10 Solid Ways to Use an 85K Marriott Free Night Certificate in 2025

Carrying a co-branded hotel credit card can have many benefits beyond points, but few perks are more lucrative than free night certificates. Free night certificates that come from a handful of Marriott Bonvoy credit cards are no exception.

The massive hotel chain has a sprawling portfolio of co-branded credit cards, each offering a different flavor of a free night certificate. They range from certificates that will cover hotel nights that cost up to 35,000 points per night all the way up to 85,000 points per night with Marriott's top-tier cards like the *bonvoy brilliant* and the Ritz-Carlton Credit Card – all starting in your second year of card membership.

While those free nights are capped, Marriott has a fix: You can “top off” a free night award with up to 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. For example, if you have a free night award to use at Marriott properties that cost up to 85,000 points per night, you could apply up to 15,000 of your own Marriott points to book a property that costs up to 100,000 points. While adding points will no doubt take some of the “free” out of your free night award, it can also unlock nicer properties and lead to even greater value. 

One thing to note: Since Marriott's reward program uses dynamic pricing, how many points you need to book a property will vary depending on when you're looking to stay, and will be closely tied to the cash price. That makes it tough to get outsized value for Marriott points and free night certificates, but some properties stand out above the rest.

Let's dive into our favorite ways to redeem an 85,000-point Marriott free night certificate in 2025.

All information about the Ritz-Carlton Card was collected independently by Thrifty Traveler and has not been reviewed by the issuer.

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The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island

In Florida, there's a prime resort on the coast near Jacksonville where we recently found nights bookable for under 90,000 Marriott points per night all year long: The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island. But you usually won't even need to “top off” more than 5,000 points here, as there are also scattered nights from 60,000 to 70,000 nights throughout the year.

This beachfront resort is equipped with a private golf course, spa, fitness center, outdoor pools, whirlpool, and seven on-site dining options serving a range of American, Spanish, and Japanese cuisine.

You'll book into either a king or double queen bedroom equipped with a private balcony overlooking the coast, a separate living area, and a marble bathroom featuring a walk-in shower. Considering this property typically charges $1,300 or more during the peak season, this is a stellar Marriott Bonvoy redemption and a great use of your free night certificate. 

The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki

Make your next trip to Honolulu top-tier with a stay at The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki. Many nights are routinely available for under 80,000 points, making this a great use of your free night award without the need to top off any extra points.

Considering that nights here could easily run you $600 to $700-plus, it's a decent use of points or a free night certificate. You'll book into a historic king room or double room with views of the garden or resort. This oceanfront property features easy access to a private beach area as well as two outdoor pools and a can't-miss beachfront bar called Mai Tai – ask for Susan.

W Maldives

The W Maldives just re-opened its doors to guests after an extensive renovation, and we recently found tons of award availability from 81,000 to 88,000 Marriott points per night – one of the best Marriott redemptions you'll find in the Maldives and a stellar use of your free 85K free night award. 

This five-star resort is equipped with a spa, fitness center, infinity pool, three on-site dining options, and two bars. Be sure to snorkel or dive in the property's incredible house reef (among the best in the Maldives) or book a diving excursion to other nearby atolls. Snorkeling gear is complimentary for guests.

Compared to the $1,000+ nightly rates Marriott is charging, this is a great redemption. Your points book you into a Superior Overwater 1 Bedroom Villa – a rarity for points resorts in the Maldives. These villas are spacious (1500+ sq ft) and include your own patio with a private pool and overwater hammock, separate living space, and a marble bathroom.

The Westin Bora Bora

Check Bora Bora off your bucket list with a stay at the Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa using your Marriott points!

Formerly the Le Méridien Bora Bora, the newly renovated hotel had wide-open award space to book from under 80,000 to 90,000 points a night, with plenty of off-peak 71,000 nights available!

This is one of the best points deals in Bora Bora and a phenomenal way to use Marriott points or free night certificates since nights typically cost $1,400 or more. You’ll be staying in a signature overwater villa with a direct floor view of the marine life underwater, a king bed, lagoon access, and a terrace – not the rooms on land that other hotels offer for award stays!

