From Marriott: Sign Up, Pay Twice, Stay Free

After 20 years working in the travel industry, and 15 years writing about it, Tim Winship knows a thing or two about travel. Follow him on Twitter @twinship.

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Typically, the airline and hotel promotions featured here require that you be a member of the travel supplier’s loyalty program.

This offer, from Marriott, requires just the opposite: It only applies to travelers who are not currently members of the Marriott Rewards program.

Offer Details

First-time members of Marriott Rewards who enroll online here will be automatically registered to receive a certificate for a free night at a Category 1 through Category 4 hotel after completing two stays between May 1 and July 31 at a Marriott, JW Marriott, Renaissance, Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, or Marriott Vacation Club property.

The certificate can only be used by the member who earned it—it’s not transferable.

Deal or No Deal

Marriott Rewards is certainly among the world’s premier hotel programs, so a rich incentive to sign up is a win-win.

Although the free night is limited to the lowest four categories of hotels (there are eight in Marriott’s award structure), the bulk of Marriott’s properties are in fact included in those categories, so there are plenty of desirable hotels to choose from.

And with a full three months to log the required two stays, the free night is well within reach of even occasional travelers.

Reader Reality Check

What’s not to like? (And no, that’s not a rhetorical question.)

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