Marriott is a popular hotel chain beloved by many (including me) because of its incredibly large global footprint and wide variety of properties. During the last two weeks of 2023, I found myself checking in to many Marriott hotels, but not for work or vacation like most travelers. So, what was the reason for doing what points and miles enthusiasts like myself call “mattress runs“?
Well, it was to acquire Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite status for 2024. And it was so worth it. Keep reading to find out what Marriott Titanium Elite status is, the benefits of obtaining this tier of status and how to earn it.
What is Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite status?
Titanium Elite status is the second-highest published status you can achieve with the Marriott Bonvoy program; it sits in front of Platinum Elite status and behind Ambassador Elite status. To achieve this status, you need 75 elite qualifying night credits per year. Titanium is the highest Marriott Bonvoy status you can attain without meeting a spending requirement.
TPG values Marriott Titanium status at $4,685.
What are the benefits of Marriott Titanium Elite status?
The benefits associated with Titanium Elite status are very enticing and the sole reason I strive to achieve it. All the benefits of Platinum Elite status, which, in my opinion, is the best sweet spot hotel elite status out there, come with Titanium Elite status. Some of the best benefits of Titanium Elite status are:
- 75% bonus point earnings*
- 4 p.m. late checkout
- Welcome gift of choice (bonus points, breakfast or amenity)
- Lounge access at hotel brands with lounges and complimentary breakfast based on availability
- Room upgrades, including suites, based on availability on the day of arrival at participating hotels
- Complimentary Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Five Star status*
- Complimentary United Airlines MileagePlus Premier Silver status*
- Annual Choice Benefit after completing 75 qualifying stays, which could be one free night award up to 40,000 points, five Nightly Upgrade Awards (formerly Suite Night Awards), five elite night credits, $1,000 off a Marriott bed, $100 charity donation, or gifting Gold Elite status to a family member or friend*
* Denotes Titanium Elite-only benefits (with the exception of Ambassador status)
Related: 17 ways to earn lots of Marriott Bonvoy points
Once you hit Platinum Elite after completing 50 elite nights in a calendar year, you unlock your first Annual Choice Benefit, and then you unlock another choice benefit at 75 nights, which grants you Titanium Elite status. For my Annual Choice Benefits for 2024, I chose five Nightly Upgrade Awards at the 50-night mark and the free night award worth up to 40,000 points at the 75-night mark.
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I always like to pick Annual Choice Benefits that I can put a tangible value on, and I can do so with the 40,000-point free night award, which is worth $336 per TPG’s valuation.
I plan on using the Nightly Upgrade Awards at The St. Regis Bali Resort this year and utilizing Marriott’s “Stay for 5, Pay for 4” perk on award bookings. This benefit allows you to stay five nights in a standard Marriott room and receive one night free when booking with points.
Related: Your guide to using Marriott Nightly Upgrade Awards
Marriott Titanium Elite status vs. Platinum Elite status
If you’re interested in obtaining Marriott elite status without meeting the annual stay requirements, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card will give you complimentary Platinum Elite status (enrollment is required). Though you will receive many similar perks to Titanium status, there are seemingly a lot more people at this elite tier due to the card’s benefit.
Therefore, I found during my travels that with more Platinum elite members out there, my chances of getting room upgrades were becoming slimmer, so getting to the next level of status would increase my chances.
The biggest motivating factor for obtaining Titanium Elite status was complimentary United MileagePlus Silver status. Having held various United MileagePlus statuses before, I know this is a valuable perk. I knew I would not requalify for status in 2024 with United, so achieving Titanium Elite status was a great way for me to keep United status.
Though Silver is United MileagePlus’ lowest tier, it does include beneficial perks like one free checked bag (up to 70 pounds); priority check-in, security and Group 2 boarding; complimentary first-class upgrades as early as the day of departure; and the most important benefit for me, complimentary access to Economy Plus or preferred seating. This is essential as I am a big guy, standing over 6 feet, so even the extra inch of legroom that the Economy Plus seats provide matters.
Related: What is United Airlines elite status worth in 2024?
How to earn Titanium Elite status
As I mentioned, you must earn 75 elite qualifying night credits to achieve Titanium Elite status. These elite night credits can be earned in a variety of ways, including (terms apply):
Related: Why you need both a personal and business Marriott Bonvoy credit card
Bottom line
The sweet spot with Marriott Bonvoy is Platinum Elite status, but achieving Titanium Elite status requires just 25 more elite night credits, which can easily be achieved if you hold one (or two) of Marriott’s cobranded credit cards. The added benefits you get when you jump from Platinum to Titanium elite status are minimal, but the added perk of United MileagePlus Silver elite status and the increased earnings rate definitely move the needle for me.