Work Backward Approach: Using Marriott's Unexpected Bonus

A few weeks back, Chris and I wrote a guest post on Hack My Trip about our approach to travel planning: Work Backwards. The work backward approach focuses on picking the destination, first, and working to earn the miles and points to get there afterwards. However, the approach is easier in words than practice. For this reason, I will start writing posts about putting the work backward approach into action.

For the Memorial Day Weekend, my friends and I went on a road trip throughout Virginia. When it came time to decided on hotels, the choice was easy. Since we were spending one night in two cities, Cash Back Boy was adamant that we stay at Marriott hotels to use the Unexpected Bonus promotion. As I wrote here, Marriott's Unexpected Bonus promotion gives you a free night at any hotel category 1-5 after spending two paid nights.

How does the promotion tie into the work backward approach? Great question!

Every year, my friends and I take trips to see college football game. One of the biggest expenses that we incur is the cost of hotel rooms. Typically, hotels close to stadiums jack up nightly rates on college football weekends. For instance, last year's trip to Penn State, the cost of one night at the Courtyard by Marriott was $250, but the next weekend, when Penn State was playing away, hotel rates were around $119. By staying this past weekend at Marriott; instead of a Hilton or Hyatt, we prepaid for one hotel night for a future college football trip.

The cost of staying at Marriott hotels were similar to staying at Hilton or Hyatt. Therefore, we lost nothing expect some points in our preferred hotel loyalty program, but we gain a free night for future use. This promotion is a great way of helping pay for your dream trip. First, one needs to check to see if there is a Marriott located near your dream location. No reason to participate if Marriott does not have a hotel where you want to go. However, ff Marriott does have a hotel or hotels near your dream location then this promotion might be a good one to participate  The risk is that a "free night" might not be available for when you want to travel, but to be successful in the "game" a little be of risk is required.

This promotion is not mattress run worthy. The cost in time and money is to expensive. In my opinion this promotion works best if you have flexibility in your hotel choices over the next few months.  My motto is always get something for staying at a hotel and getting a free night after two paid stays is pretty damn good.
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 Have a question for us? E-mail us at chris@doitforthepoints.com or jd@doitforthepoints.com