With over 1,170 category 5 properties in the Marriott Bonvoy rewards program, you can easily find a property that is considered a sweet spot, and category 5 properties are currently the best category you can use your midrange Bonvoy credit card annual free night, which covers nights up to 35,000 points.
In this article, I will go over my top hotels that are category 5 and explain why they are unique, even if the property is on the other side of the world. I’ll also show you a long list of other luxury properties that you might want to consider using you free night at.
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Marriott Bonvoy category 5 pricing
On March 5th, 2019 Marriott Bonvoy officially changed to their new award chart ranging from category 1 to category 8. Category 5 is a sweet spot in Bonvoy’s award chart as it can range from business hotels to luxury hotels across the globe. You can easily find an EDITION, Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Luxury Collection, W, and JW Marriott property in category 5.
The other great thing about category 5 properties is the fact that credit cards like the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card and Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card both offer an annual free night for up to 35,000 points. Then the premium credit card, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card, offers an annual free night for up to 50,000 points.
35,000 points equal to the standard points needed for category 5 when it’s not off peak or peak season. Here is the Bonvoy award chart:
| Hotel Category | Off Peak (as of September 14) | Standard | Peak (as of September 14) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5,000 | 7,500 | 10,000 |
| 2 | 10,000 | 12,500 | 15,000 |
| 3 | 15,000 | 17,500 | 20,000 |
| 4 | 20,000 | 25,000 | 30,000 |
| 5 | 30,000 | 35,000 | 40,000 |
| 6 | 40,000 | 50,000 | 60,000 |
| 7 | 50,000 | 60,000 | 70,000 |
| 8 | 70,000 | 85,000 | 100,000 |
How Marriott’s credit card annual free night works
There are three Marriott Bonvoy credit cards that are open to applicants. However, there are other Marriott credit cards that aren’t open to applicants, but people are still able to hold the credit card like the old SPG personal credit card (now known as the Marriott Bonvoy Card from American Express) that is also eligible for the annual free night up to 35,000 points.
In this article, we will focus on their Marriott Bonvoy Business Credit Card and Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card that are still open to applicants.
The annual free night will only arrive once you have had the card for 1 year and then it will come at the same time every year after your first anniversary.
For example, if your application got accepted for one of the credit cards above on March 7th, 2019, you will be able to get the annual free night on March 7th, 2020 and every year after that. (Do note, sometimes the annual free night might take up to 8 weeks to show up in your Marriott account.)
The annual free night is redeemable for any properties that equal 35,000 points or less. In the screenshot below, you could use the annual free night at the properties shown, even though some are less than 35,000 points.
Note: if you redeem the annual free night for a property that is less than 35,000 points, you won’t receive the points difference in your account.
For properties that require more than 35,000 points, you cannot use the annual free night at those properties. Think of the annual free night as a certificate or a voucher. It’s useable up to a value, but you cannot combine it with points or cash to redeem for a more valuable property.
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Marriott Bonvoy credit cards
There are a total of three Marriott Bonvoy credit cards. Each card comes with different benefits and different annual fees. There are two midrange cards and one premium card. These cards aren’t the best for earning points like other cards, but in most cases, the annual free night makes up for the annual fee.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
- 6 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent at any Marriott Bonvoy property.
- 2 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Annual free night certificate valued up to 35,000 points.
- Automatic silver elite status.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- $95 annual fee.
Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express® Card
- 6 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent at any Marriott Bonvoy property.
- 4 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers & on U.S. purchases for shipping.
- 2 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Annual free night certificate valued up to 35,000 points.
- Spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year for an additional annual free night.
- Automatic silver elite status.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- $125 annual fee.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card
- 6 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent at any Marriott Bonvoy property.
- 3 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent at U.S. restaurants and flights booked directly with airlines.
- 2 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Annual free night certificate valued up to 50,000 points.
- $300 Marriott Bonvoy statement credit.
- Automatic gold elite status.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- $450 annual fee.
Other cards you might want to consider are the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the American Express Platinum. Currently, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card has an elevated welcome offer for 60,000 Chase Ultimate points after spending $4,000 dollars in the first 3 months. You can also transfer any points earned with Chase Ultimate Rewards directly to Marriott at a 1:1 ratio.
Best Marriott Bonvoy category 5 hotels
The best category 5 hotels might be a little subjective since each individual will have different wants and needs for hotels along with what they value for the best.
For me, I like unique or boutique hotels. Fewer rooms at a property are better in my eyes. For the most part, I don’t care if it’s centrally located, as long as it is worthwhile to stay a little bit out of the center of a city or even in the middle of nowhere. I do enjoy destination properties where the property is the main attraction. That said, I do love city hotels.
