WHERE TO USE YOUR MARRIOTT 50K FREE NIGHT AWARD (BEST HOTELS TO BOOK)
Redeem your Marriott 50k FNA at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
If you’re earning credit card points but not diversifying them, you’re leaving a lot of value on the table. I teach my readers on Instagram to focus primarily on cards that earn transferable points but to also diversify with co-branded airline and hotel cards. Doing both gives you far more flexibility when it’s time to book travel.
Between Dan and I, we earn more than two weeks of hotel nights every year just from the hotel credit cards we hold. We use our free night awards for little week-end trips to see the kids or to bookend a points stay.
Over the years, many co-branded hotel cards have shifted away from large, points-based welcome bonuses (like 125,000 points) and toward free night awards (FNAs) instead. In my opinion, this is a bit of a double-edged sword.
On one hand, free night awards can offer great value. On the other hand, they’re harder to use (because you’re limited on points per night) and expire 12 months after issue, unlike points that don’t expire as long as you keep the card open.
For example, if I have 125,000 Marriott points, I can book almost any room priced up to that amount. With a 50K free night certificate, however, I’m limited to properties that price at 50,000 points per night (unless I top off with points). That difference matters especially now that Marriott uses dynamic pricing. A hotel that costs 50K points one night could easily cost 80K or more on another.
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Waikiki Beach - Except in July, most nights under 50k
That’s why knowing where and how to use your Marriott 50K free night award is key.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through:
How to earn a Marriott 50K free night certificate
Where to find it in your account
How to redeem your free night award
And the best Marriott hotels around the world where your certificate can go the furthest
I’ll cover the 25K and 35K Marriott free night certificates you receive at cardmember anniversaries in a separate post because there’s still plenty of value there too.
CREDIT CARDS THAT EARN A MARRIOTT 50K FREE NIGHT CERTIFICATE
Several Marriott credit cards offer a 50,000-point free night certificate, either as part of a welcome bonus or at your cardmember anniversary.
Popular options include:
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
Limited-time elevated bonus of five 50K free night awards
Each night can be topped off with up to 15,000 additional points
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
Earn two 50K free night awards after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card
Earn 85,000 Marriott points after spending $5,000 in the first 6 months
While the welcome bonus is points-based, the annual free night certificate awarded at your cardmember anniversary can be used at hotels pricing up to 50K points per night
HOW TO EARN MARRIOTT POINTS
Because you can top off a 50K free night certificate with up to 15,000 Marriott points, it’s smart to keep a stash of Bonvoy points (or Chase points) on hand. That way, if the hotel you want prices at 52K–65K points, you won’t be stuck.
Here are some of the easiest ways to earn Marriott points:
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
This is a premium card. The welcome bonus is 100,000 points, and it also comes with an annual 85K free night award, which can be incredibly valuable.
Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful® Card
This card currently offers a welcome bonus of 85,000 points, making it a solid option for building up your Marriott balance.Marriott Bonvoy Business® Card
Earn 125,000 points after spending $8,000 in the first six months of account opening. This is one of the fastest ways to build a large Marriott points balance.Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Marriott is a transfer partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards. I generally only recommend transferring Chase points to Marriott to top off a free night award or during a high transfer bonus and even then, only when it helps you unlock a specific redemption.
HOW TO FIND YOUR MARRIOTT FREE NIGHT AWARD (DESKTOP)
Log into your Marriott account at Marriott.com
Click the profile (face) icon in the top right corner
Select “Activity”
Scroll to see all of your Free Night Awards, including their expiration dates
HOW TO FIND YOUR MARRIOTT FREE NIGHT AWARD (MARRIOTT APP)
Log into your account in the Marriott Bonvoy app
Tap “Account” in the bottom right corner
Scroll down to Rewards
Your available Free Night Awards and expiration dates will be listed there
HOW TO REDEEM YOUR MARRIOTT FREE NIGHT AWARD
Redeeming a Marriott free night award is straightforward once you know where to look. Start by entering your destination and travel dates (or select Flexible Dates), then be sure to check “Use Points” before searching. I personally like using Marriott’s map view, which makes it easier to spot properties and compare award prices at a glance.
