9 Canadian Hotels for Redeeming Marriott Free Night Awards

One of the main benefits of the Canadian-issued Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card is the Free Night Award, which is awarded each year on your cardholder anniversary.

Each Free Night Award is worth 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, and it can be topped up with an additional 25,000 points, for a total possible redemption value of 60,000 points. This top-up limit was recently increased from 15,000 points, significantly expanding the range of hotels you can book with a certificate.

In Canada, there are many hotels from coast-to-coast at which you can redeem Free Night Awards for great value.

When Should You Redeem a Free Night Award?

When considering whether or not to redeem a Free Night Award, you’ll typically want to ensure that you’re maximizing the points value by booking a night that’d otherwise cost at least 35,000 Bonvoy points (and no fewer).

Then, you’ll also want to consider the corresponding cash price on the same night, which will give you an idea of how much value you’re squeezing out of the Free Night Award.

We currently value Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.8 cents per point (all figures in CAD). Using this metric, you can consider 35,000 points to have a value of around $280. 

Ideally, the night on which you redeem a Free Night Award is worth at least that amount, and perhaps even more. This way, you’d be getting outsized value.

On the other hand, you may decide to use the certificate even if the cash rate falls below the “target price”, since Free Night Awards have a “use-by” date.

As long as it doesn’t go to waste, you’ll get a one-night stay that effectively costs the annual fee of your credit card, which is either $120 or $150.

With all of this in mind, let’s kick off our list of domestic hotels that are suitable for a Free Night Award redemption. From west to east, we have…

1. Delta Hotels Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort

With recently refreshed rooms and a location in the heart of Victoria, the Delta Ocean Pointe Resort would be a great choice to use your free night on a trip to beautiful Vancouver Island.

It does go over 60,000 on some dates during peak travel seasons, but if you plan ahead of time, you should be able to redeem a Free Night Award here pretty easily throughout the year.

The cash prices at this hotel tend to hover around $250–300 per night in the off-season, and between $300–500 per night during busy travel periods.

You should be able to redeem a Free Night Award for above our target valuation throughout the year; however, you won’t necessarily get outstanding value, especially if you can secure a cash rate at the lower end of the range.

Besides the centrally situated Marriott hotel, Victoria’s Marriott Victoria Inner Harbour and Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort are also priced at around 60,000 points per night or less for much of the year.

2. Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre

Vancouver is a bit of a tricky city for Free Night Awards, especially in the summer. However, for the fall, winter, and spring, there are a handful of hotels in the downtown core that price out at 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points or less.

One option with decent availability for Free Night Awards is the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, which is located right in the heart of the city.

While it doesn’t quite have the same allure as some of the finer hotels in the city, the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre often prices out at around 47,000–60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points from the fall through to the spring, with occasional dips below 50,000.

For this hotel, cash rates usually fall around $300–350 with taxes and fees included. You should be able to get above our target valuation of 0.8 cents per point at this hotel, but don’t expect to get much more than that.

One alternative in Vancouver would be to stay in the Richmond area instead, where there are a handful of airport hotels that also offer convenient access to the city via the SkyTrain.

You might also get lucky with a night at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver, or its neighbour, The DOUGLAS, Autograph Collection; however, nights that are eligible for a Free Night Award are more common with the new 60,000-point ceiling, though still not guaranteed.

3. The Dorian, Autograph Collection

Located east of the Rocky Mountains, Calgary is a great city to base from for a winter ski trip or a summer hiking trip.

One of the city’s best Marriott properties is The Dorian, Autograph Collection, which opened its doors in July 2022.

Fortunately, redemptions at the property consistently fall under 60,000 points per night (except for during the Calgary Stampede), and it makes for a great use of a Free Night Award.

Cash rates at the property are fairly reasonable as well, and often cost less on weekends.

No matter how you pay, you’ll be treated to a very comfortable stay. Indeed, The Dorian is a favourite amongst the staff at Prince of Travel.

The hotel has great design throughout, and if you’re eligible for complimentary breakfast by way of Marriott Bonvoy Elite status, you’re certainly in for a treat.

4. JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District

Ever since it opened in 2019, the JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District has given Edmonton’s hotel scene a major boost.

It’s a particularly attractive option if you’re in the city for a hockey game, concert, or event, since it has a direct connection to the nearby Rogers Centre arena.

Throughout the year, redemption rates at the JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District fall under 60,000 points (with a few exceptions), making it a perfect option for a Free Night Award.

Compared to cash rates around $300–400 or more, the value on paper isn’t necessarily outstanding, but the high-end allure of the JW Marriott brand should make this a very satisfying place to redeem your certificate.

There’s an Executive Lounge for eligible guests, as well as one of the best hotel fitness centres in North America.

Next time you head to Alberta’s capital, be sure to consider redeeming a Free Night Award at the JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District for a bit of luxury.

5. JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka

With the increased top-up limit, the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka has become a realistic Free Night Award option. Previously, this resort often priced just above 50,000 points, putting it out of reach for most certificate holders.

Now, with a 60,000-point ceiling, you can book this lakefront resort for much of the year outside of peak summer weekends.

Nestled on the shores of Lake Rosseau in Minett, it’s one of the most scenic Marriott properties in Canada. If you hold Marriott Bonvoy Elite status, you’ll enjoy upgraded rooms, late checkout, and complimentary breakfast at the resort’s restaurant.

Availability is generally good throughout the year, though prices peak during foliage season. You might still be able to use a certificate during that stretch if you book nearly a year in advance, but otherwise, the Residence Inn Gravenhurst is not a bad alternative for a cottage-country getaway.

Cash rates regularly exceed $400 per night, and can climb well past $600 in the summer. Using a Free Night Award here delivers some of the best value on this entire list.

6. Delta Toronto

Outside of luxury options like the St. Regis or the Ritz-Carlton, one of the better mid-range hotels in the city is the Delta Toronto.

The rooms and suites are spacious, there’s a solid dining venue downstairs in SOCO Kitchen + Bar, and best of all, some rooms have bathtubs with a commanding view of the CN Tower.

While you won’t be able to redeem a Free Night Award here on any given night, since the cost can exceed 60,000 points, there’s still a handful of options available every month.

Expect to pay a premium on cash rates at this hotel, which means you should end up getting great value from your Free Night Award.

At the hotel, you can expect a polished stay with a great location close to downtown and the lakeshore.

There’s a Club Lounge located on the upper floors of the hotel, with great views of the city.

If you’re not prepared to pay for a more luxurious property in Toronto, be sure to keep an eye out for a stay at the Delta Hotels Toronto with a Free Night Award.

7. Delta Ottawa

If you’re heading to the nation’s capital, the Delta Ottawa City Centre is a great option, especially if you’d like to redeem a Free Night Award.

Its location is just down the street from Parliament Hill and within walking distance to the Rideau Canal, which means that it’s a well-located choice for your visit. The hotel also features a newer Club Lounge and an indoor pool.

Fortunately, you won’t have any issues redeeming a Free Night Award here, since throughout the year, the redemption rate is 39,000 points at most.

With cash rates hovering around the $250–350+ mark, you’ll also be unlocking a fairly respectable return on the $120 or $150 credit card annual fee that you paid in exchange for the Free Night Award.

8. Humaniti Hotel Montreal, Autograph Collection

Over in Montreal, you’re certainly spoiled for choice when it comes to Marriott Bonvoy hotels.

One of the better options available in the city is Humaniti Hotel Montreal, Autograph Collection. The hotel, which opened in 2021, has a great location close to Old Port and Downtown Montreal, and is available for most of the year with a topped-up Free Night Award.

Outside of peak summer, you can expect to part with 40,000–60,000 points per night throughout the fall, winter, and spring, with the best rates dipping to around 40,000 on select dates.

At $400+ per night on the cash side, the hotel is a solid choice for a Free Night Award.

9. Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel

If you’re planning a trip to Halifax and want a reliable Marriott option that balances location, comfort, and value, the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel is a strong contender.

Set right on the waterfront, the hotel offers direct access to the boardwalk, downtown attractions, and the ferry terminal, making it a convenient base for exploring the city.

From a points perspective, this property has become the more practical choice in Halifax. The Muir, Autograph Collection used to be readily available at 60,000 points or less outside peak season, but those lower-priced award nights have become less common. As a result, the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel stands out as the more consistently bookable option.

Award nights here often price between 31,000–48,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, with occasional dips to around 31,000 points on off-peak dates, making it a strong candidate for a Free Night Award.

Cash rates typically range from $220–$280 per night, and can climb to $350 or more during busier weekends and shoulder-season travel. That gap between cash prices and award rates creates a solid opportunity to extract good value from your Bonvoy points.

While it may not offer the ultra-luxury feel of Halifax’s top-tier boutique properties, the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel delivers dependable service, a prime waterfront location, and, most importantly, far more predictable redemption value. For travellers looking to stretch their Marriott Bonvoy balance, it’s now one of the smartest ways to stay in Halifax.

Conclusion

The anniversary Free Night Award remains one of the strongest reasons to keep the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card or the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card in your wallet year after year.

Since the recent increase to a 60,000-point ceiling, the range of bookable hotels across Canada has expanded considerably. Properties like the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka and JW Marriott Parq Vancouver that once sat frustratingly out of reach are now realistic options for certificate holders willing to top up.

Flexibility on dates still matters, though. Most of these hotels price above 60,000 points during peak weekends and holiday periods, so planning ahead or travelling midweek will give you the best selection.

If you hold both the personal and business cards, that’s two certificates per year – enough to cover a long weekend at two different properties on this list. For $270 in combined annual fees, that’s a hard deal to beat.