Reminder: Not all Marriott brands offer full points or elite night credits.

Updated: Dec 8, 2025. Tim Das.

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When it comes to loyalty programs, most of us assume that we earn the same number of points across any brand of a particular program. However, that’s not always the case. In fact, with Marriott Bonvoy, you don’t even earn the same number of Elite Night Credits across all brands.

Elite Night Credits (ENCs) are crucial as they directly impact your status upgrades. For instance, you get one Elite Night Credit for every night you stay at most hotels. If you stay 25 nights in a year, you’ll earn Gold Elite status; 50 nights gets you Platinum.

But at some brands, you may have to stay 50 or 75 nights just to reach Gold status because of reduced earning rates. Let’s take a closer look at the exceptions.

Brands with Different Earning Rates

The base earning rate for Marriott Bonvoy is 10 points per USD spent on qualifying charges. However, there are significant exceptions to this rule, primarily among long-stay and budget-friendly brands.

5 points per USD spent

Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy
Four Points Express
City Express
Element
Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy
Protea Hotels
Residence Inn
TownePlace Suites
Series by Marriott

4 points per USD spent

StudioRes

2.5 points per USD spent

Marriott Executive Apartments

Brands with Different Elite Night Credit Requirements

This is the most critical section for those chasing status. While most hotels grant 1 Elite Night Credit (ENC) per night stayed, the following brands have stricter requirements:

1 Elite Night Credit per 2 Nights Stayed

City Express by Marriott
Four Points Flex by Sheraton
Protea Hotels
Series by Marriott

1 Elite Night Credit per 3 Nights Stayed

Marriott Executive Apartments

0 Elite Night Credits (No Status Credits Earned)

StudioRes

Important Note: For the partial credit brands (like Protea or City Express), you do not earn fractional credits. If you stay 3 nights at a City Express, you will only earn 1 Elite Night Credit (for the first pair of nights). The third night does not contribute to your status count.

Brands with Full Base Rate and Elite Night Credits

The majority of Marriott’s portfolio offers the full package: 10 points per USD and 1 Elite Night Credit per night. This includes the newly integrated MGM Collection.