Weekly Points Deals: Top 25 Design Hotels

Hi Bonvoyagers!

This week I’m taking a closer look at the Marriott Design Hotels.

Design Hotels have intrigued me with their exceptional aesthetics and remarkable guest experiences. Unlike most Marriott brands, they don’t allow guest ratings, which only deepens my curiosity!

I’m happy to say I discovered some fantastic points deals at some extraordinary properties so let’s dive in!

Like last week’s posts on the Top Autograph Points and Cash deals, I’ll highlight the top 25 Points deals today, and tomorrow I’ll highlight the top 25 Cash deals.

The skinny on Marriott Design Hotels

Let’s start with the basics. In 2021, Marriott acquired the Design Hotels brand. There are over 300 Design Hotels in the portfolio that are privately owned and operated.

However, only 139 Design Hotels participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program. As you can see in the donut visual below, most of these are in Europe, with the remainder split across Central America & Caribbean, North America, Asia, and a few in Africa & Middle East.

Design Hotels have a reduced set of Bonvoy Benefits. For example, they do not offer free breakfasts or suite night awards. Below are a few of the major differences you can expect. You can view the full list on Marriott’s website.

To some, these restrictions are a minor tradeoff for the opportunity to enjoy these distinguished properties. For others, they might be a deal breaker. For me, I look at how far my points will take me and I think many of the Design Hotels offer exceptional value.

Top 25 Design Hotels Points Deals

The average points redemption at a Design Hotel is 45,000 points/night. This compares to the average of 65,000 points/night for all Luxury properties - a 30% advantage when you want to maximize your points.

Because Design Hotels don’t allow Marriott guest ratings, I got creative and pulled the Google Travel ratings instead. This isn’t a perfect match with Marriott’s ratings but they’re pretty close.

As you can see in the visual below, the best Point savings I found was 57% savings, while the average across all properties was 48%. Remember, if you see a deal you like, book now because rates change frequently, and you can always cancel for free!

Coastal Hotels

One of the most alluring properties I discovered is the adults-only, 4.8-star Olea All Suite Hotel. This property is located on the Greek island of Zakynthos and offers a wonderfully tranquil modernist getaway. The architecture is inviting, distinguished, and masterfully incorporated in the surrounding hills. Often as high as 70,000 points/night, you can book for as low as 40,000 points/night in May or October - a 43% savings. The $$ per point value is also compelling at $0.01 per point, 55% above the Design Hotels average. I’ve added this to my wish list and I’d encourage you to take a closer look!

If you’re drawn to eco-sustainability, mindfulness, and surfing, the 4.7-star Immerso Hotel near Lisbon, Portugal is another strong choice. Often as high as 54,000 points/night, you can book for as low as 30,000 points/night in November-December, and 31,000/night in January-February 2025. The $$ per point is also $0.009, 35% better than the Design Hotels average.

The vibrant, adults-only 4.6-star Bohemia Suites & Spa in the Canary Islands, Spain offers fantastic summer deals from May to August. Often as high as 39,000 points/night, you can book for as low as 20,000 points/night - a 49% discount. This is also one of the best $$ per point deals I found at $0.011 per point. The average for all Design Hotels is only $0.006 so you’re getting 68% more $$ per point at this property. As a bonus, if you’re a digital nomad or looking for an extended stay experience, the suites are outfitted with working spaces and well-provisioned kitchenettes.

Urban Hotels

The 4.7-star Memmo Principe Real in Lisbon, Portugal is one of the best overall deals I found. It offers one of the highest guest ratings (4.7), best savings rate (49%), best $$ per point values ($0.009), and the best availability of all 124 Design Hotels I searched. The hotel is a contemporary boutique, with 41 rooms well-situated on a hilltop with sweeping city views. If you’re planning a trip to Portugal, this could be the perfect property to call home in Lisbon. Often as high as 59,000 points/night, you can book for as low as 30,000 points/night in Dec 2024, and Jan-Feb 2025.

The 4.6-star Hospes Las Casas del Rey de Baeza is tucked away in the narrow streets of Seville’s old town. Built in the 18th century, this hotel features a dazzling white and yellow façade, spacious rooms, and a plunge pool to keep you cool on hot summer days. Often as high as 59,000 points/night, you can book for as low as 30,000 points/night during the summer months of July and August!

As the name implies, the 4.6-star Warehouse Hotel in Singapore occupies an iconic 19th-century warehouse on the banks of the picturesque Singapore River. Often as high as 58,000 points/night, you can book for as low as 30,000 points/night on select days from May-February - a 49% discount.

Off-the-Beaten Path

The 4.9-star Rastrello is a stunning 14th-century palazzo in Pinacale, Italy. Recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, it is located in Umbria on the border with Tuscany. Olive oil is an important part of local culture, and among its many extraordinary traits, this property produces extra virgin olive oil from its olive grove. Often as high as 84,000 points/night, you can book for as low as 50,000 points/night in April, and Nov 2024-Feb 2025 - a 40% savings.

If you love wine, this next hotel should be on your shortlist. The 4.7-star Torre de Palma Wine Hotel in Monforte, Portugal is another exceptional property dating back to the 14th century. Condé Nast Traveller dubbed this hotel one of the 15 most beautiful wineries in the world. While the primary draw is 7 different varietals in their vineyard, this hotel also offers bespoke suites, organic gardens, and horse riding from their stables. Often as high as 59,000 points/night, you can stay for as low as 30,000 points/night in May, October, November, and December - a 49% savings!

Also thank you to my many readers for your continued support and feedback! I love your suggestions and you may have noticed I added Cities to the tables per your request. 😉 

Bon Voyage!

Matt aka BonvoyGeek