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Marriott has set its sights on Airbnb and other home-sharing services, offering 2,000 new vacation rentals in over 100 destinations starting next week under a new brand called Homes & Villas by Marriott International.
Particularly if you’re a member of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, here’s why that could be good news.
» Learn more: Find the best hotel credit card for you
New properties in new destinations
When the service launches, travelers will be able to book a minimum three-night stay at homes across the U.S., Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America. This will extend Marriott's reach to about 40 new destinations they hadn't been serving, the company says.
For example, guests can book stays at a villa in Sorrento, Italy, that has an infinity pool overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and a wood-fire pizza oven for home-cooked meals. A whole party could stay at an 18th-century Irish castle that sleeps up to 17 people and has a private lake for boating and fishing.
Benefits for Marriott Bonvoy members
Marriott Bonvoy members will be able to earn or redeem points at these properties, which opens up a range of new options for members of the loyalty program.
Bonvoy members will earn the same number of points they could earn at the company’s extended-stay hotel brands: 5 points for every $1 spent. In addition, members with elite status will still be eligible to earn bonus points or special welcome gifts with a Homes & Villas stay.
» Learn more: Travel loyalty program reviews
Vacation homes with hotel standards
Marriott says certain hotel conveniences will be incorporated into these vacation rentals, including cleaning services, 24/7 customer support, high-speed Wi-Fi and premium linens and amenities. Anyone who has stayed at a disappointing vacation rental that looked nothing like the photos, or anyone suspicious of home-sharing in general, might be enticed to try Marriott’s more standardized rentals.
Marriott says it will also “design a seamless booking experience.” At launch, though, travelers will only be able to book stays on the Homes & Villas website. Looking ahead, guests can expect the ability to book through the Marriott Bonvoy app and other sites in the future — along with even more home rental options.
Photo courtesy of Marriott International.
How to Maximize Your Rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2021, including those best for:
Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express
Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Planning a trip? Check out these articles for more inspiration and advice: NerdWallet’s top travel credit cards 3 ways consumers benefit when hotels compete with Airbnb Here's how much your points and miles are worth
