Marriott Q1 2026 Promotion Strategy: Maximize Bonus Points and Elite Nights

Last updated: February 22, 2026

Marriott’s Q1 2026 promotion represents a fundamental shift in how the program rewards loyalty—and if you’re chasing Platinum or Titanium status, understanding the new Marriott Q1 2026 promotion strategy is critical. Unlike previous years when every stay earned double elite night credits, the 2026 version rewards brand diversity: 2,500 bonus points per stay plus one bonus elite night credit per unique Marriott brand you stay at between February 25 and May 10, 2026.

For status chasers who typically book the same Courtyard or Residence Inn repeatedly, this change means you’ll need to rethink your approach. Ten nights at a single brand now earn just one bonus elite night credit, instead of the 10 you would have received under the old structure. But for travelers willing to strategically mix brands, this promotion offers a path to accelerate status progress while banking substantial bonus points.

Key Takeaways

• Earn 2,500 bonus points per stay, plus one bonus elite night credit per unique Marriott brand stay during the February 25 – May 10, 2026 promotional period
• Registration required by April 26, 2026 through the Marriott Bonvoy app or website; only direct bookings qualify
• Brand diversity is rewarded: staying at 8 different Marriott brands over 10 nights yields more bonus elite nights than 10 nights at one property
• Excluded brands: Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and most vacation ownership properties don’t qualify
• Strategic value varies by traveler: best for those who can book short stays across multiple brands; less valuable for single-property loyalists

Quick Answer: Is the Marriott Q1 2026 Promotion Worth It?

The Marriott Q1 2026 promotion is worth pursuing if you can stay at 5+ different Marriott brands during the promotional period. You’ll earn 2,500 bonus points per stay (regardless of length) and one bonus elite night credit per brand, which can accelerate your path to Platinum (50 nights) or Titanium (75 nights) status. However, if you typically book extended stays at a single property, this promotion delivers significantly less value than previous years’ double elite night credits on all stays. The optimal strategy involves booking short 1-2 night stays across multiple brands rather than concentrating nights at your usual property.

How Does the Marriott Q1 2026 Promotion Work?

The Marriott Q1 2026 promotion runs from February 25 through May 10, 2026—a 75-day earning window. Members who register by April 26, 2026, earn 2,500 bonus points per qualifying stay, plus one bonus elite night credit for each unique Marriott brand they stay at during the promotional period. Bonus points and elite night credits will post to accounts by June 21, 2026.

Registration and eligibility requirements:

• Must register through the Marriott Bonvoy app or official website before April 26, 2026
• Only direct bookings qualify (Marriott.com, mobile app, or phone reservations)
• Third-party bookings through Expedia, Booking.com, or other OTAs don’t count
• Award stays using points don’t qualify
• Free Night Certificates don’t earn promotional bonuses
• Must be a Marriott Bonvoy member (free to join)

What counts as a “stay”:

A stay is defined as consecutive nights at the same property. If you check out of a Courtyard on Monday and check into a different Courtyard on Tuesday, that’s two separate stays. If you stay three consecutive nights at one property, that’s one stay earning 2,500 bonus points.

What counts as a “unique brand”:

Marriott operates 30+ brands, and each distinct brand counts separately for the elite night credit bonus. Staying at a Courtyard in Chicago and a Courtyard in Miami counts as one brand (Courtyard), not two. But staying at a Courtyard and then a Residence Inn counts as two unique brands, earning two bonus elite night credits.

The promotion essentially rewards breadth over depth. Instead of incentivizing loyalty to a single property or brand, Marriott is encouraging members to experience different parts of their portfolio.

Why This Year’s Marriott Q1 Promotion Is Different from Previous Years

From 2021 through 2025, Marriott’s Q1 promotions consistently offered double elite night credits on every qualifying stay. If you stayed 10 nights during the promotional period, you earned 10 base elite night credits plus 10 bonus elite night credits—20 total toward your annual status requirement.

