As a frequent traveler, it makes sense to pick a major hotel brand to build loyalty status with and the last few years I’ve gone all in with Marriott.

I’ve got a full post about how I play the point system with Marriott Bonvoy >> here << that includes ALL of the reasons why I keep picking Marriott over Hilton/Hyatt/IHG, but the major reason it comes down to are the hotels themselves.

Marriott has a HUGE footprint globally and such a wide range of options. I tend to favor their boutique brands (like Autograph Collection, Luxury Collection, Tribute Portfolio, and Design Hotels) and their luxury brands (like Ritz Carlton, St Regis, EDITION, and JW Marriott).

My Favorite Marriott Bonvoy Hotels

So looking back over the last few years, these are my favorite Marriott Bonvoy hotels I’ve stayed at. Use this list as inspiration for planning your next trip!

Hawaii

I’ve been traveling to Hawaii pretty regularly for the last decade, and there isn’t a Marriott Bonvoy hotel on any island that I haven’t stayed at, visited the grounds, extensively researched, or priced out a trip to. There are my top picks:

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel // Hawaii’s Big Island

The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is special. As a travel blogger and hotel lover, I always walk a fine line between wanting to pick the best hotel/resort possible in an area and pick something Marriott Bonvoy so I can use my perks. Sometimes there’s not much overlap, but here the stars align PERFECTLY.

The Mauna Kea Beach Resort is SPECIAL and after staying at over 20 hotels in Hawaii, it’s one of my all time favorites. It takes the #1 or #2 spot for best overall setting of a resort in Hawaii.

You cannot beat the beach here. The white sand crescent beach and protected bay of crystal clear water make for perfect swimming, paddle boarding, and snorkeling conditions. Plus the hotel is perched a bit up on a bluff overlooking it so everything from the rooms, lobby, restaurants, pool, and tennis club have the most picturesque views you’ll find in Hawaii.

The vibe is vintage (think Mad Men), but still plenty of luxury. There’s an onsite luau (very nice), manta ray viewing platform (one of my favorite spots in Hawaii), seaside tennis club (one of the world’s best), and two golf courses.

**The resort is undergoing an extensive renovation through 2025 so call ahead to understand exactly what will be impacted if you’re looking to stay here soon.

Book your stay at the Mauna Kea Beach Resort here.

Wailea Beach Resort // Maui

If I had to pick one spot in Hawaii to return to for vacation, it’s going to be Wailea in South Maui every time.

This stretch of gorgeous beaches and luxury hotels on the dry, sunny side of Maui is pure vacationland. And the Wailea Beach Resort sits in the middle of it all.

The Wailea Beach Resort is one of the most popular Marriott’s in the WORLD for point redemptions and it’s easy to see why. Whether it’s a couples trip or you’re taking the kids, there’s something for everybody at this resort.

My favorite features: Walking the coastal Wailea Beach Walk every morning (it goes right in front of the resort), two of the tallest and fastest water slides on Maui, the adults only oceanfront infinity pool, the new Olakino wellness pool experience, and easy access to the Shops at Wailea.

Book your stay at the Wailea Beach Resort here.

RELATED: Wailea Beach Resort Review

Ritz Carlton Kapalua // Maui

Located in West Maui’s exclusive Kapalua resort area, the Ritz Carlton’s most luxurious feature is its serene and secluded setting. The resort is set in one of the lushest and prettiest parts of the island.

While, yes, I’m partial to Wailea in South Maui…there’s really something special about staying in Kapalua and it might almost be worth staying in two different resorts to be able to experience this side of the island better.

My favorite features: Easy access to the Kapalua Coastal Trail, the beautiful views and seating areas in the lobby, the less crowded pool area, being able to walk to Kapalua and Napili beaches, plus the close proximity to Honolua Bay for snorkeling and driving the Kahekili Highway.

Book your stay at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua here.

RELATED: Ritz Carlton Kapalua Review

The Laylow // Oahu

I wish there were more small, boutique hotels throughout Hawaii, but most of them are concentrated in Waikiki.

