Save on SME hotel costs as Marriott launches “Business Ready”

Marriott has just launched a new program called “Business Ready” aimed at SMEs in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

‘Business Ready’ offers preferential rates and should make booking business travel a lot easier across Marriott’s 950 hotels in the area. It is valid for cash bookings until 31st December 2021, although if successful I imagine the program will continue.

What are the benefits of Marriott Bonvoy Business Ready?

Whilst the ‘Business Ready’ microsite here is pretty sparse, Marriott did send us a press release of the benefits that enrolling in ‘Business Ready’ would come with.

These are:

• 8% discount on standard rates seven days a week, including breakfast
• No pre-payment required
• Access to company tracking and reporting dashboard
• Access to catering promotions via Marriott Bonvoy Events
• 2,500 sign-up bonus for new members on their first paid stay

…… as well as access to the usual Marriott Bonvoy benefits such as mobile check-in and key, late check-out, upgraded WiFi access and room upgrades.

Are there any exclusions?

Yes. Looking at the terms and conditions on the Business Ready site, it looks like Bulgari and Design Hotels will not be taking part.

The inclusive breakfast is for one person per room only; a supplement may apply for additional guests.

How to register for Marriott Bonvoy Business Ready

To access Marriott Bonvoy Business Ready you need to register your company on the Business Ready website here.

In addition to your company name, you’ll also be asked the estimated number of annual business nights, number of employees with travel requirements and top five business destinations.

Once you register, you have to wait for Marriott to approve your application.

Whilst there are scant details on what ‘qualifying companies’ are, we were told that applications should be successful as long as the business is registered (or has a trading licence) and has fewer than 250 employees. This should included most of our readers who run an SME.

PS. You should take a look at IHG’s ‘Business Rewards’ scheme which we reviewed here

How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points and status from UK credit cards (December 2021)

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 usually comes with 20,000 points for signing up, 2 points for every £1 you spend and 15 elite night credits per year.

You can apply here.

Marriott Bonvoy American Express

20,000 points sign-up bonus 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 Gold 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 an unbeatable set of travel benefits – for a fee Read our full review

You can also earn American Express Membership Rewards points with American Express Gold (20,000 bonus points), the American Express Rewards Credit Card (5,000 bonus points) and – for small business owners – American Express Business Gold (20,000 bonus points) and Business Platinum (40,000 bonus points).

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.)