The 2025 Q1 promotion structure:

• 1,000 bonus points per night
• One bonus elite night credit per night
• Ran February 11 – April 28, 2025
• No brand diversity requirement

Under that structure, a member who booked 10 nights at their favorite Courtyard earned 10 base ENCs + 10 bonus ENCs = 20 total elite night credits, plus 10,000 bonus points.

The 2026 Q1 promotion structure:

• 2,500 bonus points per stay (not per night)
• One bonus elite night credit per unique brand (not per stay or night)
• Runs February 25 – May 10, 2026
• Rewards brand diversity

Now that the same member who books 10 nights at one Courtyard earns 10 base ENCs + 1 bonus ENC (for the Courtyard brand) = 11 total elite night credits, plus 2,500 bonus points (assuming one continuous stay).

The math for single-brand loyalists:

This represents a potential loss of 9 bonus elite night credits compared to 2025. For someone targeting Platinum status (50 nights), losing 9 bonus nights means needing to book 9 additional paid nights elsewhere—at an average rate of $150/night, that’s $1,350 in additional spending.

The math for brand diversifiers:

A member who books 10 nights across 8 different brands (some 1-night stays, some 2-night stays) earns 10 base ENCs + 8 bonus ENCs = 18 total elite night credits, plus 20,000 bonus points (8 stays × 2,500 points).

This is only 2 elite night credits fewer than the old double-night structure, while earning double the bonus points. For travelers with flexible itineraries, this can work well.

Why Marriott made this change:

Industry observers point to elite status inflation and overcrowded lounges as driving factors. By making it harder to earn bonus elite night credits, Marriott can slow the growth of Platinum and Titanium members while still offering a promotion that feels valuable. The brand diversity requirement also serves a strategic purpose—exposing members to different Marriott properties increases the likelihood they’ll book those brands in the future.

For more context on how Marriott’s broader program changes affect point values, see our Marriott Bonvoy Points Devaluation 2026 guide.

Which Marriott Brands Qualify for the Q1 2026 Promotion?

Nearly all Marriott brands participate in the Q1 2026 promotion, with a few notable exceptions. Understanding which brands qualify is essential for building your Marriott Q1 2026 promotion strategy.

Eligible brands (30+ properties):

• Select Service: Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Moxy Hotels, AC Hotels, Aloft Hotels, Four Points by Sheraton
• Premium Full-Service: Marriott Hotels, Sheraton, Delta Hotels, Westin, Renaissance Hotels, Le Méridien, Tribute Portfolio, Autograph Collection, Design Hotels
• Extended Stay: Element Hotels, Apartments by Marriott
• Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton (hotel properties only), St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, W Hotels, EDITION, JW Marriott
• Specialty: Gaylord Hotels, MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy

Excluded brands:

• Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
• Marriott Vacation Club properties
• Sheraton Vacation Club properties
• Westin Vacation Club properties
• Most timeshare and vacation ownership properties

The full list of eligible properties is available on Marriott’s official promotion page after registration.

Brand availability considerations:

Not all brands have equal geographic distribution. If you’re planning a multi-brand strategy, check availability in your target markets:

• Ubiquitous brands: Courtyard, Residence Inn, and Fairfield Inn have the widest U.S. footprint, making them easy to include in any itinerary
• Urban-focused brands: AC Hotels, Moxy, and Aloft cluster in major cities and may not be available in suburban or rural markets
• Luxury brands: Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and EDITION have limited locations and higher price points
• Resort brands: Westin and Sheraton have a strong resort presence, but fewer urban properties

For a complete overview of Marriott’s program structure and brand portfolio, visit our Marriott Bonvoy Transfer Partners guide.

Marriott Q1 2026 Promotion Strategy: Multi-Brand Planning for Maximum Elite Night Credits

The core of any effective Marriott Q1 2026 promotion strategy is brand diversification. Instead of booking one long stay, you’ll maximize value by booking multiple short stays across different brands.

Decision framework: Is multi-brand planning worth it for you?

