A Guide to Marriott All-Inclusives

Marriott Bonvoy’s extensive family of brands has a property for every type of traveler. Whether you are looking for a business hotel, boutique property or something with keen millennial appeal, Marriott Bonvoy has a lot to offer. As the hospitality company grows, so does its portfolio, which now includes a number of all-inclusive properties where you can earn and redeem miles.

All-Inclusive by Marriott is not an official brand. Instead, it is a collection of 30 all-inclusive resorts in nine countries where travelers can enjoy all the food and drinks they want in tropical locales. These properties include a variety of brands like Westin, Delta by Marriott and Autograph Collection. Ten of the properties are reserved for adults only, which is particularly ideal for honeymoon travel.

You will find Marriott All-Inclusive resorts all around Mexico and the Caribbean, including popular vacation destinations like Barbados, Cancun and Puerto Vallarta. There are several in Costa Rica as well. The all-inclusive collection of Marriott Bonvoy properties has plenty of fun-in-the-sun options where members can earn or burn points when they visit.

All-Inclusive by Marriott can be an excellent use of your Marriott Bonvoy points. With food and drinks included, you can really squeeze a lot out of those hard-earned points.

Each of the all-inclusive properties in the portfolio participates in Marriott Bonvoy program. Many of the properties also have premium food and drink options where guests can pay a bit more to upgrade to better options if they want a more elevated dining experience.

To use your points, you have to visit Marriott.com, use the Marriott app or call Marriott reservations. The All-Inclusive by Marriott website will redirect you to Marriott’s general website if you are hoping to use points. Whether you are using points or paying cash, all rates are for double occupancy (two people per room).

A stay at an all-inclusive resort also inches Marriott Bonvoy members closer to elite status as elite night credits count toward status for the coming year. Eligible charges, including the room rate, accrue Marriott Bonvoy points. The ability to redeem four nights and get the fifth night for free is available at all-inclusives, which is one of the best bargains in the Marriott Bonvoy program.

These properties may also appear with Point Savers rates — discounted points redemptions on less busy nights — but upgrade awards, cash and points redemptions and Suite Night Awards are not available at all-inclusive resorts. Even though the hotels are different categories within Marriott Bonvoy, some all-inclusive properties may have points rates that are higher than Marriott Bonvoy’s highest Category 8 redemption rates.

Many of the familiar Marriott Bonvoy elite member perks are ready and waiting for eligible status holders at an all-inclusive property. One of these includes the option for a late checkout, based on availability. Platinum Elite members and above can check out as late as 4 p.m.

Elite members are also eligible for:

• Bonus points, based on their tier.

• Elite welcome points.

• The possibility for a room upgrade to select suites.

There are some elite status benefits that are unique to staying in an all-inclusive property, too. For example, elite members:

• Are invited to a weekly cocktail party.

• Receive discounts on premium drinks and other resort incidentals.

• Enjoy access to exclusive sections of the property, where available, for Platinum Elite members and higher.

• Can take advantage of a complimentary 25-minute massage during their stay if they are members of the highest Ambassador Elite tier.

If you are looking for an easy path to elite status, several Marriott co-branded credit cards add it automatically as a perk. These include the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, which comes with automatic Silver Elite status and you can keep climbing to Gold Elite status after spending $35,000 within an account year.

If you like earning and burning Marriott Bonvoy points and resorts where you do not have to worry about signing the bill after every bite or sip, then yes. The All-Inclusive by Marriott portfolio of properties delivers great value to those who like to indulge in great food and plentiful drinks with tropical scenery as the backdrop.

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