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Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card Review 2024

Don't think of the card_name as a hotel credit card; think of it as a travel credit card with significant Marriott perks. The premium metal credit card can upgrade your travel experience as soon as you arrive at airport security.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

Credit score

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Let's look at the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card to help you decide if it's a good fit for your travel lifestyle.

TIME's Take

The card_name is arguably the top Marriott credit card. Cardholders receive Platinum elite status, and its annual free night award is enough to single-handedly offset the card's annual_fees annual fee.

The card isn't great for spending outside of Marriott, and its annual dining credits (up to $300 value) are a bit clunky. Regardless, the card offers excellent value—and is worth its fee—for any frequent traveler.

Pros and cons Pros:

Annual free night award worth up to 85,000 points

Up to $300 in Brilliant Dining Credit each year (up to $25 per month). Terms Apply.

Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership

Cons:

annual_fees annual fee (Rates & Fees)

Forgettable return rate

Who is the card for?

The card_name comes with a slew of Marriott-related benefits, but you can get up to $1,000 or more in annual value without stepping foot onto a Marriott property. Benefits include yearly dining credits, a complimentary airport lounge membership, and up to four types of travel-related insurance protection.

That said, the card is best suited for someone who stays with Marriott at least a couple of times per year. With the annual free night award and elite status benefits that rival the top hotel credit cards, you'll want to consider Marriott over other hotel chains.

Rewards Welcome bonus

The card_name comes with a generous welcome offer to bonus_miles_full. It's possible to earn several hundred dollars in hotel stays from this offer alone.

Earning points

Here's a closer look at the earning rates when you spend with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card:

6 points per dollar at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®.

3 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide.

3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with the airline.

2 points per dollar for all other eligible purchases.

Terms Apply.

Redeeming points

Marriott award nights generally cost between 5,000 points (for a roadside hotel) and 120,000 points (for a luxury five-star resort). With more than 8,500 properties in over 130 countries, Marriott is one of the most recognizable hotel chains in the world. Marriott brands include SpringHill Suites, Courtyard by Marriott, Westin, Ritz-Carlton, and many more.

You'll often get the best points value when booking the cheapest or the most expensive hotels. For example:

A night at The Fairfield Inn & Suites Tulsa Southeast/Crossroads Village in February costs over $90 per night, but you can reserve it for as little as 6,000 points. That gives you a value of 1.5 cents per point.

A night at The St. Regis Maldives in June costs over $2,200 per night, but you can reserve it for as little as 84,000 points. That gives you a value of 2.6 cents per point.

Marriott also partners with dozens of airline loyalty programs, allowing you to convert your points to airline miles at various rates. With most airlines, you'll get a 3:1 transfer ratio (3 Marriott points equals 1 airline mile), with a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000-point increment you transfer.

You'll get more value using your points for hotel stays than for flights, but transferring your points could be worth it if you want to take a specific flight and you only need a few more miles to achieve it.

The fine print

The card_name charges a annual_fees annual fee. Other card fees include:

Purchase APR: reg_apr,reg_apr_type.

Cash advance APR: cash_advance_apr.

Cash advance fee: cash_advance_fee.

Late or returned payment fee: late_payment_fee.

The card does not charge foreign transaction fees.

Additional hidden perks Discounted Marriott stays

The card_name allows you to save money during your Marriott stays.

Most notable is the card's annual free night award worth up to 85,000 points. You can stay at nearly any global Marriott property with this award, including luxury resorts that cost thousands of dollars per night (such as the aforementioned St. Regis Maldives). As long as a standard room costs 85,000 points or less, you can stay there. You also have the option to combine the award with up to 15,000 Marriott points— allowing you to book a room worth up to 100,000 Marriott points.

You'll also receive a $100 property credit when you book a two-night stay with Marriott's top luxury brands: Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis. Unfortunately, you must book a specific paid rate, which can sometimes cost more than the lowest available rate.