Choose multi-brand planning if:

• You’re 5-15 elite night credits short of your target status tier
• You have flexible travel dates during the Feb 25 – May 10 window
• You’re comfortable with 1-2 night stays and checking in/out multiple times
• Multiple Marriott brands are available in your travel markets
• You can book refundable rates or have flexible plans

Skip multi-brand planning if:

• You prefer extended stays at one property (business travelers on long-term projects)
• You’re already on track to hit your status target without the promotion
• You’re targeting Ambassador status (100 nights + $23,000 spend)—the bonus ENCs won’t significantly accelerate your timeline
• Limited Marriott brand availability in your region

Sample multi-brand itinerary for 10 nights:

Let’s build a realistic example for a traveler targeting Platinum status who needs 12 additional elite night credits and plans a mix of business and leisure travel during the promotional period.

Itinerary:

1. Nights 1-2: Courtyard (business trip, Chicago) = 2 base ENCs + 1 brand bonus
2. Night 3: Residence Inn (same Chicago trip, switched for brand diversity) = 1 base ENC + 1 brand bonus
3. Nights 4-5: Fairfield Inn (weekend getaway, Milwaukee) = 2 base ENCs + 1 brand bonus
4. Night 6: AC Hotels (same Milwaukee trip, switched hotels) = 1 base ENC + 1 brand bonus
5. Nights 7-8: SpringHill Suites (family visit, Indianapolis) = 2 base ENCs + 1 brand bonus
6. Night 9: Aloft (weekend in Nashville) = 1 base ENC + 1 brand bonus
7. Night 10: Moxy (same Nashville trip) = 1 base ENC + 1 brand bonus

Results:

• Base elite night credits: 10
• Brand bonus elite night credits: 7 (seven unique brands)
• Total elite night credits: 17
• Bonus points: 17,500 (7 stays × 2,500 points)
• Additional base points: varies by spend (10 points per dollar minimum)

Comparison to single-brand approach:

If this traveler booked all 10 nights at Courtyard properties:

• Base elite night credits: 10
• Brand bonus elite night credits: 1 (Courtyard only)
• Total elite night credits: 11
• Bonus points: 2,500 (assuming one continuous stay) or up to 25,000 (if booked as 10 separate 1-night stays)

The multi-brand approach yields 6 additional elite night credits—potentially the difference between hitting Platinum status or falling short.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Booking multiple stays at the same brand: Each brand only counts once for the bonus ENC, regardless of how many different properties you visit
• Forgetting to register: You must register by April 26, 2026 for stays to count
• Booking through third parties: Only direct Marriott bookings qualify
• Assuming all properties qualify: Check that your property isn’t a vacation club or excluded brand
• Not confirming brand identity: Some properties have similar names (Marriott Hotels vs. Marriott Vacation Club)—verify the exact brand before booking

How to Calculate Your Optimal Number of Brands for Status Goals

The right number of brands to target depends on your current elite night credit count, your status goal, and your realistic travel capacity during the 75-day promotional window.

Status tier requirements:

• Silver Elite: 10 nights
• Gold Elite: 25 nights
• Platinum Elite: 50 nights
• Titanium Elite: 75 nights
• Ambassador Elite: 100 nights + $23,000 qualifying spend

Scenario 1: Chasing Platinum (50 nights required)

You currently have 35 elite night credits and need 15 more to reach Platinum.

Option A: Single-brand approach

• Book 15 nights at your preferred Courtyard
• Earn: 15 base ENCs + 1 brand bonus = 16 total
• Result: Hit Platinum with 1 ENC to spare
• Bonus points: 2,500 (if one stay) or up to 37,500 (if 15 separate 1-night stays)

Option B: Multi-brand approach (8 brands)

• Book 10 nights across 8 different brands
• Earn: 10 base ENCs + 8 brand bonuses = 18 total
• Result: Hit Platinum with 3 ENCs to spare
• Bonus points: 20,000 (8 stays × 2,500)
• Savings: 5 fewer paid nights needed

Scenario 2: Chasing Titanium (75 nights required)

You currently have 55 elite night credits and need 20 more to reach Titanium.