The Laylow has the vibes of a cool (1960s Hawaiiana) city hotel that just happens to be a couple of blocks from one of the best beaches in the world.

Book your stay at the Laylow here.

RELATED: The Laylow Review

AC Hotel Wailea

This spot just opened in Wailea, and while it’s not on the beach, it’s up the hill just enough to have great views.

I wouldn’t call this a “destination resort,” but it’s one of my favorite places to stay for a few days when I’m going to be out, mostly exploring the island before moving to a more expensive beachfront resort.

Book your stay at the AC Hotel Wailea here.

Places on My List in Hawaii

Ritz Carlton Turtle Bay: The famous Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s North Shore just joined the Marriott Bonvoy family as a Ritz Carlton and I could not be more THRILLED to stay here SOON.

Royal Hawaiian: The famous “Pink Palace of the Pacific” on Waikiki is so iconic and it’s been on my bucket list for a LONG time.

Moana Surfrider: This hotel has such an amazing history (it was the first hotel on Waikiki Beach) and there’s a lot to like, but I’m hoping they’ll do an extensive remodel on the rooms sooner rather than later ; )

Koloa Landing: This sprawling resort on the southside of Kauai regularly wins awards for best pool area in Hawaii plus it has multi bedroom units.

Florida

I’m a beach lover at heart and since Florida is so easy to get to, I go pretty often. These are my favorite Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Florida:

JW Marriott Marco Island

The JW Marriott Marco Island has arguably long been Marriott’s best overall beach resort on Florida’s gulf coast. Marco Island is a small barrier island south of Naples that’s home to a long stretch of gorgeous white sand beach and the best shelling in Florida.

Kids will love the JW Marriott for the pools and endless activities onsite (there’s even a huge entertainment center with bowling, arcade games, etc.).

But if it’s an adults only trip…you’re going to want to experience Paradise by Sirene, the adults only tower that comes with special amenities like the amazing rooftop pool and a private beach area.

Book your stay at the JW Marriott Marco Island here.

Miami Beach EDITION

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not really a “Miami girl,” but in small doses it’s still a place I really love to go.

The Miami Beach EDITION is north of South Beach so it’s not in the crazy party scene and this hotel is just a “vibe.”

The pools are pretty picturesque, the aesthetic of the hotel is so light and airy, and you feel like you can walk forever on the beachwalk.

Book your stay at the Miami Beach EDITION here.

The Ben // West Palm Beach

I don’t spend as much time on the Atlantic Coast of Florida as the Gulf Coast, but The Ben in West Palm Beach definitely lured me over there.

The Ben is right on the Intercoastal Waterway so you get amazing views from the rooftop pool and restaurant (so dreamy!!) and a lot of the rooms.

The hotel is an aesthetic masterpiece and it’s easy to get lost in the details of the public spaces, but it’s very laid back and welcoming. Warm and cozy isn’t a vibe that you get at a lot of places in Florida, but they do it so well here while still acting like they know it’s tropical.

There’s a book butler, and they curate a selection of books (some of which are inspired by the local area) which can be brought to your room on a silver platter which is a fun amenity.

Plus the hotel has an electric car service that will take you over the bridge to Palm Beach and set you up with chairs and umbrellas on the beach.

Book your stay at The Ben here.

RELATED: Palm Beach vs West Palm Beach

Vinoy Resort // St Pete

I love a historic pink hotel, and St Pete has TWO. The Vinoy Resort is on the waterfront in downtown St Pete and it’s a GREAT spot if you want to be close to the beach but also have other things to do in the city.

The pool area is pretty swanky and definitely feels like a destination plus there’s onsite tennis and the Vinoy Golf Club is a quick drive away.

The hotel is within walking distance to the St Pete pier and the Dali Museum which are two of my favorite spots in St Pete. And Fort De Soto Park is just across the bridge and one of the best beaches in the area.

Book your stay at the Vinoy Resort here.

Swan Reserve // Walt Disney World

This is my GO TO Walt Disney World hotel. Located right on Disney property within walking distance to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Swan and Dolphin resorts get all of the perks of Disney’s deluxe hotels, but they’re way cheaper and they’re BONVOY.

