Marriott search by category is a useful tool to quickly find hotels that match your preferences. It can also help you narrow down exactly what kind of hotel you want to stay in based on a range of filters and settings.
Currently, hotels are classified in eight different categories, which represent award pricing bands ranging from 5,000 points to 100,000 points. However, that will change come March 2022.
Luxury
Guests can find high-end accommodations at Marriott, including hotels that are part of the brand’s luxury tier. These include heavyweights like the Ritz Carlton and St. Regis, as well as properties under the Bulgari hotel brand.
While the term “luxury” has historically been associated with the highest quality products, premium marketing and great in-store experiences, it now encompasses many more values – including self-actualization and personal fulfillment.
As a result, new luxury brands need to understand that they can no longer rely on a high price point or exclusive product to create an authentic brand identity. Instead, they must focus on a core set of values that are relevant to today’s consumers.
These values include superior performance, craftsmanship, exclusivity, innovation, sense of place & time, sophistication & design aesthetic, creative expression, relevance and heritage. They also need to embrace the customer journey. By utilizing a variety of online and offline tactics, luxury brands can create a consistent and memorable experience that encourages repeat purchases.
Select
If you’re looking to redeem your Marriott Bonvoy points for a hotel stay, you’ll be happy to know that you have an impressive array of choices. There are 30 Marriott brands to choose from, spanning everything from luxury resorts in exotic locations to budget hotels in urban settings.
To help make it easier to navigate the plethora of options, Marriott International has reorganized all 30 brands into two categories: Classic and Distinctive. The distinctions help consumers sort through the countless hotels and find what’s best for them, according to Tina Edmundson, global brand officer at Marriott International.
Premium hotels, such as Marriott, Sheraton, Delta and Autograph Collection, fall into the “classic” category, while more distinctive brands include Westin, Le Meridien, Design Hotels, Renaissance Hotels, Tribute Portfolio, Gaylord Hotels and Autograph Collection, which are known for their unique branding and hospitality concepts. Even Starwood’s more experimental brands, such as Aloft, will be categorized in this way.
Midscale
Midscale hotels offer comfortable accommodations that are typically designed with the guest in mind. They also feature convenient amenities that make it easy for guests to stay productive during their stays.
The industry offers a wide range of hotels in this segment, from Hilton’s Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express to InterContinental’s Holiday Inn Club Vacations and La Quinta. As a result, occupancies and room rates are often quite competitive within this crowded space.
Marriott’s Fairfield Inn leads the pack, with 1153 hotels across 14 countries. The uncomplicated brand focuses on offering quality basics, while offering more options than the likes of Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express.
The company has a number of lower-midscale brands, including Moxy and TownePlace Suites. The two brands are designed to appeal to budget travelers who want easy, no-frills accommodations without the expense of a full-service hotel.
Budget
The company has no shortage of budget hotels and suites to choose from. They have a large selection in many markets and are often more than happy to help you find the perfect room for your budget.
They may be lacking in glitz and glamour, but they can be a slick way to get the most out of your hard-earned travel dollars. Having an inexpensive hotel can also lead to more time spent exploring your destination, which means you’ll likely have an enhanced travel experience.
There are plenty of hotels to choose from, so be sure to do your research before making a booking. A quick online search should reveal plenty of options. It’s also a good idea to ask the front desk staff for advice and suggestions on where to stay for your next trip. If you’re on a tight budget, consider asking if they can recommend one or two boutique hotels, as this is a great way to save money and still get the same level of service as larger hotel chains.