Option A: Single-brand approach

• Book 20 nights at your preferred brand
• Earn: 20 base ENCs + 1 brand bonus = 21 total
• Result: Hit Titanium with 1 ENC to spare
• Bonus points: 2,500 (if one stay) or up to 50,000 (if 20 separate 1-night stays)

Option B: Multi-brand approach (10 brands)

• Book 15 nights across 10 different brands (some 1-night, some 2-night stays)
• Earn: 15 base ENCs + 10 brand bonuses = 25 total
• Result: Hit Titanium with 5 ENCs to spare
• Bonus points: 25,000 (10 stays × 2,500)
• Savings: 5 fewer paid nights needed

The break-even calculation:

Multi-brand planning becomes worthwhile when the number of brands you can realistically stay at exceeds the number of additional nights you’d need to book under a single-brand approach.

Formula:

• Nights saved = (Unique brands × 1 bonus ENC) – 1 (the single-brand bonus)
• Cost savings = Nights saved × Average nightly rate

If you can stay at 8 brands, you save 7 nights compared to a single-brand approach. At an average of $150/night, that’s $1,050 in savings.

Practical constraints:

• Time: Checking in/out of multiple properties takes time; factor in 30-60 minutes per transition
• Geography: You need access to multiple brands in your travel markets
• Rate consistency: Budget brands (Fairfield, Courtyard) cost less than luxury brands (Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis)
• Availability: Some brands have limited inventory in peak travel periods

For most status chasers, targeting 5-8 unique brands during the promotional period offers the best balance of value and convenience.

Point Valuation: What Are 2,500 Bonus Points Actually Worth?

Marriott Bonvoy points are worth approximately 0.7 to 0.9 cents per point for most redemptions, though value varies significantly based on how you use them.

Conservative valuation: 0.7 cents per point

• 2,500 bonus points = $17.50 in value per stay
• 8 stays (multi-brand strategy) = 20,000 bonus points = $140

Moderate valuation: 0.8 cents per point

• 2,500 bonus points = $20 in value per stay
• 8 stays = 20,000 bonus points = $160

Optimistic valuation: 0.9 cents per point

• 2,500 bonus points = $22.50 in value per stay
• 8 stays = 20,000 bonus points = $180

Where points deliver higher value:

• Category 5-8 properties: Luxury and resort properties often deliver 0.8-1.0 cents per point
• International redemptions: Overseas Marriott properties can offer better value than U.S. locations
• Peak season bookings: When cash rates are high, point redemptions maintain fixed pricing
• Transfer to airline partners: Marriott points transfer to 40+ airline programs at 3:1 ratio (60,000 Marriott points = 20,000 airline miles, or 25,000 miles for transfers of 60,000+ points)

Where points deliver lower value:

• Category 1-3 properties: Budget properties often deliver 0.5-0.7 cents per point
• Off-peak redemptions: When cash rates are low, points don’t stretch as far
• Dynamic pricing properties: Some properties use variable award pricing that reduces value

For a comprehensive point valuation methodology, see our 2026 Guide to Cents-Per-Point.

The bonus points vs. elite night credits tradeoff:

The 2026 promotion offers more bonus points than previous years (2,500 per stay vs. 1,000 per night in 2025) but fewer elite night credits for single-brand loyalists. For most status chasers, elite night credits are more valuable than points because:

• Elite night credits are harder to earn (can’t be purchased directly)
• Status benefits (lounge access, suite upgrades, late checkout) provide ongoing value
• Points can be earned through credit card spend and purchases during bonus promotions

If you’re close to a status threshold, prioritize elite night credits over bonus points. If you’re comfortably on track for status, the bonus points become a nice secondary benefit.

Combining the Marriott Q1 Promotion with Credit Card Strategies

Marriott co-brand credit cards and transferable points currencies can amplify your Q1 promotion results.

