If you feel like your next Marriott redemption suddenly looks like it costs more points than it did just a few days ago, you’re not imagining things.

Marriott Bonvoy sneakily increased award pricing at many of its hotels, with some properties up 5% to 16% for the exact same room overnight. And what seems to be the new trend, the changes weren’t announced so there was no time to book before the increases happened. 

 

Another Reminder That Dynamic Pricing Cuts Both Ways

Ever since Marriott ditched its published award chart, award prices have been based on demand instead of fixed categories. That means prices can go down during slower periods, but can skyrocket unpredictably, as well.

This latest round of increases appears to affect hotels across multiple brands and regions rather than just a handful of properties. While not every hotel has increased in price, many popular redemptions now cost noticeably more than they did just days ago. In fact, according to The Points Guy’s analysis, the highest award prices at a sample of popular Marriott hotels have climbed by nearly 13% over the past year, and luxury brands like St. Regis, Ritz-Carlton, EDITION, and Luxury Collection are seeing some of the biggest increases.

Unfortunately, this has become something Bonvoy members have come to expect. Without an award chart, there’s no ceiling on what a hotel can cost in points.

Related: The Marriott Bonvoy® Credit Cards, Explained

 

What Bonvoy Members Should Do Now

If you’ve been sitting on a stash of Marriott points waiting for the “perfect” redemption, here’s yet another reminder that points and miles never get more valuable over time.

For those with travel plans in the coming months, it’s probably worth locking in your award stays sooner rather than later. Marriott still offers free cancellations (up to a point), so booking now can protect you from price increases while allowing you to change your plans if needed. Just be sure to double-check the cancellation policy before you book.

 

Bottom Line

Another week, another Marriott devaluation.

While dynamic pricing means award rates can occasionally fall, the long-term trend has been upward. If you’re collecting Bonvoy points, let this serve as a reminder that they are worth more when you use them than when you save them for a future trip.