Is there a Marriott MVP rate for sports affiliates?

Is there a Marriott MVP rate?

We've written about the Hilton HHonors MVP discount in the past, where sports affiliates and loyalty members can earn a discount of up to 20% on their Hilton hotel stays. But is there a similar program for Marriott Hotels?

Luckily, there is! The Marriott Athletic VIP Card Programgives key athletic staff members up to 25% off the regular room rate for their stays at participating properties in the US, as well as in Canada.

Now that Marriott and Starwood have merged, the program is also available at participating Starwood properties in the US and Canada:

What else is in this post?

1. Is there a Marriott MVP rate?
2. How do I get the Marriott MVP rate?
3. How do I use the Marriott MVP rate?
4. What else do I need to know about the Marriott MVP rate?

How do I get the Marriott MVP rate?

Firstly, you need to apply here, in order to be considered for a membership. Marriott states that the Marriott Athletic VIP Card Program is available to key staff members who travel frequently and have direct input into team travel decisions, including:

• Coaching staff


• Scouting staff


• Front office staff


• Administrative staff

However, Starwood states that the Marriott Athletic VIP Card Program is available to:

• Athletic Directors


• Front Office Staff


• Coaches of amateur, youth collegiate and professional teams

So if you have any kind of input into team travel decisions, apply for membership asap, as it takes up to four weeks for your application to be processed.

How do I use the Marriott MVP rate?

To book a Marriott property, cardholders can either call800 228 9290, mentioning the Marriott Athletic VIP Card Program, or you can book online on the Marriott website by adding the code VIP to the 'Corporate/Promo code' box.



We checked the cost of a one-night stay in Los Angeles on October 16th, using the VIP code, and it came out to $97 plus taxes for theCategory 4 Residence Inn Corona Riverside, totaling $106.89.



Booking the Marriott Rewards member rate instead costs $112 pre-taxes, or $123.42 total, meaning in this instance, the VIP code saves you $16.53, or 13%.

To book a Starwood property, cardholders can either call 877 782 0108, mentioning the Marriott Athletic VIP Card Program, or you need to search for your stay here on the dedicated SPG page.



We checked the cost of a one-night stay in Hawaii on September 30th, using the VIP code, and it came out to $170 plus taxes and resort fee for theCategory 4Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay, totaling $224.16:



Booking the SPG member rate instead costs $180 pre-taxes, or $234.88total, meaning in this instance, the VIP code saves you $10.72, or 5%.

Marriott does state that the discount you get using the VIP code is up to 25% off but in our tests we found only 5% and 13% off, so it really depends on your property and dates.

What else do I need to know about the Marriott MVP rate?

While the T&C state that a valid membership card is required to book the rate and is required at check-in, it isn't always asked for.