Now that you know what I value and look for in hotels, here is the list of my top 7 Marriott hotels that are a Bonvoy category 5.
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa
Location: Kien Giang, Vietnam
Average price: $276 USD
Opening: 2017
Number of rooms: 234
Hotel website
By far the most aspirational property on this list has to be the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa. Once a university, this newly opened hotel is one of the most beautiful properties. Sitting on Phu Quoc beach in Vietnam, it has both beautiful beaches and renovated rooms along with buildings that date back to the opening of the 19th-century university.
Elite recognition is consistent with Platinum Elites and above getting upgrades to suites like the Turquois Suite shown above. Villas are also available here, and some elites do get upgrades to villas sometimes.
Domes Miramare, a Luxury Collection Resort, Corfu
Location: Moraitika, Greece
Average price: $548 USD
Opening: 2018
Number of rooms: 113
Hotel website
This adults-only seasonal beach resort on Corfu island was initially built in the late 1960s and was running independently until a massive multimillion euro renovation from 2017 to 2018. Now under the management of Luxury Collection, you are able to use your annual free night certificates and points at this property while earning points, elite nights, and receiving elite benefits.
The property has rooms, suites, and villas. As an elite, you can be upgraded to a suite, but maybe if the occupancy is down during that time, you might have a chance for a villa. Since this property is seasonal and will be closed for half a year, it’s only open from mid April to mid October, and some nights they are entirely sold out. While I still could find availability for using points, during August, it’s somewhat harder to find availability.
I never knew about this property until recently. So, this year I might end up staying here when I go to Europe in September and October. I especially want to eat at this property too since Michelin-starred chef Tassos Mantis created the menu for both of the restaurants at the property.
W Kuala Lumpur
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Average price: $229 USD
Opening: 2018
Number of rooms: 150
Hotel website
Located within walking distance to the Petronas Twin Towers (aka, KL Twin Towers) this newly constructed W property is in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Just like other W properties, the design is unique with gleaming surfaces. What makes this property stand out is the fact that it’s so new.
Elites are welcomed with upgrades to suites. The pool offers views of the Petronas Twin Towers, and the Wet Deck is a comfy place to reside with a drink while eating tapas. During my visit to Kuala Lumpur, I stayed at this property and had a wonderful stay. You can read my full review here.
The St. Anthony, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Antonio
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Average price: $311 USD
Opening: 1909
Renovated: 2015
Number of rooms: 277
Hotel website
In the heart of San Antonio near attractions like the river walk and the Alamo, plus 5 restaurants, you can stuff your face during your stay and keep busy with all that is around. The property restaurants are busy during the week and weekend making it a spot for both tourists and locals to eat at.
Elites are welcomed to suites like the junior suite. The rooftop pool offers views of San Antonio, and the cabanas offer a place to relax outside on a sunny day.
I stayed at the property back in 2017 and would stay again if I go back to San Antonio.
JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa
Location: Uttarakhand, India
Average price: $254 USD
Opening: 2014
Number of rooms: 115
Hotel website
In the Himalayas, this JW property is showing the natural beauty of India. Famous for hiking trails throughout the mountains, this property is a hikers dream. Then after a long day, visit one of the four restaurants, and you will never go hungry. The resort features a full spa, fitness center, and a sparkling pool.
Elites are welcomed with two suite types that the hotel will upgrade them to, the Studio King will be more common of an upgrade. Kids are able to enjoy the bowling area and play area with a merry-go-round. Something truly unique for a category 5 property.
JW Marriott Hotel Grand Rapids
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Average price: $284 USD
Opening: 2007
Number of rooms: 337
Hotel website
In the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan the JW Marriott is still one of the nicest properties in North America with a very reasonable price and award category. Located right on the river next to Grand Valley downtown campus and clubs nearby, the property is always busy in the lobby with both guests and locals hanging around.
Elites will be happy since the property does have an executive lounge. Platinum and above can access the lounge for free with one guest or anyone that has a concierge level room.
When I have stayed at this property the few times before, I enjoyed the executive lounge, and they didn’t care about the number of people I brought in. For a US property, this lounge is nice, but I still prefer international lounges in Asia.
The Sanya EDITION
Location: Sanya, China
Average price: $158 USD
Opening: 2016
Number of rooms: 512
Hotel website
Many people might not know, but EDITION was Starwood’s brand new modern luxury brand. Since Marriott took over Starwood, I have seen Marriott push EDITION just as much as Starwood and still plans to open 11 new properties in the coming years.
The Sanya EDITION is a beachfront property with three different pools, a play zone for kids, bumper cars, and rock wall. Located on the beach facing the South China Sea, this property is one of EDITION’s flagship properties.
