Marriott: Dubai Marriott Harbour - a family Bonvoy points hotel redemption where a room sleeps 5

7 March 2021 by Rob Burgess Category Marriott Bonvoy Share Links on Head for Points may pay us an affiliate commission. A list of partners is here . Marriott Bonvoy is one of the better hotel programmes if you have a family, or simply don't like small hotel rooms. As well as offering standard rooms for the standard redemption price, a lot of Marriott Bonvoy properties let you book larger rooms or suites for an added fee . The best bit is that these rooms show up during the standard booking process online - you don't need to negotiate a private deal with the hotel by email. I did this a few years ago at the JW Marriott in Venice , reviewed in-depth here , where we were able to get a Junior Suite which took all four of us for an extra €200 per night. A reader email this week reminded me about a Marriott Bonvoy property which offers substantial rooms WITHOUT needing an extra fee - the Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites . This is not on the beach but it is close and does overlook Dubai Marina. The Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites consists of one bedroom, two bedroom and three bedroom suites. How are Marriott Bonvoy redemptions at Dubai Marriott Harbour? The normal redemption room is a two bedroom suite . It sleeps five people, which is a great result for family. And what a suite it is: 160 square metres (twice as big as the average 3-bed UK house) a bedroom with a king bed a 2nd bedroom with two single beds separate dining room with six person dining table separate living room kitchen with oven 2.5 bathrooms two TVs, largest is 42 inches As a Category 6 hotel, it costs between 40,000 and 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. Remember that you get your fifth night free , which takes it down to an average of 32,000 to 48,000 points for a five night stay. For clarity, I have never stayed at this hotel and, as it is over 10 years old, it is probably not as swish as many Dubai properties. It is also more of an apartment complex than a hotel, despite the name. It isn't hugely expensive for cash so this is not a redemption for someone looking to squeeze every last penny from their Bonvoy points. Five nights over October half-term will cost Dhs 5,627 (£1,100) which means you are getting my expected 0.5p per Marriott Bonvoy point . Book on a non-peak date and you would do better, although you would need pre-school age children to benefit. Much of September, early October and February are priced at 50,000 points per night. The Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites website is here if you want to find out more. How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points and status from UK credit cards (October 2022) There are various ways of earning Marriott Bonvoy points from UK credit cards . Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses . The official Marriott Bonvoy American Express card comes with 20,000 points for signing up, 2 points for every £1 you spend and 15 elite night credits per year. EDIT: Until 8th November 2022, the sign-up bonus on the Marriott Bonvoy American Express card is doubled to 40,000 points! You can apply here . Marriott Bonvoy American Express 40,000 bonus points (SPECIAL OFFER) and 15 elite night credits Read our full review You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points by converting American Express Membership Rewards points at the rate of 2:3. Do you know that holders of The Platinum Card from American Express receive FREE Marriott Bonvoy Gold status for as long as they hold the card? It also comes with Hilton Honors Gold, Radisson Rewards Premium and MeliaRewards Gold status. We reviewed American Express Platinum in detail here and you can apply here . The Platinum Card from American Express 30,000 points and unbeatable travel benefits - for a fee Read our full review You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points indirectly: American Express Gold (30,000 bonus Amex points - SPECIAL OFFER TO 8TH NOVEMBER) American Express Rewards Credit Card (10,000 bonus Amex points) and for small business owners: American Express Business Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points) American Express Business Platinum (60,000 bonus Amex points - SPECIAL OFFER TO 16TH NOVEMBER) The conversion rate from American Express to Marriott Bonvoy points is 2:3. Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which can be used to earn Marriott Bonvoy points . ( Want to earn more hotel points? Click here to see our complete list of promotions from the major hotel chains or use the 'Hotel Offers' link in the menu bar at the top of the page.) Marriott Bonvoy Today's top stories Top credit card deals Maximise your frequent flyer miles and hotel points by signing up to our emails CHECK REWARD FLIGHTS INSTANTLY FOR FREE! See a whole year at SeatSpy.com This article is closed to new comments. Feel free to ask your question in the HfP forums . The Streets says: 7 Mar 7 March 03:51 We recently stayed at the newly built Doubletree M Square which had very impressive and stylish apartments. I loved the high ceilings, interior design and access to a balcony - also was very close to a Carrefour. It's a similar amount of points to the above albeit without the 5th night free Tarmohamed says: 8 Mar 8 March 11:30 I'd stay away from it then. The wife spends too much time (and money) in Carrefour Jane says: 7 Mar 7 March 07:55 We stayed here feb half term 2018 - family of five with three teenagers. It was excellent, spacious plus has stunning views. The only downside was unlike a Hilton where you can negotiate on lounge access, they would not allow us all to have the free lounge breakfast. Just two per family per day. Adam says: 7 Mar 7 March 09:17 This is a nice hotel in a good location the only problem is the pool is in need of maintenance and had no bar or life around it. It's usually empty and soulless so you would have to head to the beach to feel like your on holiday Freddy says: 7 Mar 7 March 09:50 Good to see a Marriott hotel that caters for families of 5. Since child no.3 has come along we've given up on standard chain hotels. I'll probably burn my bonvoy points on their villas/houses site when we can escape Benilyn says: 7 Mar 7 March 10:15 Stayed here on a lads trip cash booking. Got upgraded to the penthouse (person who booked had highest status) and it was very nice! Rash says: 7 Mar 7 March 12:01 Thanks! I don't suppose anyone has a similar recommendation for Hong Kong? Amit says: 7 Mar 7 March 12:58 Need a top list of these in all cities! Mark says: 7 Mar 7 March 20:20 I find the US is generally very good at doing all suite hotels which are better for families, but any suggestions of something similar in Europe would be appreciated! We recently stayed at the newly built Doubletree M Square which had very impressive and stylish apartments. I loved the high ceilings, interior design and access to a balcony - also was very close to a Carrefour. It's a similar amount of points to the above albeit without the 5th night free I'd stay away from it then. The wife spends too much time (and money) in Carrefour We stayed here feb half term 2018 - family of five with three teenagers. It was excellent, spacious plus has stunning views. The only downside was unlike a Hilton where you can negotiate on lounge access, they would not allow us all to have the free lounge breakfast. Just two per family per day. This is a nice hotel in a good location the only problem is the pool is in need of maintenance and had no bar or life around it. It's usually empty and soulless so you would have to head to the beach to feel like your on holiday Good to see a Marriott hotel that caters for families of 5. Since child no.3 has come along we've given up on standard chain hotels. I'll probably burn my bonvoy points on their villas/houses site when we can escape Stayed here on a lads trip cash booking. Got upgraded to the penthouse (person who booked had highest status) and it was very nice! Thanks! I don't suppose anyone has a similar recommendation for Hong Kong? Need a top list of these in all cities! I find the US is generally very good at doing all suite hotels which are better for families, but any suggestions of something similar in Europe would be appreciated! This article is closed to new comments. Feel free to ask your question in the HfP forums .