Marriott Ends Online Award and Paid Night Combo Bookings

Marriott’s decision to end the ability to book award nights and paid nights in a single reservation online has caused quite a stir in the travel community. This change impacts Marriott Bonvoy members who previously enjoyed the convenience of combining these options via the Marriott website. As of January 16, 2025, this functionality has been removed, confirmed by the company itself, signaling a shift in how it wants its members to book stays involving both cash and points.

Although the option to combine award and paid nights isn’t entirely gone, the new process requires members to call Marriott’s reservation line. This move adds an extra step that could deter some from using the feature. It’s a notable alteration for those who strategize their stays to maximize value using points and miles. The ease of online booking, crucial for many travelers managing dynamic itineraries, has taken a hit, now relying on potentially lengthy phone calls for what was once a swift process.

Our Take

We believe that Marriott’s decision may affect the user experience negatively. It appears that the additional barrier of requiring a phone call might inadvertently reduce the frequency with which members opt for the mix of award and paid nights. This could be seen as a deliberate move by Marriott to streamline its processes, albeit at the expense of customer convenience.

Within the landscape of travel rewards, ease of booking is essential. While the option remains available through a call, its removal from the online platform could impact Marriott’s appeal to points travelers. Other loyalty programs might see this as an opportunity to differentiate themselves by enhancing their own user-friendly booking capabilities.