Elites aren’t going to get anything special at an EDITION, including Sanya EDITION. While upgrades are given, breakfast isn’t since EDITION is one of Marriott’s brands that doesn’t have to provide breakfast to guests.
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List of category 5 hotels
Across the globe, there are 1,173 category 5 hotels. But I think listing off all 1,173 category 5 hotels might be crazy.Â
In this list, I will only list off luxury brands. Marriott’s luxury brands are Edition, Ritz-Carlton, The Luxury Collection, St. Regis, W Hotels, JW Marriott, and Bulgari. Note, Bulgari doesn’t participate in the Bonvoy program. So, you aren’t able to use points at Bulgari properties.
United States
JW Marriott Atlanta Buckhead
JW Marriott Charlotte – New
JW Marriott Denver Cherry Creek
JW Marriott Grand Rapids
JW Marriott Houston Downtown
JW Marriott Indianapolis
JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa
JW Marriott Miami
JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America
Connected right to Mall of America you can shop until you drop.
JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa
Events like nightly tequila toast are a thing.
The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner
The St. Anthony, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Antonio
The Whitley, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Atlanta Buckhead
W Atlanta – Downtown
W Chicago – City Center
W Chicago – Lakeshore
W Minneapolis – The Foshay
Canada
JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District
Mexico
JW Marriott Monterrey Valle – New
Central America
JW Marriott Panama
The Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort, Panama City
W Panama
South America
JW Marriott Hotel Bogota
JW Marriott Hotel Lima
JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro
Hotel Paracas, a Luxury Collection Resort, Paracas
Park Tower, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Buenos Aires
W Bogota
W Santiago
Africa
The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo
The Ritz-Carlton Rabat Dar Es Salam – Opening soon Jan 2022
The Ritz-Carlton, Tamuda Bay – Opening Jan 2030
The St. Regis Almasa Hotel, Cairo – New
The St. Regis Cairo
Asia
The Sanya EDITION
JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok
JW Marriott Hotel Macau
JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity
JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai at Tomorrow Square
JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai Fengxian – New
JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus
JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa
Beach resort in Khao Lak, Thailand.
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Shanghai Pudong
JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu
JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa
JW Marriott Sanya Haitang Bay Resort & Spa
The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai
The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street
The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place
The Ritz-Carlton, Astana
The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore
The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing
The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou
The Ritz-Carlton, Harbin – Opening soon Dec 2021
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur
The Ritz-Carlton, Shenzhen
The Ritz-Carlton, Xi’an
Hotel National, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Moscow
ITC Gardenia, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bengaluru
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok
The Alexander, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Yerevan
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok
The Azure Qiantang, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hangzhou
The Castle Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dalian
The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali
The St. Regis Bangkok
The St. Regis Beijing
The St. Regis Changsha
The St. Regis Chengdu
The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur
The St. Regis Lhasa Resort
The St. Regis Mumbai
The St. Regis Shanghai Jingan
The St. Regis Shenzhen
W Guangzhou
W Kuala Lumpur
W Xi’an
Oceana
The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place
The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur
The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali
The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart – Opening soon Dec 2021
The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur
W Brisbane
W Kuala Lumpur
Europe
Hotel Berlin Central District – New
JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus
Penha Longa Resort
A specialty Ritz-Carlton property.
The Ritz-Carlton, Astana
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg
Domes Miramare, a Luxury Collection Resort, Corfu
Hotel Bristol, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Warsaw
Hotel National, a Luxury Hotel Collection Hotel, Moscow
The Alexander, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Yerevan
Trump Turnberry, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scotland
Middle East
Burj Rafal Riyadh, A Marriott International Hotel
Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel
A specialty Ritz-Carlton property.
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal
The Ritz-Carlton, Doha
Ajman Saray, a Luxury Collection Resort, Ajman
Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Saraya Aqaba
Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha
Sheraton Kuwait, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kuwait City
The St. Regis Doha
W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
W Muscat
Final word
While this list might be a little biased and only geared for luxury properties, this could be a good start to a more extensive list.
So, what category 5 properties would you recommend that are or aren’t on this list?
This article was originally published by Steve Smith.
Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio.
Unfortunately the Bonvoy Brilliant only earns 3 pts per $ on US restaurants.
Thanks for pointing that out! 🙂 My mistake and I have edited the article.
The JW Marriott Phu Quoc isn’t a converted old university. It was specifically built to look like an old French university. It’s a beautiful resort and they did a great job, but I’ve seen comments in reviews from people being disappointed (even though they enjoyed the hotel) that the hotel isn’t actually a converted school.
It looks like Hotel Bristol, Vienna has moved up a category and isn’t 35k anymore.
Hapuna beach also was at cat 6-
glad I stayed during cat5 days.