Marriott Bonvoy co-brand cards:

• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless (Chase): Earns 6x points at Marriott properties; annual free night certificate (up to 50,000 points)
• Marriott Bonvoy Bold (Chase): Earns 3x points at Marriott properties; no annual fee
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant (Amex): Earns 6x points at Marriott properties; automatic Platinum Elite status; annual free night certificate (up to 85,000 points)
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy (Amex): Earns 4x points at Marriott properties; automatic Silver Elite status
• Marriott Bonvoy Business (Amex): Earns 6x points at Marriott properties; automatic Silver Elite status; annual free night certificate (up to 50,000 points)

Stacking card benefits with the promotion:

When you book a qualifying promotional stay using a Marriott co-brand card, you earn:

• Base points (10 points per dollar spent)
• Elite bonus points (10-75% depending on status tier)
• Credit card bonus points (3-6x points per dollar)
• Promotional bonus points (2,500 per stay)

Example: A Platinum Elite member books a 2-night stay at a Courtyard for $300 using the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card:

• Base points: 3,000 (10 × $300)
• Platinum elite bonus: 1,500 (50% bonus)
• Credit card bonus: 1,800 (6x $300)
• Promotional bonus: 2,500
• Total: 8,800 points from a $300 stay

Transfer partner opportunities:

Chase recently offered a 50% transfer bonus to Marriott Bonvoy in February 2026. If you have Chase Ultimate Rewards points, timing your transfers to coincide with transfer bonuses can accelerate your points balance for future redemptions.

For details on the current transfer landscape, see our Chase Marriott 50% Bonus February 2026 guide.

Credit card shortcuts to elite status:

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant: Provides automatic Platinum Elite status, which means you start with 50% bonus points and better upgrade priority
• Elite night credits from card spend: Some Marriott cards award elite night credits for reaching spending thresholds (15 ENCs per $35,000 spent on the Business card)

If you’re close to a status tier and the Q1 promotion won’t get you there on its own, consider whether a co-brand card’s elite night credits or automatic status would close the gap.

For broader strategies on earning hotel status through credit cards, see our Best Credit Card and Loyalty Shortcuts to Earn Hotel Status in 2026.

Comparing Marriott Q1 2026 to Competitor Hotel Loyalty Promotions

Understanding how Marriott’s Q1 2026 promotion stacks up against other hotel loyalty programs helps you decide where to concentrate your stays.

IHG One Rewards Q1 2026 promotion:

• Offer: Double base points on 2nd+ stays (January – March 2026)
• Targeted offer: Some members received double elite nights (up to 10 bonus nights by March 31)
• Value: Better for point accumulation; targeted double elite nights offer is stronger than Marriott’s brand-based approach for single-property loyalists

Hilton Honors Q1 2026:

• Offer: No major systemwide Q1 promotion announced as of February 2026
• Value: Hilton typically runs promotions offering bonus points for multiple stays but hasn’t matched Marriott’s elite night credit focus

World of Hyatt Q1 2026:

• Offer: No major systemwide Q1 promotion announced as of February 2026
• Value: Hyatt’s smaller footprint makes multi-brand strategies harder to execute; their program typically offers better base elite benefits but fewer promotional opportunities

Strategic implications:

If you have flexibility in which hotel program to focus on during Q1 2026:

• Choose Marriott if: You need elite night credits toward Platinum/Titanium and can stay at 5+ different brands
• Choose IHG if: You received the targeted double elite nights offer or prefer point accumulation over status
• Choose Hyatt if: You value their superior elite benefits (confirmed suite upgrades, guest of honor awards) and are already close to status
• Split your stays if: You’re pursuing status in multiple programs and can strategically allocate stays based on promotional timing

For a comprehensive look at how to plan high-value redemptions across programs, see our Plan 2026 Aspirational Trips with Points guide.

Is the Marriott Q1 2026 Promotion Worth Chasing for Status?

The value of the Marriott Q1 2026 promotion depends entirely on your current elite night credit count, your status goal, and your ability to execute a multi-brand strategy.