Finally, you'll receive an "Earned Choice Award" each year that you spend $60,000 on the card. You can choose from a list of Marriott benefits you'd like to receive. Examples include a second free night award worth up to 85,000 points or five suite night awards (which you can use to upgrade your room).

Marriott elite status

As mentioned, the card_name includes Platinum elite status. Without the card, you would have to stay 50 nights in a year to qualify. Platinum status comes with the following benefits:

Free breakfast.

Suite upgrades (when available).

4 p.M. Late checkout.

50% bonus points on stays.

The card offers an automatic 25 elite night credits each calendar year. This gives you a 25-night head start toward Marriott Titanium status, which normally kicks in at 75 nights. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® cardholders can achieve this status at 50 nights.

Up to $300 in annual dining credits

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card includes up to $25 per month in statement credits to offset restaurant spending. In other words, you can receive up to $300 in free food each year you hold the card— an impressive perk that goes a long way to offset the card's $650 annual fee.

Elevated travel experience

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card offers two specific travel benefits unrelated to Marriott.

The first is a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, which gives you unlimited access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide. Airport lounges often come with perks such as free food and alcohol, and comfortable seating. Some even offer showers. A Priority Pass Select membership is worth over $450.

Second, you'll receive up to $100 in statement credits to offset the application fee for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years after you apply. These trusted traveler programs can significantly reduce your airport security wait times, potentially saving you hours during a single trip.

TSA PreCheck® gives members a dedicated security lane that moves faster than a standard lane. You won't have to take off your jacket, belt, or shoes. You won't even need to remove your laptop from your backpack.

Global Entry comes with TSA PreCheck® benefits, but it also lets you skip the immigration line when coming home from an international trip. Just find a Global Entry kiosk, enter a few details, and leave.

Travel and purchase insurance

The card_name includes the following travel-related insurance coverages:

Rental car insurance1: Decline the rental company's proprietary CDW, and you'll be covered against damage or theft. The protection is secondary, so you'll only be insured for things not covered by your personal insurance.

Trip delay insurance2: When your flight is delayed by at least six hours, you can receive up to $500 in reasonable expenses (paid for with your card), such as hotel, meals, and transportation. You're capped at two claims per 12-month period.

Trip cancellation/interruption insurance2: If you purchase prepaid, nonrefundable travel that is either cut short or canceled altogether for a covered reason, you could be reimbursed up to $10,000 per trip (max $20,000 per 12-month period).

Lost luggage insurance3: You're covered for up to $3,000 if the common carrier (cruise, airline, etc.) loses or damages your checked or carry-on bags.

The card squeezes in a few purchase-related coverages, too:

Purchase protection3: Eligible purchases are covered for up to 120 days against theft and damage (up to $10,000 per claim, max. $50,000 per account).

Return protection4: When you try to return an item and are refused by the merchant, you can be refunded up to $300 per item (max. $1,000 per calendar year).

Extended warranty3: Eligible U.S. Manufacturer's warranties of five years or less will be extended up to one year.

Amex offers

As is the case with all American Express cards, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card includes Amex Offers, a program that provides statement credits and bonus rewards for a lot of your normal spending.

You can browse Amex Offers online in your credit card account. When you find an offer you can use (for example, a $10 statement credit after paying your phone bill), click on the offer to add it to your card. Once you've completed the terms of the offer, you'll automatically receive the rewards.

What could be improved

At first glance, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card's annual_fees annual fee is its biggest drawback. But the fee is easily justified for frequent travelers and those who stay with Marriott even a few nights each year.

The card's monthly $25 dining credit is annoying to use and could be made more customer-friendly. Make no mistake, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant is nowhere close to being the best credit card for restaurants, and isn't the first card you should reach for to pay for your dining.

It would better serve cardholders if the $300 in dining credits were offered as a lump sum to spend as you please.

