Last Updated: July 16,2025

Marriott International has revolutionized the vacation rental market with Marriott Homes and Villas, creating a perfect blend of luxury accommodation and points-earning opportunities. If you're looking to maximize your Marriott Bonvoyrewards while enjoying the privacy and space of a vacation rental, this comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to leverage this offering for incredible value.

What Makes Marriott Homes and Villas Different

Unlike traditional vacation rental platforms, Marriott Homes and Villas brings the trusted Marriott brand standards to the home rental experience. Each property undergoes rigorous quality assurance and professional management, ensuring you get the reliability you expect from Marriott without sacrificing the comfort and flexibility of a vacation home.

The key differentiator? You can earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for these stays, something you can't do with Airbnb or most other vacation rental platforms. This makes it a game-changer for points enthusiasts who want to maintain their earning streak while enjoying a different type of accommodation.

How to Maximize Your Marriott Bonvoy Points

Earning Points on Homes and Villas

When you book through Marriott Homes and Villas, you'll earn Marriott Bonvoy points just like you would at any Marriott hotel. The earning rate varies by your Marriott Bonvoy elite status, but base members earn 10 points per dollar spent.

Here's how the earning structure works:

• Base Members: 10 points per $1 spent
• Silver Elite: 12.5 points per $1 spent
• Gold Elite: 12.5 points per $1 spent + 25% bonus
• Platinum Elite: 15 points per $1 spent + 50% bonus
• Ambassador Elite: 17.5 points per $1 spent + 75% bonus

Redeeming Points for Free Stays

You can also redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for Homes and Villas stays, though the redemption value varies by property. Generally, you'll get better value using points during peak seasons or in expensive destinations where cash rates are highest.

Pro tip: Compare the cents-per-point value before redeeming. If you're getting less than 0.8 cents per point, consider paying cash and earning points instead.

Best Marriott Credit Cards for Homes and Villas

To maximize your earning potential with Marriott Homes and Villas, consider pairing your stays with the right Marriott credit card:

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card

The premium option offers 6x points on Marriott purchases (including Homes and Villas), plus valuable perks like annual free night awards and automatic Gold elite status.

Marriott Bonvoy Bold Card

A no-annual-fee option that still earns 2x points on Marriott purchases, making it perfect for occasional travelers who want to earn without paying fees.

For a detailed comparison, check out our Marriott Bonvoy Bold vs. Boundless review to find the best option for your travel style.

Types of Properties Available

Marriott Homes and Villas offers an impressive range of accommodations to suit different travel needs and group sizes:

Vacation Homes

Perfect for families or groups, these properties typically feature multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, and living areas. Many include amenities like pools, game rooms, and outdoor spaces that you won't find in traditional hotel rooms.

Luxury Villas

High-end properties with premium amenities, often in exclusive locations. These are ideal for special occasions or when you want to splurge using points or statement credits from premium travel cards.

Urban Apartments

City-based properties that offer the convenience of hotel-style service with the space and privacy of an apartment. Perfect for extended business trips or city explorations.

How to Book and Get the Best Deals

Direct Booking Benefits

Always book directly through homesandvillas.marriott.com to ensure you earn Marriott Bonvoy points and qualify for elite benefits. Third-party bookings typically don't qualify for points or status benefits.

Compare with Other Platforms

While you should book direct for points, it's smart to compare prices with other booking platforms like Hotels.com or Booking.com to ensure you're getting competitive rates.

Use Points Strategically

Consider using free night awards from your Marriott credit card for Homes and Villas stays. These awards can provide exceptional value, especially for high-end properties.

Elite Benefits and Perks

Your Marriott Bonvoy elite status extends to Homes and Villas, though benefits are adapted for the vacation rental format:

Available Elite Benefits

• Points earning bonuses based on your elite tier
• Priority customer service with dedicated phone lines
• Late checkout when available (property dependent)
• Enhanced cleaning standards ensuring pristine conditions

What's Different from Hotels

Unlike traditional Marriott hotels, you won't get room upgrades or lounge access since these perks don't apply to vacation rentals. However, the value proposition shifts to space, privacy, and unique amenities.

Maximizing Value: When Homes and Villas Make Sense

Group Travel

For groups of 4 or more, Homes and Villas often provide better value than multiple hotel rooms. You'll save money while earning points on the entire booking.

Extended Stays

Week-long or monthly stays often offer significant savings compared to hotel rates, especially when factoring in kitchen facilities that reduce dining costs.

Special Occasions

Celebrating anniversaries, family reunions, or milestone events? The unique properties available through Homes and Villas create memorable experiences that standard hotels can't match.

Tips for First-Time Users

Research the Property Manager

Each property is managed by local companies that partner with Marriott. Read reviews and understand the specific policies for your chosen property.

Understand Cleaning Fees

Unlike hotels, vacation rentals typically charge separate cleaning fees. Factor these into your total cost when comparing options.

Plan for Different Amenities

Properties vary widely in amenities. Some include pools, hot tubs, and game rooms, while others offer basic accommodations. Review listings carefully to match your expectations.

Booking Process and Customer Service

The booking process mirrors Marriott's hotel platform, with user-friendly search filters for dates, location, and property type. Customer service maintains Marriott's high standards, with dedicated support for Homes and Villas guests.

24/7 Support

Unlike many vacation rental platforms, Marriott provides round-the-clock customer service, ensuring help is available if issues arise during your stay.

Local Property Management

On-site or local property managers handle day-to-day operations, providing local expertise while maintaining Marriott's service standards.

Bottom Line: Is Marriott Homes and Villas Worth It?

For Marriott Bonvoy members, Homes and Villas offers a compelling alternative to traditional hotels without sacrificing points earning or redemption opportunities. The ability to earn points on vacation rental stays fills a significant gap in the loyalty program ecosystem.

Best for: Groups, extended stays, and travelers who value space and privacy while maintaining their points earning strategy.

Consider alternatives if: You're traveling solo, prefer traditional hotel amenities like daily housekeeping, or want the most budget-friendly vacation rental options.

Ready to explore your options? Visit Marriott Homes and Villas to browse available properties and start planning your next points-earning getaway. Don't forget to maximize your earning potential with a Marriott Bonvoy credit card before you book.

Looking for more ways to maximize your travel rewards? Check out our ultimate guide to hotel loyalty programs to compare Marriott with other major hotel chains and find the best strategy for your travel goals.