The promotion is worth pursuing if:

• You’re 5-20 elite night credits short of Platinum or Titanium, and can realistically stay at 5-10 different brands during the promotional period
• You have flexible travel plans during February 25 – May 10, 2026, that allow for short stays across multiple properties
• You’re comfortable with the logistics of checking in/out of multiple hotels and potentially switching properties mid-trip
• Multiple Marriott brands are available in your typical travel markets (major cities have the best brand diversity)
• You value the elite benefits enough to justify the effort (Platinum offers 50% bonus points, lounge access, 4pm checkout; Titanium adds 75% bonus points and better upgrade priority)

The promotion is NOT worth chasing if:

• You’re already on track to hit your status goal without the promotion or you’re far from the next tier (more than 25 nights away)
• You prefer extended stays at one property for work or personal reasons—the single brand bonus (1 ENC) won’t move the needle
• You’re targeting Ambassador status (100 nights + $23,000 spend)—the promotion won’t significantly accelerate your timeline and you need to focus on qualifying spend
• You’re in a market with limited brand diversity—if you can only access 2-3 different Marriott brands, the effort-to-reward ratio isn’t favorable
• You don’t travel during the promotional window—February 25 to May 10 is a 75-day window, but if your travel is concentrated outside those dates, you can’t benefit

Alternative strategies if the promotion doesn’t fit:

• Wait for better promotions: Marriott typically runs multiple promotions throughout the year; Q2 and Q3 may offer different structures
• Focus on credit card spend: Marriott co-brand cards award elite night credits for reaching spending thresholds
• Status match: If you have elite status with another hotel program, Marriott occasionally offers status match opportunities
• Book strategically year-round: Concentrate stays during other promotional periods when the structure better fits your travel patterns

The break-even analysis:

For a traveler targeting Platinum status (50 nights):

Scenario A: Without promotion

• Current: 38 elite night credits
• Needed: 12 more nights
• Cost: 12 nights × $150 average = $1,800

Scenario B: With promotion (multi-brand strategy)

• Book 8 nights across 8 brands
• Earn: 8 base + 8 brand bonuses = 16 ENCs
• Cost: 8 nights × $150 average = $1,200
• Savings: $600 + 20,000 bonus points ($140-180 value)
• Total value: $740-780

Scenario C: With promotion (single-brand strategy)

• Book 12 nights at Courtyard
• Earn: 12 base + 1 brand bonus = 13 ENCs
• Cost: 12 nights × $150 average = $1,800
• Savings: $0 (same as no promotion) + 2,500 bonus points ($17.50-22.50 value)
• Total value: $17.50-22.50

The multi-brand approach delivers 30-40x more value than the single-brand approach for status chasers.

Common Mistakes That Reduce Your Q1 Promotion Value

Mistake 1: Not registering before April 26, 2026

Stays booked before registration still count, but you must register by April 26 for any stays during the promotional period to qualify. Set a calendar reminder and register as soon as you book your first qualifying stay.

Mistake 2: Booking through third-party sites

Only direct bookings through Marriott.com, the Marriott Bonvoy app, or Marriott phone reservations qualify. Bookings through Expedia, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline, or other OTAs don’t earn promotional bonuses (and often don’t earn base points or elite night credits either).

Mistake 3: Using Free Night Certificates or award stays

Free Night Certificates from credit card annual benefits and award stays booked with points don’t qualify for the promotion. These stays don’t earn base elite night credits or promotional bonuses.

Mistake 4: Assuming all Marriott properties qualify

Vacation club properties, timeshares, and Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection don’t participate. Before booking, verify the property is an eligible brand on Marriott’s promotion page.

Mistake 5: Booking multiple stays at the same brand

The promotion awards one bonus elite night credit per unique brand, not per stay. Staying at three different Courtyard properties earns one brand bonus (for Courtyard), not three. Diversify across brands to maximize bonus ENCs.

