The Chase Marriott Rewards Premier card has several great benefits, including a free night in any category 1 to 5 hotel on your cardmember anniversary.
The Chase Marriott Rewards Premier card has an $85 annual fee (NOT waived for the 1st year). But it could be worth keeping the card after the 1st year, depending on how you use the free night.
I’ll show you 5 top hotels in the US where you can use your free night to get Big Travel with Small Money!
About the Chase Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card
Link: Marriott Rewards® Premier Credit Card
Link: My Review of the Chase Marriott Rewards Premier 80,000 Point Offer
When you sign-up for the Chase Marriott Rewards Premier card, you’ll earn 80,000 Marriott points after spending $3,000 in the 1st 3 months of opening your account.
And you’ll earn another 7,500 Marriott points when you add an authorized user who makes a purchase within the 1st 3 months.
You’ll also get:
- 1 free night at a Marriott Category 1 to 5 location on your card anniversary. It expires 12 months from the issue date.
- 5X Marriott points per $1 spent at Marriott locations
- 2X Marriott points per $1 at restaurants, on car rentals, and airline tickets purchased directly from the airline
- 1X Marriott point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- NO foreign transaction fees
- 15 nights credit towards elite status (so you get Marriott Silver status)
- Because it’s a Visa Signature card, you’ll be eligible for Visa discounts and a 6-month membership to CLEAR.
The $85 annual fee is NOT waived for the 1st year.
Marriott hotels include:
- AC Hotels by Marriott
- Autograph Collection Hotels
- Bulgari Hotels
- Courtyard by Marriott
- Delta Hotels
- EDITION
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
- Gaylord Hotels
- JW Marriott
- Marriott Executive Apartments
- Marriott Hotels
- Marriott Vacation Club
- Moxy Hotels
- Protea Hotels
- Renaissance Hotels
- Residence Inn by Marriott
- Ritz-Carlton
- Springhill Suites by Marriott
- TownePlace Suites by Marriott
So I recommend folks 1st sign-up for the Chase Sapphire Preferred. Here’s why. But if you already have the Chase Sapphire Preferred or don’t want it, consider this offer for the Chase Marriott Premier. Or the other Chase cards in Hot Deals.
Quick Tips When Using Points
Marriott added new features to their loyalty program this year, including points advances and the capability to share your points. And later this year, they’ll merge with Starwood.
Remember, you’ll get the 5th night free on any award stay when you redeem your Marriott points! So if you want to stay longer, it’s an excellent way to save 20% on your vacation.
Two Tools to Find Marriott Hotels
I like using Hotel Hustle to find hotels for award stays because it shows you how many points you’ll need for your specific travel dates. And show you if award nights are available at hotels, including Marriott!
Another option is AwardMapper. It shows similar information. But it’s not specific to travel dates and won’t search for available award rooms.
Top 5 Hotels in the US Where You Can Stay With Your Marriott Free Night Award
Link: Marriott Category 1 to 5 HotelsYou can use your free anniversary night from the Chase Marriott Rewards Premier card at any Category 1 to 5 hotel.
If you use the free night at a hotel that normally costs a few hundred dollars, it’s worth paying the $85 annual fee!
For instance, the Residence Inn San Diego Sorrento Mesa / Sorrento Valley is a Category 5 hotel. It costs 25,000 Marriott Rewards points or ~$258 a night.
You can use your free anniversary night if award nights are available. Just log into your Marriott Rewards account and search for hotels in your desired destination. Be sure to select “Use Rewards points.”
Select the hotel and your room type and make sure it is a Category 5 or less. On the reservation page you will see that you’ll have the option to use your free night certificate. Just click through as you normally would to book your hotel for free!
Here are my top 5 picks on where to use the free night in the US.
The rates are for stays in June 2016. And remember, prices an vary depending on the season!
1. Residence Inn San Diego Sorrento Mesa / Sorrento Valley
The Residence Inn San Diego Sorrento Mesa / Sorrento Valley gets nearly all 5 star reviews on TripAdvisor. It is near the popular San Diego Zoo and Sea World!
It’s a Category 5 hotel that costs 25,000 Marriott Rewards points a night. I found rooms here in June 2016 for ~$258. This rate includes free breakfast and every room has a kitchenette!
If you’re visiting San Diego this could be a fantastic spot to stay because of the location. And a free hotel room is a great way to get Big Travel with Small Money!
2. Fairfield Inn & Suites Charleston Airport / Convention Center
If you want to explore the historic city of Charleston, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Charleston Airport / Convention Center is a great spot to use your free night award.
This hotel gets outstanding reviews on TripAdvisor. Folks rave about the convenient location near the airport and close to downtown! The rooms have a microwave and mini-refrigerator. And breakfast is included in your stay. No elite status needed!
Nights here in June 2016 cost ~$169 or 25,000 Marriott Rewards points. That’s double what you’ll pay for the card’s annual fee.
3. Courtyard New Orleans Westbank / Gretna
The Courtyard New Orleans Westbank / Gretna is a new hotel with an excellent location. It’s only 5 minutes from downtown New Orleans!
This Category 5 hotel costs 25,000 Marriott Rewards points. Rooms in June 2016 are ~$144 a night, so you’ll save money by using your free night award here.
You could visit for a special occasion like Mardi Gras or the Jazz & Heritage Festival!
Remember that hotel prices in New Orleans can vary, especially during special events like these.
4. Residence Inn Secaucus Meadowlands
New York City can be expensive, but you can save money using your free night at this hotel! The Residence Inn Secaucus Meadowlands is just 4 miles from New York City.
This hotel is in New Jersey, but you can drive or catch a taxi or bus through the Lincoln Tunnel which takes you right into the city!
It gets 4.5 stars on TripAdvisor because of the friendly staff and great location. The rooms have full kitchens and a free breakfast is included!
Rooms at this Category 5 hotel are usually 25,000 Marriott Rewards points or ~$280 in June 2016.
You can use your free night from the Chase Marriott Rewards Premier card here and save hundreds of dollars!
5. Residence Inn Portland Airport at Cascade Station
Travelers on TripAdvisor regularly give the Residence Inn Portland Airport at Cascade Station 4.5 stars because of its excellent location. The MAX Light Rail is just steps away and will take you right into downtown Portland!
I found rooms at this Category 5 hotel for either 25,000 Marriott Rewards points or ~$246 a night in June 2016. This rate includes free breakfast! That’s a great deal for families.
When you use your free night here you’re saving ~$161 ($246 nightly cost – $85 annual fee). With the many benefits of the Chase Marriott Rewards Premier card, the annual fee can definitely be worth paying!
Bottom Line
You’ll get 1 free night at any Marriott Category 1 to 5 location on your Chase Marriott Rewards Premier card anniversary.
There are hundreds of Category 1 to 5 Marriott hotels across the US where you can get Big Travel with Small Money. The free night reward can save you hundreds of dollars!
The Chase Marriott Rewards Premier card has an $85 annual fee, but you can get a free night at a hotel that’s worth more.
Let me know your favorite Marriott hotels in the US to redeem your free night award!