Unlocking Travel Savings: How I Saved 100,000 Points on a Hotel Stay
Recently, I embarked on a two-night weekend getaway that ended up costing over 100,000 points less than I anticipated. Not only did I save on points, but I also enjoyed a complimentary dinner and lavish daily breakfasts for two, all while earning additional Marriott Bonvoy points and elite status credits. As a Marriott Platinum Elite member, I even gained access to the hotel’s exclusive club lounge.
You might be wondering what the catch is, but I assure you, there isn’t one. The secret lies in the new Chase Points Boost feature, introduced this year for cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. This feature can significantly enhance the value of your points, allowing you to stretch your rewards further, especially when booking through Chase’s The Edit hotel collection, which includes premium properties like the JW Marriott in Anaheim.
Let me break down how I achieved these savings. My two-night stay at the JW Marriott would have originally cost 166,000 Marriott Bonvoy points if booked directly through Marriott. However, since the hotel was part of the Points Boost offerings, each Chase Ultimate Rewards point was worth 2 cents, reducing the total points required to approximately 59,000. This means I spent 20,000 fewer Chase points than I would have through a standard booking.
Booking through Chase’s The Edit not only allowed me to save points but also came with valuable perks. We were treated to a complimentary daily breakfast, which included a full buffet or a choice of entrees, sides, and beverages at the hotel’s restaurant. The breakfast burrito and chilaquiles were highlights, and while we could have found cheaper options, the value of these meals was around $100 for both days.
Additionally, we received a $100 property credit that we used for drinks and dinner at the hotel bar. I indulged in a poke bowl and a fried chicken sandwich, making the dining experience even more enjoyable. We also found a lovely welcome amenity in our room, which included a note, sparkling water, and a selection of macarons.
In total, by booking through Chase’s The Edit, we enjoyed over $200 in added benefits during our stay. Typically, booking through third-party sites can mean losing out on loyalty points and elite status perks, but with Chase’s integration, I was able to earn over 3,000 Marriott Bonvoy points and two elite night credits. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that even incidental charges contributed to my points total.
Moreover, my Marriott Platinum status was honored, granting us lounge access where we could enjoy complimentary snacks, beverages, and desserts throughout the weekend. This significantly reduced our out-of-pocket expenses for food and drinks.
Chase’s Points Boost feature has transformed my approach to travel, especially for hotels in loyalty programs that lack a fixed award chart, like Marriott Bonvoy. When the cash price for a property ranges from $400 to $600 per night, the Points Boost option can allow you to book for just 20,000 to 30,000 Chase points per night. When you factor in the $100 property credit and complimentary breakfast, it becomes a fantastic deal worth considering for your next trip.
For those interested in the Chase Sapphire Reserve, there’s currently an enticing offer of 125,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first three months. These points can be redeemed for up to $2,500 in travel through the Points Boost feature, making it a powerful tool for savvy travelers.
In conclusion, if you’re looking to maximize your travel rewards and save on hotel stays, consider utilizing Chase’s Points Boost feature and booking through Chase’s The Edit. This approach not only enhances the value of your points but also provides additional perks that elevate your travel experience. Happy travels!