I prefer searching for rooms on “map view” rather than list as I can zoom in and out and see award nights at a glance
Once you find a hotel with an award night priced at 50K points or less (or up to 65K points if you’re topping off with up to 15K points), select the room and proceed to booking. If you have an eligible free night award in your account, Marriott will automatically give you the option to apply it at checkout instead of paying points.
WHERE TO REDEEM the MARRIOTT 50K FREE NIGHT AWARD IN THE UNITED STATES
Below are Marriott hotels where you can redeem a 50K free night award, including properties that price up to 65K points thanks to Marriott’s 15K top-off feature. This isn’t an exhaustive list, and I’ve intentionally excluded hotels that only briefly dip into the 50K–65K range for a month or two, focusing instead on properties that offer more consistent value and availability.
Alabama
Springhill Suites Orange Beach at The Wharf - if you didn’t know that Alabama had beautiful beaches, now you do. While this resort isn’t located directly on the beach it has a fantastic resort style pool, complimentary breakfast, all rooms are suites and fit 5-6 people.
Arizona
Scottsdale Marriott Old Town - Walking distance to Old Town Scottsdale, 5 minutes from ASU, great home base for Spring Training.
The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale - You can redeem your 50k FNA + points here from mid-June to early August (the hottest months in Arizona)
Springhill Suites Scottsdale - Nightly rates can run as high as $450 during Spring Training so I think this property is a great place to redeem your FNA. Rooms have 2 double beds and a sofa bed. Outdoor pool and free breakfast.
The Leo Kent Hotel, Tucson, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel - Gorgeous property in downtown Tucson. Great if visiting Saguaro National Park or attending a football game.
JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa - Gorgeous resort with huge pool and lazy river. You can redeem your FNA here for a room that books for $584 a night.
Courtyard Page at Lake Powell, Page, AZ - Perfect for your visit to Lake Powell or Horseshoe Bend. This property has views of Lake Powell, heated outdoor pool and fire pit.
The Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain - Located near Tucson, AZ. Use the “flexible dates” function to see award rates per month
JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort: 50k FNA vs $584
California
The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego - Located near the Gaslamp District
SpringHill Suites at Anaheim Resort /Convention Center - Studio Suites features 2 queen beds and a sofa bed, 12 minute walk to Disneyland Resort, complimentary breakfast, heated rooftop pool and watch the Disney fireworks from the rooftop deck area.
Hollywood Volume, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel - Hotels in Los Angeles are super expensive. Dan and I stayed here in September 2025 for 3 nights. Super nice hotel with a rooftop pool and bar. The rooms are small, but we had a room with a view of the Hollywood Sign. You will have to pay to park here.
The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage - Palm Springs/Palm Desert
Springhill Suites by Marriott Napa Valley - Gorgeous property in Napa Valley. I’m seeing nights under 65k points (most around 45k points) every month in 2026.
Colorado
Residence Inn Vail - You can book a studio, 2 queens, sofa bed, room for 52k points a night, free breakfast, free shuttle to Vail villages
Boulder Marriott - On non-game weekends, it’s possible to redeem your 50k FNA’s here. Perfect location within walking distance to CU Boulder campus and Pearl Street Mall area
Residence Inn by Marriott Boulder Canyon Boulevard - Great location for CU game days!
The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, Autograph Collection - In Denver, would be fun for date night, staying over while watching a show at the Beull or during the holidays.
Gaylord Rockies Resort- Denver - Rooms average around $400/night here so using your FNA is a great value.
Residence Inn Glenwood Springs - We loved visiting the huge hot springs in Glenwood Springs. This property has a heated indoor pool, hot tub, free breakfast and laundry.
Florida
Walt Disney World Swan Reserve - On Disney property with all the benefits of staying at a Disney resort. I see award nights June - October with award rates from 50k-65K.
