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Some of you may wonder why we spend so many weekends in towns like Beloit, Wisconsin, Kalona, Iowa, or Galesburg, Illinois. Well, it’s all about the points. During this time of year, we travel during this period. We end up taking a lot of short trips to discover the region around our temporary home. All those weekends feel more intentional because of it.
Table of Contents
- What This Promotion Really Offers
- Why This Deal Changes How I Book Hotels
- How I Turn One Stay Into Two
- How I Spend a Day in These Small Towns
- Why Brand Variety Matters
- What I Double-Check Before I Book
- Is It Worth It
What This Promotion Really Offers
Marriott Bonvoy is offering 2,500 bonus points for each paid stay and one bonus Elite Night Credit for each different brand you try. That includes brands like Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, TownePlace Suites, AC Hotels, Moxy Hotels, Aloft Hotels, Autograph Collection, Tribute Portfolio, and Renaissance Hotels.
The promotion rewards how often you check in, not how long you stay. It also rewards trying different brands instead of returning to the same one. Once I understood that, I realized I needed to adjust how I book my hotels.
Why This Deal Changes How I Book Hotels
This promotion encourages us to get out and explore different Marriott properties instead of staying in the same place every time. We love a good road trip, especially the kind that only takes one to three hours. One weekend might include a wine walk in a small downtown district. Another could mean visiting a Japanese store, hiking a local trail, or spending the afternoon at a cultural attraction or museum. We are not traveling abroad again until next year, so these little trips help break up the routine.
How I Turn One Stay Into Two
I do not book extra hotel stays just to chase points. However, I will split a trip between two Marriott brands if it makes sense for the itinerary. For example, I might stay downtown one night for a wine walk, then move closer to a hiking trail or cultural district the next day. That way, I earn the extra Elite Night Credit without turning the trip into a hassle.
How I Spend a Day in These Small Towns
We usually start with a cafe. After that, we look for an independent bookstore, museum, or vintage shop. Sometimes we stop at a historical site or wander through a home goods store for a while. We also try to find a park, garden, or hiking trail with a good view. Then we almost always end at another cafe, sometimes two, before dinner and the drive back to the hotel.
I like traveling this way because the day feels full without feeling rushed. We get to see the town, eat something good, and still notice the little details that make each place feel different. And even though we spend most of our time in small cities, we also get to visit cities like Chicago, Minneapolis, and Saint Louis.
Why Brand Variety Matters
The Elite Night Credit works differently, and it took me a minute to understand why that matters. You earn one bonus credit for each brand, not for each stay. Staying at the same brand more than once does not add anything extra.
Because of that, I now pay attention to what brands are available in the same area. A Courtyard might sit down the street from a Westin, and an Aloft might be around the corner from a Fairfield. Before, I would have picked one and stayed there. I also prefer a boutique look, hotels with lounge access, and a comfy robe.
What I Double-Check Before I Book
You have to book directly through Marriott because third-party sites do not qualify for the promotion. We also avoid award stays during this period since they do not count. Another thing I like to verify is if there is a wedding that weekend to avoid crowds and noise, as well as if we can get upgraded to a suite with a view.
In addition, not every property participates. Some hotels are excluded, and that is not always obvious during the booking process. Steven will also check if there is a military rate for a deeper discount. Taking a moment to confirm these details helps me avoid losing points I expected to earn.
Is It Worth It
For me, it works because it fits into how I already travel. I am not planning extra trips just to earn points, but I am paying closer attention to the trips I already take. I make small adjustments that do not change the experience but do change the outcome.
That is how we end up in places like Kalona or Galesburg on a random weekend. I check in for the points, but I leave with something else. I slow down, I notice more, and I spend time in places I would have overlooked. The points started it, but they are not the only reason I keep doing it.
Some of My Favorite Hotels So Far
Some of my favorite Marriott stays are the boutique and former independent hotels that still keep their original charm. They usually have more personality, better design, and a stronger sense of history than standard chain hotels. I love dramatic lobbies, old architecture, interesting artwork, cozy reading corners, and rooms that do not all look the same. A fluffy robe, soft lighting, and a good view never hurt either.
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