Marriott Bonvoy awards up 16% overnight

Marriott Bonvoy has quietly repriced its awards, resulting in a 2-16% increase in award costs. The changes, which were implemented without notice, saw most properties increase by 3-8%. For example, the Athenee Bangkok now costs 37,000 points, up from 32,000, while the London EDITION increased to 115,000 points from 107,000. The increases have resulted in a decrease in the value of Marriott Bonvoy points, with sampled Bangkok redemptions now yielding around 0.56¢/point after taxes and fees. This devaluation is the latest in a series of changes, including the 2025 round that lifted the Cat-5 ceiling to 76,000 points, a 90% climb from early-2022’s 40,000 points. Our take: given the consistent devaluations, it’s essential for cardholders to reevaluate their loyalty strategy and consider alternative redemption options to maximize the value of their points. With Marriott Bonvoy’s house value drifting toward its floor, cardholders should aim to redeem their points wisely and explore other rewards programs that offer better value.