Walt Disney World Swan - On Disney property, I’m seeing award nights from June through October from 55k-65K a night.
Walt Disney World Dolphin - On Disney property, like the two above, I’m seeing dates for almost every month that you could use your free night awards at here.
Delta Hotels Daytona Beach Oceanfront - Recently renovated, oceanfront property
Fairfield Inn and Suites Pensacola Beach - Beach front property. Award nights in June and July are under 50k points. We love the sugar white sand in Pensacola and turquoise water!
Four Points by Sheridan Destin-Fort Walton Beach - Award nights start at 48k points for this beachfront hotel in beautiful Destin, Florida.
Springhill Suites Panama City Beach Beachfront - We stayed here on our first visit to Panama City. Award nights are 53k in June and July. Cash rates are over $400/night so this is a great value for your FNA’s.
The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne Miami - There’s just about 4 months a year you can use your FNA and you’ll need to top off with points - make sure to use the flexible dates function when searching to find these days.
We loved our stay at the Springhill Suites Panama City Beach
Georgia:
The Alida, Savannah, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel - Perfect location right on the river and within walking distance to many sights, Award nights are in the 50k range from June - October.
Springhill Suites Atlanta Downtown - Within walking distance to the Georgia Aquarium, Mercedes-Benz Stadium and World of Coca-Cola. Cash rates are close to $600/night.
Residence Inn Jekyll Island - Pet friendly, all-suites resort. Full kitchen, complimentary breakfast, outdoor pool has hot tub and splash pad. Standard rooms have 1 queen beds, sofa bed, island view and balcony.
Hawaii:
Residence Inn Maui Wailea - Award nights range from 51k-63k points in peak summer months.
Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa - Outside of the Christmas holiday, you can redeem your 50k FNA at this property. Some dates will require you to top off the FNA with points.
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Waikiki Beach - If you don’t mind being a block or so from the beach. The hotel has rooms with 2 double beds and many nights start at just 40k for a room that books for almost $400/night.
Sheraton Maui Resort
Illinois:
Residence Inn Chicago Downtown/Loop -within walking distance to Millennium Park and the Art Institute. Cash rates are over $600/night.
Marriott Marquis Chicago - Dan and I stayed here October 2025 while attending the Ireland-All Blacks Rugby Match. Gorgeous hotel, big rooms and the breakfast in the lounge was amazing. Five stars!
Indiana:
Indianapolis Marriott Downtown: Payton and spent a weekend in Indy for the Taylor Swift concert. Such a cute downtown. This hotel is gorgeous and within walking distance to all the sites.
Kansas:
Ambassador Hotel Kansas City, Autograph Collection - Kansas City is a perfect spot for a weekend getaway. This beautiful hotel is in the Power and Light District so walking distance to all the sites and tram
Louisiana:
Hotel de la Poste - French Quarter, A Renaissance Hotel - Wow, wow, wow! Dan and I are scouring the award calendar just to spend a weekend at this gorgeous property
Four Points by Sheridan - Right in the heart of the French Quarter
The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans - While most nights are higher than 65k - during hot summer months most nights are around 55k so a great use of your FNA because, hey, when do we ever get to stay at the Ritz?
Hotel de la Poste - French Quarter New Orleans
Maine:
Residence Inn Portland Downtown/Waterfront - We have stayed in Portland a few times and staying on Old Port is the best place, close to the waterfront. Cash prices run high so this is a great value for your FNA.
Massachusetts:
Courtyard Boston Downtown - We stayed 3 nights here on our U.S. History roadtrip. Great location, walking distance to everything. In the summer months you’ll have to top off the free night awards with about 10k points.
Michigan:
Missouri:
Hotel Saint Louis, Autograph Collection - Great location, walking distance to the Arch and Busch Stadium. Rooftop heated pool
New Mexico:
La Posada Santa Fe, A Tribute Portfolio Resort - Most months have award nights around 50k except July, November and the holidays.
