The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
The Maldives is one of the most talked-about destinations in Asia amongst U.S. travelers. And why not? It has some of the most beautiful beaches and water in the world.
The St. Regis Maldives spans more than 22 acres in the Dhaalu Atoll. Lush rainforests compliment the white-sand beaches on this private island where there’s a variety of activities and excursions at guests’ disposal.
This hotel is insanely expensive, averaging more than $1,400 per night during peak dates. For travelers with a stash of Marriott points, 85,000 points per night yields nearly 2.5 cents per point in value.
Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles
Beaches, upscale shopping, pro sports, and quality restaurants. Los Angeles has something for everyone, including hotels from all of the major hotel brands.
Located downtown next to the Staples Center, the Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles is the first U.S. hotel to make the list. This hotel offers easy access to the sites of the city and provides an incredible rooftop pool view to watch the sunset.
Summertime cash rates average more than $1,000 per night with plenty of nights going for 50,000 points per night. This means that you’re receiving a little more than 2 cents per point in value.
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort (French Polynesia)
Like the Maldives, Bora Bora is a destination many U.S. travelers want to travel to. And when you see pictures like the one above, how could you not want to make the trip?
This luxury resort has a secluded white-sand beach to relax on, as well as a Lagoonarium, which is a lagoon for protected fish and coral. The St. Regis Bora Bora also has several swimming pools, a spa, and is home to the largest overwater villas that start at 1,500 square feet for a standard room.
Cash rates are surprisingly much cheaper at The St. Regis Bora Bora compared to The St. Regis Maldives. Just under $900 is the per night rate with many June-August award nights requiring an off-peak rate of 70,000 points per night.
W Maldives
Heading back to the blue waters of the Maldives, another luxury Marriott property that offers value is W Maldives. The hotel vibe at the W will be different than what you’ll find at The St. Regis Maldives.
W Maldives is located on Fesdu Island in the North Ari Atoll. Bungalows and overwater villas are what you’ll find at this resort, along with a spa, pool, water sports, and a private 80-foot yacht.
Off-peak award pricing of 70,000 points per night during December-April may be hard to find, so expect to pay the standard rate of 85,000 points per night. With an average cash rate of more than $1,000 per night, travelers are receiving nearly 2 cents per point in value.
Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay (Half Moon Bay, CA)
The second U.S. luxury property to make this list is another California property — the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. Offering beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, this resort sits atop the rugged northern California coastline.
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is a mere 30 minutes south of San Francisco. What makes this resort unique is the amenities. Not only will guests find on-property dining and spa services, but they’ll also have access to a golf course.
Cash rates for this hotel from June to August average just shy of $750 per night. Standard award pricing of 60,000 points per night is what travelers will likely pay during this peak travel time, translating into nearly 2 cents per point in value.
Ritz-Carlton Tokyo (Japan)
Tokyo has no shortage of hotels, including luxury hotels that are in the Marriott portfolio. From its incredible food scene to its iconic temples to the city’s public gardens, Tokyo has something for every traveler.
In the city’s tallest building in Tokyo Midtown is where you’ll find the Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo hotel. The property boasts an impressive 7 restaurants, a spa, and a view overlooking the downtown skyline.
This category 8 hotel will most likely require 85,000 points per night if booked during the May to July peak travel timeframe. With cash rates averaging more than $850 per night, award travelers will be able to receive more than 1.5 cents per point in value.
Category: 8
Points Required: 70,000-100,000 points per night
May-July Rate: $1,301 per night
Points Value: 1.53 cents per point (85,000 points per night May-July)
Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
There’s no shortage of sites to see in New York and its world-class restaurants are hard to beat.
Nestled in Midtown, the Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park offers one of the best views of Central Park. Guests have access to several onsite amenities during their stay, including dining and a spa.
At nearly $1,300 per night from May to August, this hotel isn’t cheap. Standard award pricing of 85,000 points per night is what guests should expect to pay during this timeframe. This equates to a little more than 1.5 cents per point in value.
Category: 8
Points Required: 70,000-100,000 points per night
May-August Rate: $1,291 per night
Points Value: 1.52 cents per point (85,000 points per night May-August)
Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua (Maui, Hawaii)
If Bora Bora or the Maldives do not work out, look no further than the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua. When the winter months hit the U.S., Hawaii is a great place to kick back and enjoy the sun.
The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua is a luxury hotel on Maui that offers 6 restaurants and bars, club-level access, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and a spa.
Guests will need 60,000 points per night to book this hotel that averages $868 per night during peak travel dates. You can expect to see a return of ~1.45 cents per point.
Hot Tip: The $35 daily resort fee includes fitness classes, high-speed internet, resort shuttle services, a photo session, discounted golf fees and preferred tee times, cultural history tours, and resort activities (basketball, tennis, shuffleboard, croquet). Valet parking is not included and will be an additional $30 per day.