Card alternatives

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

20.99% - 29.99% variableGood/Excellent

21.49% to 28.49% variable

annual_fees

$550

$95

credit_score_needed

Good, Excellent

bonus_miles

180,000 points

100,000 points

Bottom line

The card_name charges a annual_fees annual fee, which is expensive. But before you get spooked by the price tag, do some quick math. Will you use the $300 in annual dining credits the card offers? Will you use its airport lounge membership? Will you redeem its 85,000-point free night award each year? Is travel insurance important to you?

If you analyze your travel habits and determine that you'll save more than annual_fees per year, the card's annual fee is most likely worth it.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

Credit score

credit_score_needed

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) What credit score is needed for the card_name?

To qualify for the card_name, you should possess a "good" credit score. According to FICO, this means a score of at least 670.

What is the annual fee for the Bonvoy Brilliant Card?

The card_name annual fee is annual_fees.

Is the card_name worth it?

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is worth it for those who travel regularly and stay with Marriott at least a few times each year. With its automatic Platinum elite status, a free night award after each card member anniversary, and valuable airport lounge membership, you could easily receive over $1,000 in value yearly.

Is Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant a metal card?

Yes, the card_name is made of metal.

1 Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.Com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. 2 Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.Com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. 3 Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.Com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company 4Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.Com/benefitsguide for more details.

Best Marriott Hotel In Kauai

Feb 23 2024, 9:14 am

We've already outlined the best Marriott Hotels in Hawaii. Now, we focus on the best Marriott hotels in Kauai for couples and families.

If you're picking a luxury hotel

Book with our luxury travel concierge. See what our clients say about the outstanding service our concierge team provides and how thrilled they're with extras we add to a booking, including complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, lounge access (where applicable), and other VIP benefits we provide at almost all luxury hotels around the world, including the Four Seasons, Hyatt, Ritz-Carlton, InterContinental at no extra cost. You get all your usual loyalty points and status benefits on any hotel booking made with us.

The best Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Kauai are:

All the hotels below are either Marriott hotels or a subsidiary of Marriott. For something completely different and ultra-luxury, we have reviewed the best Four Seasons hotels in Hawaii if your budget can stretch a bit further. Another great hotel in Hawaii, which is not Marriott, is Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort. This hotel is on Big Island and is worth splashing out for.

Because all the hotels listed below are Marriott subsidiary brands, you can earn and spend Marriott Bonvoy loyalty points when you stay. Marriott has this significant advantage over Four Seasons hotels as Four Seasons hotels have no loyalty rewards.

More Wherever you decide to travel, book via our luxury travel concierge. See what our clients say about us & how thrilled they are with the extra benefits our concierge provides. We offer complimentary room upgrades, breakfast for two & other perks at hotels, including the Four Seasons, Marriott, Hyatt, Ritz-Carlton, InterContinental & more. Typically, our complimentary benefits include:

Room upgrade to the next category

Complimentary breakfast for two per bedroom

Access to Hotel's club lounge (where applicable)

Complimentary Welcome Gift

$100 USD equivalent Hotel experiential credit per room per stay

Early check-in / late check-out (subject to availability)

Complimentary Wi-Fi

Nights booked with us earn points just like any other stay

Note: Benefits & upgrades subject to availability. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing. Terms & Conditions apply. Enquire for more information.

Read on to find out more about each Marriott hotel, and remember to book any luxury hotels via our luxury travel concierge for extra free benefits. You also get all your usual Marriott Bonvoy points and perks when you book via our concierge.

1. Sheraton Kauai

The Sheraton Kauai is an oasis nestled on the shores of the world-famous Poipu Beach. From this enviable vantage point, our Kauai beachfront resort offers guests access to the Garden Island's charms—from spectacular beaches and lush rainforests to world-class golf courses.

Low-rise (maximum four storeys) buildings offer oceanfront or garden view rooms. The views from the oceanfront rooms on the hotel's rocky peninsula are spectacular, and a golden sandy Poipu beach is hidden between peninsulas. The contrast between the black volcanic rocks and golden sands is quite beautiful, and the sea breezes at this resort mean the setting is always gorgeously warm but never too hot.