St. Regis Aruba Resort

Looking to book a warm getaway to the Caribbean? Use your free night certificate (or Marriott points) to book a stay at the brand-new St. Regis Aruba Resort that just opened in January.

We recently found nights for as low as 79,000 to 82,000 points per night. No need to top off your free night certificates! 

This beachfront property features an outdoor infinity pool, a fitness center, a casino, and two restaurants serving Japanese and international cuisine. Your points book you into either a king or double bed room equipped with a balcony view of the ocean.

Almare, a Luxury Collection Resort, Isla Mujeres

Marriott has an adults-only, all-inclusive resort in Isla Mujeres (just off the coast of Cancún in Mexico) that opened last fall, Almare, a Luxury Collection Resort.

We previously found nights that are bookable from just 88,000 Marriott points a night and sent this deal to our subscribers. You won't have to top-off your 85,000 point certificate at all since there are currently many nights from 78,000 points.

Five restaurants are on site, serving Mayan and Mexican cuisine as well as European fusion. Almare is an adults-only resort, and children under 18 are not allowed.

Free night awards book you into a king room or a double bed room, both equipped with a balcony. This is a great way to redeem Marriott points (or free night certificates) considering peak season nights often cost $800 to $1,000 or more.

Remember: Your points and free night certificates cover everything but tips and transport!

Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai

Situated in the desert just an hour outside of the glitz of Dubai, you'll find the Al Maha, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort and Spa. 

It's one of the most sought-after and aspirational properties bookable with Marriott Bonvoy points, with just 42 villas – each with its own private pool overlooking the conservation reserve. And yes, it's an all-inclusive resort with food and daily activities included that can easily save you hundreds. The only things not included in the rate are spa services and alcoholic beverages.

The Al Maha used to be bookable from 70,000 to 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points a night. These days, it'll often run you 98,000 to 100,000 points-plus each night. You'll need to find off-peak nights and top off your free night certificates with a spare 13,000 to 15,000 Marriott points.

Read More: A Full Review of Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa

The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Dreaming of a trip to Japan? Consider using your free night certificate at The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho! 

Most nights will run you under 90,000 points. Considering paying cash would typically cost you well over $500 to $600, it's a great way to score a five-star stay at this top-tier property in Tokyo with your free night award … and without breaking the bank.

You'll be booked into a king room on a high floor with views of downtown Tokyo. The hotel is directly connected to a subway station for an easy way to get around Tokyo.

Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Book a getaway to the gorgeous beaches of Krabi in Thailand and stay at Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, using your Marriott points.

Most nights are going to run you north of 120,000 points, which puts it out of reach for even the best free night certificates. But if you're able to find some scattered nights between 88,000 to 98,000 points, you could top off a couple of thousand points to book a free night with your certificate. Peak season nights cost over $1,000, so it's a solid use of Marriott certificates and points.

This property is an extension of Marriott's top luxury brand, located in Krabi – a quieter, seaside alternative to the enormously popular Thai town of Phuket. It overlooks the Andaman Sea and is just a boat ride (or short drive) from many nearby attractions.

Hit the spa, lounge by Phang Nga Bay's infinity pool, snorkel by Sea Island, or take a private speedboat and tuk-tuk tour. Try one of the four Thai and international dining options available on-site. You’ll be staying in a Reserve Pavilion King bedroom with 24-hour butler service, and a verandah with direct access to a private tropical garden. You also get complimentary breakfast for two.

The Madrid EDITION

Headed to Madrid? Consider using your free night certificate at The Madrid EDITION.

While award nights could easily run you north of 100,000 points, there are plenty of off-peak nights for under 85,000 points. Considering this property typically charges from $400 to $600-plus, it's a decent use of your free night award.

You'll book into a king or double queen room with a balcony or terrace. The five-star hotel is located in close proximity to the Royal Palace, the Almudena Cathedral, Gran Via Street, and the Golden Triangle of Art. The property features a spa, a rooftop infinity pool, and a 24-hour fitness center.

Bottom Line

There's no shortage of stellar ways to redeem your 85,000-point Marriott free night certificates at some of the best five-star properties around the world.

These free night certificates are a great benefit of Marriott's top cards … as long as you know how to use them.

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Lead image courtesy of Marriott