Where Are Marriott Points Most Valuable? A Data-Driven Look at Redemption Rates for 2025

Maximizing Your Marriott Bonvoy Points: The Best (and Worst) Redemptions

Marriott Bonvoy points can vary significantly in value depending on where you redeem them. To help travelers get the most out of their points, I analyzed redemption data from hotels worldwide and calculated the average cents per point (CPP) in each country and region.

The results reveal key insights for points maximizers:

  • Best Value Countries and Regions: Some destinations consistently provide higher CPP, meaning your points go further in these locations. If you're looking for aspirational redemptions or luxury stays at a discount, these are the places to target.

  • Low-Value Redemptions: Conversely, in certain high-demand markets, the cash cost of hotels remains high, but Marriott’s dynamic pricing can dilute the value of points. These locations might be better suited for cash bookings rather than using points.

  • Strategic Planning: Savvy travelers should consider CPP as part of their decision-making process—not just for one-off trips but also for long-term point accumulation and redemption strategies. Whether you're saving for a bucket-list destination or just looking for a solid deal, understanding how Marriott prices its points globally can give you an edge.

Whether you’re planning a luxurious getaway or seeking the best value for your points, knowing where to redeem strategically can make a big difference.

🤓 For a deep dive into the code, check out my Deepnote notebook here: 🔗 Code, Analysis, and Visualizations

2025 Hyatt Award Category Changes: What You Need to Know

Hyatt is making major changes to its award categories in 2025, and for travelers who rely on points for free nights, it means higher redemption costs. Nearly 90% of category changes result in more expensive redemptions, with 119 hotels (9% of Hyatt’s portfolio) moving up and only 32 hotels (2.4%) dropping down.

Key Changes & Trends:

  • The most significant jumps are in Category 1 → 2 and Category 2 → 3, impacting budget-friendly options.

  • Luxury and all-inclusive properties saw the largest increases, with some jumping from Category 7 to 8 and Category E to F—requiring up to 10,000 more points per night.

  • The hardest-hit regions are North America (65 increases, 15 decreases), Asia (25 increases, 12 decreases), and Europe (18 increases, 1 decrease).

  • The Caribbean & Central America only saw increases, making points redemptions in these regions even tougher.

What This Means for You:

  • The average points increase per night is ~2,444 points, with most properties requiring 3,000–4,500 more points for a free night.

  • The most common free night awards, Category 1-4 and Category 1-7, now offer less flexibility due to these changes.

How to Maximize Your Points Before Devaluation:

  • Book before March 25, 2025 to lock in current rates.

  • Target properties that dropped in category (like Zoëtry Marigot Bay St. Lucia) for better value.

  • Compare points vs. cash prices, as some redemptions may no longer be worth it.

  • Use off-peak pricing to counteract the impact of these increases.

Final Thoughts:

If you frequently stay at Hyatt properties, redeeming points is getting more expensive, and flexibility is decreasing. Plan ahead, adjust your travel strategy, and book before the changes take effect to get the most value from your World of Hyatt points.