Mistake 6: Ignoring rate flexibility

If your travel plans might change, book refundable rates. The promotional period is 75 days—long enough that circumstances may shift. Refundable rates typically cost 10-20% more but provide flexibility to adjust your multi-brand strategy if needed.

Mistake 7: Overlooking brand verification

Some properties have confusing names. “Marriott Vacation Club” is not the same as “Marriott Hotels.” “Sheraton Vacation Club” is not the same as “Sheraton Hotels & Resorts.” Check the exact brand designation in your booking confirmation.

Mistake 8: Failing to track stays and brands

Keep a spreadsheet of your stays during the promotional period with dates, property names, brands, and confirmation numbers. This makes it easier to verify bonuses post correctly and contact customer service if there’s a discrepancy.

Step-by-Step: How to Register and Maximize the Marriott Q1 2026 Promotion

Step 1: Register for the promotion (by April 26, 2026)

1. Log into your Marriott Bonvoy account at Marriott.com or through the mobile app
2. Navigate to the “Offers” section in your account dashboard
3. Find the “Q1 2026 Promotion” offer
4. Click “Register” and confirm your enrollment
5. Save or screenshot your registration confirmation

Step 2: Audit your current elite night credit status

1. Check your Marriott Bonvoy account dashboard for your current elite night credit count
2. Identify your target status tier (Platinum = 50 nights, Titanium = 75 nights)
3. Calculate how many additional elite night credits you need
4. Determine whether a multi-brand strategy makes sense for your gap

Step 3: Map available Marriott brands in your travel markets

1. List cities you’ll visit during February 25 – May 10, 2026
2. Search Marriott.com for each city and note which brands are available
3. Prioritize brands you haven’t stayed at yet (if you’ve already stayed at Courtyard this year, you’ve “used” that brand for the promotion)
4. Create a target list of 5-10 brands you can realistically access

Step 4: Build your multi-brand itinerary

1. Book short 1-2 night stays across different brands when possible
2. Consider switching hotels mid-trip in the same city to hit multiple brands
3. Balance convenience with brand diversity (don’t sacrifice too much time to hotel switches)
4. Confirm each property is an eligible brand (not vacation club or excluded property)

Step 5: Book directly through Marriott channels

1. Use Marriott.com, the Marriott Bonvoy app, or call Marriott reservations directly
2. Avoid third-party booking sites
3. Use your Marriott Bonvoy co-brand credit card for additional points
4. Consider refundable rates if your plans might change

Step 6: Track your stays and bonuses

1. Keep records of confirmation numbers, dates, and brands
2. Monitor your account after each stay to verify base elite night credits post correctly
3. Promotional bonuses will post by June 21, 2026—check your account after that date
4. Contact Marriott customer service if bonuses are missing (have confirmation numbers ready)

Step 7: Verify bonus posting by June 21, 2026

1. Log into your Marriott Bonvoy account after June 21
2. Check your elite night credit total and point balance
3. Verify you received 2,500 bonus points per stay
4. Verify you received one bonus elite night credit per unique brand
5. Contact customer service immediately if there are discrepancies

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I register for the promotion after I’ve already completed stays during the promotional period?

Yes, as long as you register by April 26, 2026. Stays completed before registration still count toward the promotion if you register before the deadline. However, it’s best to register as soon as possible to ensure there are no issues.

Q: Do elite night credits from the promotion count toward lifetime status?

Yes. Bonus elite night credits earned through the Q1 2026 promotion count toward your annual status qualification and your lifetime elite night credit total for Lifetime Platinum, Titanium, or Ambassador status.

Q: If I stay at the same brand twice during the promotion, do I get two bonus elite night credits?

No. The promotion awards one bonus elite night credit per unique brand during the entire promotional period, regardless of how many times you stay at that brand. Staying at five different Courtyard properties earns one brand bonus (for Courtyard).

Q: Can I combine this promotion with other Marriott offers?

Yes. The Q1 2026 promotion can stack with other Marriott promotions, credit card benefits, and elite status bonuses. You’ll earn base points, elite bonus points, credit card bonus points, and promotional bonuses on the same stay.

