Also this year I maximized the Bonvoy promo on qualifying double nights
Taking advantage of promotions, paying sometimes more to save all the other times, this is my strategy when [...]
Marriott
Taking advantage of promotions, paying sometimes more to save all the other times, this is my strategy When it comes to elite levels in loyalty programs. True to my belief: status is pursued if you exploit it, this is a classic example of how at the end of April 2025, I am comfortable that I have Platinum Bonvoy status until February 2028, when I am 2 years away from thecoveted lifetime membership.
In this article:
Of course the rules could change, but I want to be optimistic and explain how I managed to do it by spending very little to achieve this result.
The first Bonvoy promo is (almost) always the best
Again this year I have decided to invest the entire first part of 2025 in Marriott facilities, and the reason is simple, again in 2025 as in the last 6 years, the first promotion was the one that gave away the qualifying double nights plus bonus Bonvoy points.
I was able, even with a pair of mattress run, to accumulate as many as 33 bonus nights, plus 33k extra bonvoy points. Basically out of 75 nights needed to renew the Titanium level, just under 50% I got them for free with this promotion. Considering that in Italy there are not, like in the U.S., credit cards that give away bonus nights, it is really important to try to maximize these promotions to get to the finish line more easily.
In total I am already at 68 nights stayed, but in a few days I will cut 70 since we will be with Marika and Bete in Frankfurt. However, the thing I would like to point out is that I managed to accumulate the 68 nights by spending less than 3300$, at the exchange rate less than 45€ per night. Of course at this rate I will never become an Ambassador, need 100nights in a year, but also 23 thousand dollars of spending in hotel, but it doesn't matter to me it is important to keep titanium, at least until I reach the Platinum Lifetime level.
First Annual Choice Benefit milestone reached.
Having crossed 50 qualifying nights I reached the milestone to have the Platinum level during 2026, this also led to having the opportunity to choose my annual award.
There is nothing new this year, as usual regarding the options that can be chosen
- Five Nightly Upgrade Awards To be used for upgrades to selected premium rooms or standard suites
- 1.000$ of discount On purchasing from among the participating brands of Marriott Bonvoy boutiques.
- Giving away Marriott Bonvoy Silver status Elite to a family member or friend
- A donation from 100$ to the Arne M. Sorenson Fund for Hospitality, UNICEF or WWF.
- Five credits of Elite nights To approach higher Elite status and gain additional benefits
Obviously me, as is my habit, I will wait until the end of the year to make my choice, when I have also reached the second milestone, that of 75 nights.
My hunt for the Platinum Lifetime Bonvoy
Next year I will cross the finish line of Gold for life, but just as the regular Gold status is worthless, the Gold for life status is also really of little use.
Platinum for life is the goal so that you can take advantage of the benefits regardless of how many nights you stay. Of course I'm still more than 200 nights short, but considering that you need a minimum of 50 per year to get it the math is not hard to do. However, the 10-year level also counts so having guaranteed status until 2028 helps me get closer to the finish line, sure next year Marriott may not launch the usual parachute, but in any case I have my chances to play.
Next steps
These mattress runs of mine I made not only to speed up the accumulation of nights, but mostly to allow me to frequent other signs as well and not always and only Hilton and Marriott. Lately I have visited several IHG hotels and my intention is to go to other chains as well, although I admit when I am a common, status-less guest, I don't really feel at home.
