For Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite, Titanium Elite, and Ambassador Elite members, navigating the ins and outs of breakfast and lounge benefits across different hotel brands remains an important topic and one that continues to evolve. Our January 2025 overview remains a valuable resource for understanding the core benefits by brand. However, Marriott has introduced several important updates since then, including changes to Ritz-Carlton benefits, the integration of Sonder, and the addition of Postcard Cabins and Trailborn Properties. New brands like StudioRes and Series by Marriott have also made their debut, bringing further changes to the program. Here’s what you need to know now.
The Loyalty Program Terms & Conditions (latest version from June 2025) provides clarity on these benefits; however, it is quite comprehensive.
Ritz-Carlton Suite Upgrades for Platinum Members
An exciting update is Marriott’s change to suite upgrade eligibility at The Ritz-Carlton. Until recently, only Titanium and Ambassador Elite members were eligible for complimentary suite upgrades at this prestigious brand. Now, Platinum Elite members are also included in this benefit, bringing Ritz-Carlton in line with most other Marriott full-service brands.
That said, one important limitation remains in place: executive lounge access at Ritz-Carlton properties is never included, regardless of your elite tier. Even Ambassador members must book a Club Level room to enjoy the lounge experience, which often features dedicated concierge service, curated meals, and drinks.
Additionally, complimentary breakfast is not offered as an elite benefit at Ritz-Carlton hotels, even for Platinum, Titanium, or Ambassador members. However, when you book these ultra-luxury properties through GajaDreams Hotels, you’ll receive complimentary breakfast for two, along with other valuable perks such as a $100 hotel credit. As a Marriott Bonvoy elite member, all your status benefits will still apply, and you’ll earn points just like with a direct Marriott booking — making it a smarter way to elevate your Ritz-Carlton stay.
Sonder Properties Now Fully Integrated
As of June 2025, all Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy properties are officially participating in the loyalty program. The integration brings some good news: you earn 10 points per US dollar at Sonder Hotels and 5 points per dollar at Sonder Apartments. Both formats also qualify for full elite night credits, and elite bonuses are honored. Elite benefits such as late check-out do apply at Sonder, though with a distinction. At Sonder Hotels, Platinum and higher members can enjoy the standard 4 p.m. guaranteed late check-out, but at Sonder Apartments, the benefit ends earlier at 2 p.m.
You can now book Sonder properties directly through Marriott’s website or Marriott Bonvoy app.
Postcard Cabins and Trailborn Hotels
Postcard Cabins offer minimalist tiny cabins set in serene natural locations, perfect for quiet getaways. Trailborn Hotels, on the other hand, are boutique-style lodges situated near national parks and scenic landmarks.
In both cases, members earn 10 Marriott Bonvoy points per eligible U.S. dollar spent, receive one elite night credit per qualifying night, and are offered a welcome amenity as outlined in the overview below.
StudioRes Brings Long Stays but Not Long Lists of Perks
Marriott’s new StudioRes brand, which launched in 2024, is specifically tailored for extended stays of 20 nights or more. While the concept may appeal to digital nomads and long-term business travelers, the loyalty benefits are extremely limited.
Stays at StudioRes earn just 4 points per US dollar, and most notably, elite bonuses do not apply. Even more critically, StudioRes stays do not earn elite night credits, making the brand irrelevant for those aiming to qualify or requalify for Platinum or higher tiers. Given the increasing popularity of long-term travel, this omission has frustrated many Bonvoy members.
If maximizing your elite status is a priority, StudioRes should likely be avoided unless the price or location is unbeatable for your specific needs.
Series by Marriott: A New Regional Brand in India
Another major development is the announcement of Series by Marriott, a new soft brand collection launched in partnership with the Indian hospitality group CHPL. Around 100 hotels across India are expected to join this collection, adding further depth to Marriott’s presence in the region.
At this time, details on elite benefits, point earning and elite night qualification are still pending.
Marriott Bonvoy Platinum and Higher Benefits by Brand
Elite Welcome Gift, Lounge Access & Compensation
You can download the PDF version of this table here.
Missing Hotel Stays to Achieve Platinum Status?
Another way to enjoy the perks of Marriott Platinum status and unlock elite membership benefits is through the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Credit Card. This premium card grants you instant Platinum status—no hotel stays required.
For frequent travelers who love Marriott properties, this card is a standout choice. It offers currently an impressive welcome bonus of 150,000 points, along with a free night certificate every year, redeemable for stays valued at 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points or less. You’ll also receive 25 Elite Night Credits, making it easier to achieve the next tier of Marriott Bonvoy Elite status.
Additional perks include Priority Pass Select membership, offering access to airport lounges worldwide. The card also provides up to a $300 dining credit (distributed as up to $25 monthly credits for worldwide restaurants) and a $100 property credit for eligible stays of two nights or more at Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis hotels in a calender year.
With these benefits, you can easily justify the card’s $650 annual fee, making it an excellent choice for those who value luxury travel and elite privileges.
*By using our referral link, you can score a welcome bonus, and we’ll receive a referral bonus as well. Terms apply.