La Posada de Santa Fe
Nevada:
New Hampshire:
Residence Inn North Conway - Nothing spectacular about this property. I’m adding to this list because of the location in Conway. During fall foliage season hotel prices are sky high and this is in a great location!
New York:
Residence Inn New York Financial District - Award nights average around 55k points/n
Marriott New York Downtown - Award nights range from 45k-65k points a night
Springhill Suites New York Manhattan Times Square - I’m seeing rates from 48k to 52k a night in the summertime.
Oklahoma:
The National Autograph Collection - OKC - Gorgeous hotel built inside an old bank. Try to visit during the holidays.
Philadelphia:
Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown- Perfect location close to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell
Rhode Island:
Residence Inn Newport Middletown: I absolutely loved Newport. Cute harbor town, do much to see and do. Cash prices in the fall can be sky high making this a good place to use your FNA.
South Carolina:
South Dakota:
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Deadwood - You can redeem your FNA for rooms that sleep 5. Great homebase for exploring Deadwood, Sturgis and gateway to the Black Hills
Tennessee:
The Wayback, Pigeon Forge, A Tribute Hotel - Feels like a boutique hotel with cabanas and an Airstream Bar. Great home base when visiting Pigeon Forge, Dollywood and the Smoky Mountains.
Courtyard Marriott Pigeon Forge - Perfect location for your trip to the Smoky Mountains. Heated outdoor pool, lazy river hot bug, game room and I love that they have 2 queen beds (instead of double beds)
AC Hotel Nashville Downtown - Great downtown location within walking distance to the Ryman Auditorium, Nissan Stadium, and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Guest only Rooftop bar with outdoor pool.
Hotel Cleo, Knoxville Downtown, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel - With cash rates over $600 a night this is a great value for your 50k FNA.
Courtyard by Marriott Pigeon Forge Tennessee
Texas
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa – Huge pool complex and golf courses.
Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center - Just north of DFW airport in Grapevine. Perfect for a summer visit or during the holidays
Hotel Drover, Autograph Collection - this hotel books for over $500 a night. Location is perfect at the end of Mule Alley in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. I hesitate to keep this one on the list because those 50k nights are getting harder to use here.
The St. Anthony, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Antonio - This property is worth staying off of the Riverwalk for. Gorgeous lounge, rooftop pool.
Grand Galvez Resort, Autograph Collection - Beachfront property with heated saline pool and swim up bar.
The St. Anthony, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Antonio
Utah:
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Moab - Fantastic location close to Arches National Park and resort style pool. You’ll need to top off your FNA with points in peak summer months.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Moab - The resort style pool is amazing!
Virginia:
Four Points by Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront - 2 queen beds with a balcony for 48k points in June
Washington State:
Renaissance Seattle - walking distance to waterfront and Pike Peak Market
Wisconsin:
Hotel Metro, Autograph Collection - In beautiful historic Milwaukee. Walking distance to Riverwalk and all the sites.
WHERE TO REDEEM the MARRIOTT 50K FREE NIGHT AWARD IN CANADA
Alberta:
Montreal:
Hotel St. Paul - located in historic Old Montreal
Nova Scotia:
Vancouver:
Victoria:
Where to use the Marriott 50k free night award in MEXICO AND THE CARIBBEAN
Aruba:
Belize:
Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection - From September to November you can redeem the 50k FNA at this property
Costa Rica:
JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa
Dominican Republic:
Mexico:
Sheraton Buganvilias Resort - Some nights can be found as low as 35k points per night. Beachfront, located just a quarter mile from downtown, two pool
JW Marriott Cancun Resort and Spa -shoulder season award nights with an ocean view with balcony start at 56k points/night
W Punta de Mita - you will need points to top the 50k free night award off as summer rates are around 62k points/night. But this property is gorgeous. The standard room is 1 king or 2 double beds.
JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort and Spa - There are several months out of the year you can redeem your FNA here.