Category: 7
Points Required: 60,000 points per night
December-August Rate: $868 per night
Points Value: 1.45 cents per point
The Ritz-Carlton Central Park is certainly at the top of Marriott’s New York City luxury hotel offerings. However, W New York can be another luxury option if you’re looking to stay further south.
Located in the early 1900’s-era building overlooking Union Square Park, W New York has a cocktail bar, a fitness center, and a Mediterranean restaurant.
Cash rates during peak travel time average nearly $800 per night. Depending on when you book, you will need 50,000-60,000 points per night. The result is a return of 1.4 cents per point.
Hot Tip:Other New York hotels evaluated for this list included The St. Regis New York, JW Marriott Essex House, The Chatwal, and W New York Times Square. The cent per point values ranged from 0.6 to 1.2 cents per point.
Category: 7
Points Required: 50,000-60,000 points per night
June-September Rate: $794 per night
Points Value: 1.4 cents per point
The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort (Rio Grande, Puerto Rico)
It is no secret to U.S. travelers how amazing the Caribbean is, including Puerto Rico — one of several U.S. territories. What’s great about Puerto Rico is the sheer number of nonstop flights from mainland U.S. cities.
The St. Regis Bahia Resort is located on a former coconut plantation. The hotel offers 3 restaurants, a bar, a golf course, a seaside pool, and a spa.
The points return on this hotel is ~ 1.38 cents per point during peak travel dates. Cash rates are an astronomical $1,171 per night, while you can book this hotel for 85,000 points per night.
Hot Tip: Guests are required to pay an $82 per day resort fee. This fee includes high-speed internet, kid’s club access, driving range access, inflatable water toys, kayaks, resort bikes, tennis, umbrella, towels at the beach/pool, and welcome drinks.
Category: 8
Points Required: 85,000 points per night
December-April Rate: $1,171 per night
Points Value: 1.38 cents per point
The Park Tower Knightsbridge, a Luxury Collection Hotel (London, England)
London has no shortage of luxury hotels. No matter the brand, including Marriott, you can find a luxury experience at nearly every corner.
The Park Tower Knightsbridge is just outside of Kensington Palace. Hotel amenities include a bar, a fitness center, a lounge, and a spa.
Cash rates average $765 during peak travel dates, which is also the time that you can use 60,000 points per night. As a result, the return on your points is a value of 1.27 cents per point.
Category: 7
Points Required: 60,000 points per night
June-September Rate: $765 per night
Points Value: 1.27 cents per point
The St. Regis Mauritius Resort
Mauritius is not an island that gets talked about like the Maldives. We get it. The Maldives are beautiful. However, you may want to put Mauritius on your radar after you see the pictures.
For those of you looking for a beach vacation near Africa, check out The St. Regis Mauritius Resort. This hotel is located along Le Morne Beach and offers everything you need: 2 bars, 6 restaurants, a fitness center, a kid’s play area, a spa, a pool, and water sports.
50,000 points per night are the number of points you will need to book a free night. Cash rates during peak travel dates average $632, netting you 1.26 cents per point in value.
Category: 7
Points Required: 50,000 points per night
December-February Rate: $632 per night
Points Value: 1.26 cents per point
The St. Regis Washington, D.C.
Like most major U.S. cities, D.C. has plenty of luxury hotel options. The great news for Marriott loyalists is that you have a luxury hotel in the heart of the city.
The St. Regis Washington, D.C. exemplifies old-school luxury. A mere 2 blocks from the White House, this hotel is perfect in terms of location. On-property amenities include a bar, a fitness center, and a Mediterranean restaurant.
Averaging $724 per night during peak travel dates, this hotel can be booked using 60,000 points per night. This means that your Marriott points are worth 1.24 cents per point.
Category: 7
Points Required: 60,000 points per night
May-September Rate: $724 per night
Points Value: 1.24 cents per point
Bottom Line: If location and luxury in the nation’s capital are what you’re after, consider booking a room at The St. Regis Washington, D.C.
Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach (O’ahu, Hawaii)
If you get tired of the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua on Maui, hop on over to O’ahu and stay at the Ritz-Carlton Waikiki Beach.
This hotel offers a fitness center, 2 infinity pools, 3 restaurants, and a spa. Guests also have a quick walk to the beach to soak up some sun during their stay.
Hotel guests will receive 1.23 cents per point on average during peak travel dates. Cash rates average $733 per night while you will need 50,000-70,000 points per night to book an award stay.
Category: 7
Points Required: 50,000-70,000 points per night
December-August Rate: $733 per night
Points Value: 1.23 cents per point