The end of the year is here which only means one thing, it’s time to select your annual Choice Benefit or, for Titanium Elite members and higher, benefits. In my opinion, there is really only one correct option here.
What are Annual Choice Benefits?
Marriott Bonvoy offers Annual Choice Benefits to members when they surpass the 50 and 75 night thresholds. While many readers likely passed the necessary thresholds months ago, I just completed my last mattress run of the year allowing me to requalify for Platinum status. With the Annual Choice Benefit email landing in my inbox, this seemed like the right time to discuss it.
Choice Benefits are earned by hitting the night thresholds mentioned above. All nights count towards the thresholds, including bonus nights and nights earned from having Marriott co-branded credit cards. Lifetime members are not eligible unless they hit the required thresholds.
Since members can hit the required thresholds anytime during the year, the period in which you can select your Choice Benefit will differ from person to person. All Choice Benefit selections must be made by February 1, 2026. If you are eligible but don’t make a selection, Marriott will automatically add five Elite Night Upgrades to your account.
Marriott currently offers the following benefits to members when they hit 50 nights:
- Select Nightly Upgrade Awards (five) to redeem for upgrades to select premium rooms or standard suites on your next adventure.
- Save US$1,000 on Your Favorite Bed from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques.
- Gift Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite Status to a family member or friend.
- Support the Arne M. Sorenson Hospitality Fund by donating US$100 to champion the next generation of diverse leaders in hospitality.
- Support the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) by donating US$100 for children’s aid worldwide.
- Support World Wildlife Fund (WWF) by donating US$100 to their global conservation work.
- Add Elite Night Credits (five) to get you closer to higher Elite status and enhanced benefits in 2025.
When members hit the 75 night threshold, in addition to the options listed above, the following Choice Benefits are offered:
- Receive a Free Night Award with a value of up to 40,000 points to redeem for a stay on us.
- Gift Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status to a family member or friend.
It’s important to mention that all selections are final and can’t be changed after confirming your choice(s).
Which Choice Benefits are the Best?
Everyone will have their own opinion on which option is best for their situation but, for most people, there are only one ot two that stand above all the rest.
For those at the 50 night threshold, and even most at the 75 night threshold, the Nightly Upgrade Awards are by far the most beneficial. These can, in theory, provide guests access to rooms that are hundreds or sometimes thousands of dollars more expensive per night at no additional cost.
I have found that these have gotten harder to use in recent years, often offering upgrades to larger rooms and room types in addition to full blown suites but, there is still some value to be had here. Personally, I value these the most and selected them for my Choice Benefit this year.
The other option that could be of value is the 40,000 point free night award for members who stay 75 nights. While I still give the edge to Nightly Upgrade Awards, if you typically stay in select service properties there is likely more value to you in a free night than additional upgrades.
As far as the remaining awards, there isn’t much value in Marriott Silver and Gold status, so gifting that to someone doesn’t get them much. Also, I don’t know a single person that owns a Marriott bed, so a coupon for $1,000 off one isn’t something I see many people using.
The one that bothers me the most is the charitable donations. I have a few charities that I actively support and believe in giving both money and time to the organizations that mean something to you. What I don’t enjoy is major corporations getting tax deductions from “rounding up for charity” or Choice Benefit selections.
Ultimately, you have to decide what Choice Benefit is best for you but, in my opinion, one stands above the rest.
Summary
As we approach 2026, Marriott Bonvoy members with 50 and 75 nights from 2025 need to consider what they want to select for their Annual Choice Benefits. If no selection is made, Marriott will automatically apply five Nightly Upgrade Awards to your account.