth more than cash.
Final thoughts
Marriott Bonvoy Moments aren't always a fantastic deal, but if you keep an eye on them, you'll uncover some gems.
If you're receiving a bad deal, you're better off paying cash for your experience (if possible).
If you're in a bidding war for a specific experience, keep that 0.84-cent figure in mind.
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