Sheraton Buganvilias Puerto Vallarta
WHERE TO REDEEM the MARRIOTT 50K FREE NIGHT AWARD IN EUROPE
Armenia:
Austria:
Le Meridien Vienna - Even in peak summer travel most nights book for around 61k points
BELGIUM:
Brussels Marriott Hotel Grand Place - just a short walk from the Grand Place and historic Brussels.
Ghent Marriott Hotel - Standard rooms have 2 double beds which is hard to find in Europe. Located right on the river.
Brussels Marriott Hotel Grand Place
CZECHIA:
Prague Marriott Hotel - Although this hotel is not in the city center I’m including it because rooms have 2 queen beds which makes it perfect for a family of 4. We stayed here during our visit with our 4 kids.
CROATIA:
Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera Hotel - Beachfront resort
FINLAND:
FRANCE:
Le Meridien Paris Arc de Triomphe - Within walking distance to the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysees. Availability for standard rooms under 60k points for most of the year (excluding holidays).
Germany:
Cologne Marriott Hotel - Perfect location for visiting the Christmas Markets
Schloss Lieser, Autograph Collection - Gorgeous hotel in a castle setting in the Moselle Valley right on the riverbank surrounded by vineyards. Absolutely gorgeous
Residence Inn Munich Ostbahnhof - We stayed here on our trip with our 4 kids. We had connecting rooms. Each room had a queen and a sleeper sofa. The full kitchen was nice - there is a grocery store a block or so away, a fantastic full breakfast and a short walk to the train station to get to city center.
Arabella Alpenhotel am Spitzingsee - Wow! This mountain resort in Bavarian Germany is amazing!
Schloss Lieser, Autograph Collection
Greece:
New Hotel Athens - Rooms are small but location is great. Rooftop terrace with Acropolis views
Myconian Kyma - a Design Hotel in Mykonos - I included this because there are some nights in peak summer with rates around 54k points a night
Amoh, a Luxury Collection Resort, Rhodes - Cash rates hover around $600 a night
Sheraton Rhodes Resort - Peak summer rates starting at 49k points
IRELAND:
ITALY:
Hotel Greif, Design Hotel (Bolzano - The Dolomites)
AC Firenze (Florence) - Situated a little outside of city center
MALTA:
The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta - You can use your 50k FNA here October - April
Malta Marriott Resort and Spa
NETHERLANDS:
Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel - Off peak rates are around 52k points per night. Less than 5 min walk from Centraal Station. Fantastic breakfast. Dan and I stayed here in 2023.
Sir Albert, Amsterdam - although this hotel is not located within the canal rings, it’s not too far away and you can redeem your 50k FNA in peak summer months.
POLAND:
PORTUGAL:
SPAIN:
Eugenia de Montijo, Autograph Collection - Toledo, Spain
Seaside Palm Beach, Design Hotel Gran Canaria - Award nights start at 41k with cash rates hovering around $600/night in summertime
Aloft Madrid Gran Via - In peak summer months you can redeem your FNA’s here - otherwise, rates are 30k-45k per night.
SWITZERLAND:
TURKEY:
Le Meridien Bodrum Beach Resort - Sits on the Aegean Coast with turquoise water. Peak summer ranges from 39k-57k points a night
Le Meridien Bodrum Beach Resort
WHERE TO REDEEM the MARRIOTT 50K FREE NIGHT AWARD IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
England:
Residence Inn London Bridge - 58k points per night for 1 bedroom with sofa bed
Threadneedles, Autograph Collection - Great location inside an old bank
Residence Inn Kensington - We’ve stayed here twice. Great if you have Marriott status or suite upgrade certificates - we got upgraded to a two bedroom on both stays. Fantastic free breakfast and short walk to tube station
Scotland:
WHERE TO REDEEM THE MARRIOTT 50K FREE NIGHT AWARD IN ASIA
China:
Hong Kong:
India:
Indonesia:
The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort, Bali, Indonesia
Malaysia:
W Kuala Lumpur - Some rooms have 2 queens, views of the Petronas Twin Towers, rooftop bar with skyline views and pool
JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur - Check cash rates before using FNA as they can be quite low
The Millen Penang Autograph Collection - Beachfront hotel on the Andaman Sea
The Maldives:
Le Meridien Maldives - I hesitate to put this on this list since there are such few days you can redeem your FNA. But the Maldives is a bucket list destination for many so I’m keeping it on here. Starting from last May - October you can redeem your 50k FNA here, but you’ll need points to top off those free night awards.
