Update 5/10/19: Program is now live and when redeeming Marriott points they seem to be valued at 0.7¢ per point. That seems like great value, but keep in mind these properties are exceptionally expensive. I haven’t really been able to find these properties directly or through other booking sites so I’m not sure if Marriott is charging more as well or not. If anybody is able to find the same property directly or on another site, please let me know in the comments.
Marriott has announced plans to compete with Airbnb directly by entering the home-rental/home sharing market. To start with Marriott will offer accommodation at 2,000 high end homes in 100 cities through the U.S., Europe & Latin America. The new program will be called Homes & Villas by Marriott International.
Interestingly bookings will need to be for a minimum of at least three nights. Marriott Bonvoy members will receive 5 points per $1 spend as the base rate and Marriott has indicated that bookings will be live sometime next week. It will also be possible to redeem Marriott points for these stays, but it’s unclear how rates will be determine but assumed a special award chart will apply. Marriott isn’t the first to attempt to enter this market, with other major players such as Hyatt partnering with Oasis. AirBnB has also been attempting to enter the traditional hotel space with the acquisition of Hotel Tonight.
