Marriott Ambassador Elite

 One of the most important (and most misunderstood) parts of Marriott’s top-tier Ambassador Elite status.

Let’s break it down clearly:

🏨 Marriott Bonvoy™ Ambassador Elite Requirements

To earn Ambassador Elite:

  • 100 qualifying nights (in a calendar year) and

  • $23,000 in qualifying spend (“Annual Qualifying Spend”)

💵 What Counts as “Qualifying Spend”

Marriott defines Qualifying Spend as money paid to Marriott for eligible charges on a Qualifying Rate (directly booked through Marriott).
It includes:

✅ Included Spend

CategoryExamples
Room Rate (pre-tax)Standard, corporate, AAA, advance purchase, promotional rates booked through Marriott.com, the app, or directly with the hotel.
Room UpgradesPaid suite upgrades, view upgrades, club access upgrades (if charged to your folio).
In-Room Charges Billed to the RoomFood & beverage (including room service), movies, minibar, spa treatments, parking, laundry — as long as charged to your room and paid at checkout.
Eligible Fees & PackagesResort fees, destination fees, and package components (like breakfast, golf, etc.) when booked as part of the stay.
Participating Residence/Extended Stay propertiesSpend at Marriott Executive Apartments or Residence Inn counts, but usually only room charges (some incidentals may not).

🚫 What Does Not Count Toward the $23,000

Excluded SpendExamples
❌ Taxes & feesLocal, state, occupancy, VAT, or service taxes.
❌ Third-party bookingsExpedia, Priceline, Booking.com, Amex Travel, Chase Travel, etc. (even if you enter your Bonvoy number).
❌ Group or event spendBanquets, meetings, weddings, etc., even at Marriott hotels.
❌ Gift cardsBuying Marriott gift cards or certificates.
❌ Award redemptions or cash + pointsThe cash portion in “Cash + Points” does not count.
❌ Credit card spendCharges on Marriott Bonvoy credit cards (e.g., Amex or Chase) don’t count toward the $23K — only hotel folio charges do.
❌ Partner redemptionsSpending on cruises, Marriott Homes & Villas, or through partners not billed by Marriott-branded properties.

🧾 Example: What Would Count

Let’s say you stay at the JW Marriott Cancun:

Line ItemAmountCounts Toward Spend?
Room rate (3 nights @ $400)$1,200✅ Yes
Resort fee ($45 x 3)$135✅ Yes
Food & beverage charged to room$200✅ Yes
Spa paid directly at spa (not billed to room)$150❌ No
VAT/taxes (approx. 20%)$297❌ No
Total qualifying spend$1,535✅ Counts toward $23K

💡 Tips to Maximize Qualifying Spend

  1. Always charge all expenses to your room instead of paying separately.

  2. Book direct through Marriott.com or the Bonvoy app — not OTAs or agency portals.

  3. Verify folio charges after checkout — some properties split bills, and you can ask them to merge eligible items.

  4. Business travelers: ensure your employer’s corporate rate is a “Qualifying Rate.” (Some deeply discounted rates don’t count.)

⚙️ Tracking

You can track progress under “Nights → Ambassador Elite Progress” in your Bonvoy app or online account.
It updates a few days after each stay posts.

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