Marriott Award Prices Remain Stable After Top-Off Increase

Marriott Bonvoy's recent increase in the points members can add to free-night certificates has not led to a systematic rise in award prices, according to an analysis of hotel data [1]. The overall number of properties bookable with certificates saw only a marginal decline [1]. In March 2026, Marriott increased the maximum points members can 'top-off' a free-night award certificate from 15,000 to 25,000 [1]. An April 2026 analysis by Gondola of over 9,000 properties found the change did not trigger widespread devaluations [1]. While some hotels became more expensive, others became cheaper, resulting in a net decrease of less than 0.05% of properties becoming unbookable across three common certificate tiers [1]. For example, 60 properties became unbookable with a 35,000-point certificate, but 24 became bookable, for a net loss of 36 properties from the 9,020 examined [1]. Specific hotels like The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua saw increases that moved them above certain certificate caps [1]. Marriott uses dynamic pricing, meaning individual award rates can fluctuate daily [1]. Free night awards are a common credit card benefit, such as the annual certificate worth up to 35,000 points offered with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card [1].