Generally, you cannot earn Marriott Bonvoy points or elite night credits if you book your stay through third-party "Online Travel Agencies" (OTAs) like Booking.com, Expedia, or Orbitz. Marriott’s loyalty program terms strictly state that "Qualifying Stays" must be booked directly through official Marriott channels (their website, app, or by calling the hotel). Furthermore, if you have elite status (such as Gold or Platinum), the hotel is not technically required to honor your perks—like free breakfast, lounge access, or room upgrades—on a third-party booking, although some properties may do so as a gesture of goodwill. While you might find a slightly lower rate on a third-party site, you lose out on the long-term value of points and the guaranteed benefits of the loyalty program. To ensure you receive your points and perks, it is always recommended to use the "Best Rate Guarantee" on Marriott.com if you find a cheaper price elsewhere.
Yes, you can earn Marriott Bonvoy points when you book eligible stays through Booking.com, but there are some important conditions to be aware of:
Direct Bookings Preferred: Marriott typically encourages members to book directly through their website, app, or Marriott customer service to ensure they earn points and receive benefits. Booking through third-party platforms like Booking.com may limit your ability to earn points or receive elite benefits.
Link Your Bonvoy Account: If you book through Booking.com, you can still earn points by ensuring your Marriott Bonvoy membership number is linked to the reservation. You can do this by contacting the hotel directly after booking or updating your reservation details.
Eligible Rates: Not all rates booked through Booking.com may qualify for Bonvoy points. Make sure the rate you book is eligible for points by confirming with the hotel or Marriott customer service.
Points Posting: If your stay qualifies, points will typically be credited to your account after your stay is completed. If they don’t appear automatically, you can submit a missing stay request through the Marriott Bonvoy website.
To maximize your points and benefits, it’s generally recommended to book directly with Marriott whenever possible. If you do use Booking.com, double-check the terms and ensure your Bonvoy account is linked to the reservation.