There are magnificent views from the Ocean Pool, and the restaurant here serves fresh Hawaiian fare in a tropical setting. RumFire Poipu Beach is the signature restaurant boasting spectacular sunset views.

2. Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection

Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection is usually the most expensive Marriott subsidiary hotel on Kauai because of its large rooms and personalized service.

Situated on the sun-drenched South Shore of Kauai, Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection, offers proximity to renowned beaches and premier dining and shopping destinations. Outdoor enthusiasts will find the South Shore ideal for a plethora of activities, including beach outings, hiking, surfing, golfing, tennis, horseback riding, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

The resort boasts the largest accommodations in Poipu, ranging from deluxe studios to expansive multi-bedroom luxury villas. Its amenities include three resort pools, including a sprawling 350,000-gallon main pool, a grill overseen by a celebrity chef, a gourmet market, a full-service day spa, a 24-hour fitness center, a putting green, a volleyball court, a soccer field, complimentary morning yoga sessions on the lawn, s'mores gatherings on select evenings, and high-speed Wi-Fi access.

3. Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas

The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas is just 10 minutes drive from Hanalei beach on North Shore Kauai.

This is the Jurassic Park side of the island, with jungly slopes dropping down to sandy shorelines embraced by crashing waves. This area of the island is arguably the most beautiful but is more suited to families and less suited to couples, purely because the pounding waves on the beach can be dangerous for little ones.

These sea spray-dappled shores and the lush green setting are a paradise for golfers, surfers, and those seeking jungle, waterfalls, and the unique and stunning backdrop this side of the island provides.

Situated on the cliffside overlooking the Pacific, this vacation ownership resort is near Anini Beach and a short drive from picturesque Hanalei Bay. Explore The Wai'oli Mission and splendid 1,000-acre Limahuli Garden. Unwind and refuel after your adventures at the Princeville Bistro or our Nanea Bar & Grill restaurant.

Facilities include a 24-hour WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio, and sparkling outdoor pools overlooking the ocean at this Princeville beachfront resort.

Tropical villas at the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas include a furnished lanai, living and dining areas, a fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, sofa bed, and free Wi-Fi.

Image courtesy of Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas.

Note: Benefits & upgrades subject to availability. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing. Terms & conditions apply. Enquire for more information. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing but may be amended at discretion of the vendor. Posts may be sponsored by the proprietor or brand being appraised. All opinions remain our own & are in no way influenced.

10 Tips For Getting A Late Checkout At A Marriott

Feb 25 2024, 8:40 am

At the end of a stay at a Marriott hotel, it's often helpful to get late checkout, particularly if you have a late flight departure. Usually, checkout is around 12:00 or 1:00 pm, and check-in is around 3:00 pm. Therefore, Late checkout is likely anytime from 1:00 pm to 8:00 or 9:00 pm.

If you're staying at a luxury hotel

While evening checkouts are rare, our luxury travel concierge agents have occasionally secured wildly late checkouts for our clients, so it's always worth asking – we are delighted to help. In fact, we can secure prioritized late checkout, prioritized room upgrades, free breakfast for two, and more at luxury hotels for all our clients, so do get in touch if you could use any of these perks. You also get all your usual loyalty points and perks when you book with us.

Here are 10 tips (and 1 bonus tip) to increase your chances of securing a late checkout at a Marriott hotel:

And where should you stay? We have also reviewed the best Marriott hotels in the US, and the best Marriotts in Europe so take your pick. We have also reviewed the cheapest Marriott hotels if you are looking for a bargain.

Read on for our brilliant tips to increase your chances of securing a late checkout at a hotel:

1. Book Via An Agent That Specializes In Benefits Like Late Checkout

You can request a late checkout at any time. You can even book via a specialist agent that focuses on prioritizing late checkouts. If you book your next stay via our luxury travel concierge, you will usually get prioritized late checkout, free breakfast, hotel credit, welcome amenities, and more at all the best luxury hotels.