Q: Do one-night stays count as full stays for the 2,500 bonus points?

Yes. A stay is defined as consecutive nights at the same property, regardless of length. A one-night stay earns 2,500 bonus points, the same as a five-night stay at the same property.

Q: What happens if I book a stay that spans the end of the promotional period (check-in before May 10, check-out after May 10)?

The stay must be completed by May 10, 2026 to qualify. If you check out after May 10, the stay won’t earn promotional bonuses. Plan your final promotional stay to check out by May 10.

Q: Can I earn promotional bonuses on stays booked with a combination of points and cash (Points + Cash rates)?

No. Points + Cash rates are considered award stays and don’t qualify for the promotion. Only fully paid stays (cash or charged to a credit card) earn promotional bonuses.

Q: If I have Platinum status from a credit card, do I still earn the elite bonus points on promotional stays?

Yes. Elite status from any source (nights stayed, credit card, status match, or challenge) qualifies you for elite bonus points on all paid stays, including promotional stays.

Q: Do brands within the same family count as unique brands?

Yes. Even though Courtyard, Fairfield Inn, and Residence Inn are all select-service brands, each counts as a unique brand for the promotion. Staying at all three earns three brand bonuses.

Q: Can I modify or cancel a reservation and still earn promotional bonuses?

If you book a refundable rate and cancel before the cancellation deadline, you won’t earn promotional bonuses for that stay. If you modify dates or switch properties but complete a qualifying stay, you’ll earn bonuses based on the final stay details.

Q: What if I stay at a property that’s transitioning between brands during the promotional period?

The brand designation at the time of check-in determines which brand counts for the promotion. If a property is rebranding, confirm the brand name in your reservation confirmation.

Q: Do stays booked through corporate or government rates qualify?

Yes, as long as the booking is made directly through Marriott channels and the rate is a qualifying rate. Most corporate and government rates qualify, but check the rate details to confirm it earns points and elite night credits.

Key Takeaways: Marriott Q1 2026 Promotion Strategy

• Register by April 26, 2026, through the Marriott Bonvoy app or website to ensure all stays during February 25 – May 10 qualify for promotional bonuses
• Multi-brand strategies deliver 5-7x more value than single-brand approaches for status chasers—staying at 8 different brands over 10 nights yields significantly more bonus elite night credits
• Each unique brand earns one bonus elite night credit during the promotional period, regardless of how many stays or nights at that brand
• Every qualifying stay earns 2,500 bonus points, regardless of length—one-night stays earn the same bonus as five-night stays
• Only direct bookings qualify—third-party sites, award stays, and Free Night Certificates don’t earn promotional bonuses
• The promotion is most valuable for travelers 5-20 elite night credits short of their target tier who can execute a multi-brand strategy during the promotional window
• Verify brand eligibility before booking—vacation club properties and Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection are excluded
• Bonuses post by June 21, 2026—check your account after that date and contact customer service if bonuses are missing
• Compare with competitor promotions—IHG’s targeted double elite nights offer may deliver better value for single-brand loyalists
• Track your stays meticulously—keep records of confirmation numbers, dates, brands, and elite night credit totals to verify correct bonus posting

The Marriott Q1 2026 promotion rewards strategic planning and brand diversification. For status chasers willing to book short stays across multiple brands, it offers a path to accelerate elite status qualification while earning substantial bonus points. For travelers who prefer extended stays at a single property, the promotion offers less value than previous years’ double elite night credit structures.

The optimal approach depends on your specific situation: your current elite night credit count, your status goal, your travel patterns during the promotional window, and the availability of diverse Marriott brands in your markets. Run the numbers for your circumstances, build a realistic multi-brand itinerary if it makes sense, and register by April 26 to maximize your Q1 promotion value.

For ongoing updates on Marriott promotions and hotel loyalty program strategies, bookmark our Marriott Bonvoy Transfer Partners guide and explore our complete Marriott Bonvoy guide for 2026.

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