Marriott Bonvoy has quietly increased award prices by 5-10% at many properties, as first reported by Chinese award booking sites and confirmed by Loyalty Lobby and Doctor of Credit. This devaluation means your Bonvoy points now stretch less far for free nights, with some hotels seeing even steeper increases and a few remaining unchanged or even dropping in price. Marriott’s move to dynamic pricing in March 2022 paved the way for these unpredictable shifts, and this latest round is one of the most significant since then.
Our Take
Bad news for Marriott loyalists and points maximizers. This devaluation is a clear hit to anyone sitting on a stash of Bonvoy points, especially those saving for aspirational stays. With Marriott points already worth just 0.8¢ each by our valuation, a 5-10% hike means you’re losing real value overnight. If you’re focused on premium redemptions, it’s time to rethink your strategy.
What Changed
- Award prices at many Marriott properties increased by 5-10%
- Some properties saw increases above 10%; a few stayed flat or decreased
- No advance notice; changes are effective immediately (as of July 2026)
- Continues Marriott’s trend since moving to dynamic pricing in March 2022
Who Benefits Most
- Travelers redeeming at properties with unchanged or decreased award rates: If your target hotel didn’t see a price hike, your points are unaffected or even go further.
- Cash-back card users: Those who’ve shifted spend to cash-back or flexible points cards (like Ultimate Rewards or Membership Rewards) are insulated from Bonvoy devaluations.
- Short-stay bookers: If you redeem for lower-category hotels that weren’t affected, your value per point remains steady.
Who Should Be Cautious
- Marriott Bonvoy points hoarders: If you’ve been saving for a big redemption, your points just lost 5-10% of their value—$100 in points is now worth $90-95 in free nights.
- Luxury and aspirational travelers: Top-tier properties often see the steepest increases, making those dream stays even more out of reach.
- Travelers with fixed-value free night certificates: If your certificate now covers fewer properties, you may have to top up with extra points or settle for a less desirable hotel.
What To Do Right Now
- Check your upcoming Marriott award bookings: If you have flexible reservations, see if prices have jumped and consider rebooking or canceling.
- Redeem points sooner rather than later: With dynamic pricing, further devaluations are always possible.
- Compare cash rates: For some properties, paying cash may now be a better deal than using points.
- Diversify your points strategy: Consider earning transferable points (like Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards) for more flexibility.