Room upgrade to the next category

Complimentary breakfast for two per bedroom

Access to Hotel's club lounge (where applicable)

Complimentary Welcome Gift

$100 USD equivalent Hotel experiential credit per room per stay

Early check-in / late check-out (subject to availability)

Complimentary Wi-Fi

Nights booked with us earn points just like any other stay

Note: Benefits & upgrades subject to availability. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing. Terms & Conditions apply. Enquire for more information.

If a hotel offers a late checkout for free, it enables you to enjoy access to your room for longer and enjoy the hotel's facilities for longer, with a place to escape to. This benefit can be hugely valuable if you have a late flight, so we highly reccomend using a specialized agent who can help you with this.

Also, if you book via a luxury agent, they should have direct contacts at the hotel and can request and confirm late checkout. Some luxury hotels we partner with will confirm a late checkout on booking.

2. Ask in Advance

When should you ask for a late checkout time? When making your reservation, inquire about the possibility of a late checkout as soon as you make the booking. Some hotels may be more accommodating if they know your preferences beforehand. Whether via your agent or asking the hotel directly, it's worth putting the request for late checkout in as soon as possible to give the hotel the chance to shuffle rooms around to help you with your request.

Some hotels offer online check-in services that allow you to specify your preferences, including a late checkout request before you arrive, so it is worth looking out for this option or asking your agent to look out for it.

3. Join Loyalty Programs

Members of hotel loyalty programs often receive perks and prioritized benefits such as late checkout privileges. Joining these programs can increase your chances of getting a late checkout.

With Marriott, the loyalty scheme is Marriott Bonvoy, and the higher your membership tier, the more priority the hotel will likely give to your late checkout.

4. Stay Regularly

if you are a repeat guest at a hotel, all your benefits will likely be prioritized. You are likely to get a better room, are more likely to get a welcome amenity, and crucially, the hotel is more likely to try their best to shuffle rooms around to give you late checkout on your room.

5. Ask Nicely

Request late checkout politely when checking in. Politely ask the front desk staff about the possibility of a late checkout. Being courteous and friendly can help you obtain late checkout.

Even if your request for a late checkout and it is is denied, remain polite and understanding. Getting upset or demanding may decrease your chances of receiving late checkout and benefits on future bookings.

6. Explain Your Situation

Explain why you need a late checkout, like a late flight departure or a special occasion. Sharing these details may help staff justify your late checkout to management. This may make them more inclined to grant your request.

7. Offer to Pay

In some cases, offering to pay an additional fee for a late checkout or an extra half-day stay may increase your chances of success. Be prepared to negotiate.

8. Check Hotel Occupancy

Hotels are more likely to gift late checkouts when occupancy is low. Consider asking about the hotel's current occupancy rate when requesting a late checkout.

9. Ensure You Can Use Hotel Facilities After Checkout

If all else fails and you can't get a late checkout, some hotels permit you to use all the facilities until you leave and have a communal room or changing area to use and shower in.

This means you can enjoy all the hotel facilities, the pool, the lounges, the gym, and the beach, even without having a room. You can then clean up in the hotel's shared changing rooms before heading to the airport. Our booking agents can determine whether the hotel you want to stay in has this option, as this facility is a huge advantage if you have a late flight.

10. Follow Up With Staff On The Day Of Checkout

If you cannot secure a late checkout during check-in, consider following up with the front desk staff on the checkout day. Sometimes, last-minute accommodations can be arranged or juggled, depending on hotel availability.

11. Book Club Lounge Access

If your hotel does not allow late checkout, consider paying for access to the club lounge. You could book a club room for your entire stay or try to book it just for the last night.

We've reviewed the best hotel club lounges in the world. A club lounge will give you a place to relax and grab a complimentary bite to eat and drink. These lounges are brilliant and almost as good as having your own room while you wait around in the hotel for your flight. Lounge access late into the evening can be very useful for an extended stay.

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