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5 Top Hotels in the US to Book With Marriott Premier Card’s Free Anniversary Night

  • Million Mile Secrets

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    Update:   One or more card offers in this post are no longer available.  Check our Hot Deals for the latest offers. 

    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.

    Marriott Category 1 to 5 Hotels are Terrific for Family Travel. Many Include Free Breakfast, Parking, and Kitchenettes!

    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:

    The $85 annual fee is NOT waived for the 1st year.

    Marriott hotels include:

    Note:   Chase has made it tougher to be approved for ANY of their cards (including airline & hotel cards) if you’ve opened ~5+ credit card accounts with any bank within the past 24 months.

    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.

    80,000 Marriott Points Is Enough for Several Nights at Lower Category Marriott Hotels. Or 1 or 2 Nights at the Nicest Marriotts!

    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 Hotels

    You 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’ll Save Money Using Your Free Night Here!

    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’s Where You’ll Find Your Free Night Certificate on the Reservation Page

    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!

    Enjoy This Beautiful Hotel in Sunny San Diego!

    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!

    Grab Some Delicious Mexican Food During Your Trip to San Diego!

    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.

    Relax Near the Pool in Charleston, South Carolina!

    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!

    Downtown Charleston Is Known for Its Old Architecture and Historic Charm

    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!

    The Courtyard New Orleans Westbank / Gretna Is a New Modern Hotel!

    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.  

    Mardi Gras Is 1 of the Biggest Celebrations of the Year in New Orleans!

    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!

    The Residence Inn Secaucus Meadowlands Is in New Jersey. But It’s Very Close to the Heart of New York City!

    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!

    The Residence Inn Portland Airport Is Close to the Airport and Offers Free Airport Shuttle Service

    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!

    Editorial Note: We're the Million Mile Secrets team. And we're proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader's comments. These haven’t been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. And that’s just how we like it! :)