Le Meridien Maldives Resort and Spa
South Korea:
Sri Lanka:
Thailand:
The Naka Island, Phuket, Thailand
Tokyo:
Vietnam:
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa - Gorgeous beach resort. Can book a King or 2 double bedroom.
Where to redeem the marriott free night award in oceania
WHERE TO USE the MARRIOTT 50K FREE NIGHT AWARD IN AFRICA AND in THE MIDDLE EAST
Dubai:
Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel and Suites - You can redeem your 50K FNA for a 2-bedroom suite with harbor view room.
Egypt:
Marriott Mena House, Cairo - This resort has views of the pyramids!
Tanzania:
Le Mersenne Zanzibar - oceanfront
Qatar:
The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island, The Pearl Qatar - You can redeem our 50k FNA for a 1 bedroom suite, sea view terrace
United Arab Emirates:
The Heritage Hotel, Autograph Collection - Views of the Burj Khalifa
TIPS + FAQ FOR REDEEMING MARRIOTT FREE NIGHT AWARDS
How long is the free night award valid?
Free Night Awards expire 12 months after they are deposited into your account. Unlike Marriott points, they do not roll over or extend.
Can I top off a 50K free night award with points?
Yes. You can add up to 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, allowing you to book hotels pricing up to 65K points per night.
Can I book multiple rooms or nights with one certificate?
No. Each free night award can only be used for one room, one night. You can, however, use multiple certificates for multi-night stays, just one certificate per night.
Does the free night award work for all room types?
No. Free night awards are valid for standard rooms only. Suites and premium rooms are usually excluded.
Will using a free night award affect the “5th night free” benefit?
Yes. Using a certificate can bypass Marriott’s “Stay 5, Pay for 4” benefit, so it’s worth running the numbers before booking.
What if I have multiple free night awards with different values?
Marriott will automatically apply the certificate that expires first, even if it’s not the one you want to use. I had an experience where I wanted to use my 35k FNA for a 35k room and Marriott would only let me select my 40k FNA. The only way around this was to book one night with my 40k FNA. Then book the same night with the 35k FNA. Then I had to go back in and cancel the night using my 40k FNA in order for it to be redeposited. Confused yet?
Can I extend or transfer a free night award?
No. Free night awards cannot be extended or transferred. Be sure to use them before they expire.
PRO TIP: FIND BETTER REDEMPTIONS WITH FLEXIBLE DATES
If your travel dates are flexible, select “Flexible Dates” when searching. This allows you to see lower-priced nights and identify the best opportunities to use your free night award.
If you are searching for nights at a Marriott that always seems to be sold out, I recommend searching on maxmypoint and even suggest paying for just one month so that you can set alerts for when the rooms come open. I’ve set alerts several times, and each time the rooms I wanted opened up. That was worth the $7.99 monthly fee.
On maxmypoint you can scroll through the calendar to see award rates and set alerts so you can be notified when rooms open up
FINAL THOUGHTS
Marriott free night certificates can be extremely valuable when used strategically. While the 50K free night award has some limitations, it can still cover hotel stays that would otherwise cost hundreds of dollars.
With the current limited-time increased welcome bonus on the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® for FIVE free nights, it’s easier than ever to earn free nights at great properties especially if you plan ahead and stay flexible. Used the right way, a Marriott 50K free night award isn’t just a perk; it’s a smart way to travel more while spending less.
Happy Travels!