As someone who's been strategically using Bonvoy points for years, I've discovered that booking award stays at their premium properties gives incredible value. Last month, I used points for a stay at one of their luxury resorts that would have cost over $800 per night, but I only used 85,000 points - talk about a sweet deal! The key is being flexible with dates and watching for off-peak rates.
From my experience, the best strategy is to save points for those high-end properties where cash rates are astronomical. I've learned to avoid using points for airport hotels or basic properties where cash rates are reasonable. Instead, I store them up for bucket-list stays at their top-tier resorts. Also, always check for fifth-night-free awards - I've scored some amazing extended stays this way. The real value comes from being strategic about when and where you redeem. This Marriott Points Redemption news reminds me why I always research before traveling.