I’m very much partial to the new Swan Reserve over the older Swan and Dolphin, but in general this little trio is THE place to stay if you’re doing Disney.

Book your stay at the Swan Reserve here.

RELATED: Swan Reserve Review

Fenway // Dunedin

The historic Fenway Hotel in Dunedin is one of the best “hidden gems” in Florida. It’s a jazz age hotel right on the waterfront of Dunedin which is one of the cutest little towns in Florida.

The town is full of shops, restaurants, and breweries plus it’s known for being really dog friendly (something I always enjoy even when I don’t have my own dog with me ; )

Dunedin is also the gateway to some of Florida’s best beaches at Honeymoon State Park and Caladesi State Park.

You can drive across the Dunedin Causeway to Honeymoon Island and then take a quick ferry over to Caladesi where they have chairs and umbrellas set up to rent for the day.

This would also be a great place to stay for quick little day trips to Tarpon Springs (Florida’s famous Green town) and spots like Weeki Wachee Springs and Crystal River.

Book your stay at the Fenway here.

Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne

If you don’t love the idea of Miami, but you’re looking for something in the area because flights are easy to get, definitely check out the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne. It’s just a few minutes from downtown Miami and South Beach but it feels like a whole world away.

The pools and beach are great, but tennis is the real draw here. There’s a Cliff Drysdale Tennis Academy onsite plus you can rent bikes and ride down to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park to see the lighthouse.

And Crandon Beach Park is beautiful.

Book your stay at the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne here.

Luminary // Fort Myers

The Luminary is kind of a “niche hotel” because of its location. It’s in downtown Fort Myers which isn’t an area where a lot of tourists probably end up, but it’s a great hotel.

If you’re stopping through and looking to spend a couple of days in the area exploring without wanting a beach hotel, this is a great spot.

There are a bunch of restaurants in the downtown area plus it’s close to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates on the river.

You could also use this as a basecamp for exploring some of the barrier islands in the area like Sanibel, Matlacha, Lovers Key, etc.

Book your stay at the Luminary here.

Ritz Carlton Amelia Island

Florida is famous for its white sand beaches and classic Florida beach town vibes, but Amelia Island (on the Florida/Georgia border) feels more like the lowcountry than southern Florida.

Think trees dripping with Spanish moss, marshes, charming southern towns, and a wilder ocean.

Amelia Island is a big tennis and golf destination, but if you’re looking for a luxury spot to wile away a few days on the beach, you’ll want to stay at the Ritz Carlton Amelia.

I won’t lie…sometimes Ritz Carltons are a little “meh” or at least really inconsistent, but the rooms here are probably the best I’ve ever stayed in across the brand.

Try to get an ocean view room, because the sunrises here are legendary.

And don’t miss historic downtown Fernandina Beach!

Book your stay at the Ritz Carlton Amelia Island here.

RELATED: Long Weekend on Amelia Island

Places on My List in Florida

St Regis Longboat Key: I could NOT be more excited about this place. As a kid, my family used to vacation at the old Colony Beach and Tennis Resort at this exact location. This is one of the prettiest beaches in Florida and now with this caliber of a luxury resort…it’s going to be a homerun!

Three Waters Resort & Marina, Islamorada: I haven’t been to the Florida Keys at all, but I’ve got my eye on a stay at this new (renovated from an existing property) spot in Islamorada next year.

JW Marriott Clearwater Beach: I’ve been through Clearwater Beach, but never stayed there. This might get me to book the trip.

Ritz Carlton Naples: Like I said, Ritz Carltons can be hit or miss, but after an extensive renovation, this one looks right up my alley.

Tampa EDITION: They say this is the Tampa area’s first true 5 star hotel and I can’t wait to check it out.

Texas

Interestingly, when looking back at all of the places I’ve stayed in the last few years, there are quite a few in Texas. Not super surprising since I live in Oklahoma and either pop down to Texas for a quick weekend or pass through on my way to somewhere else.

But these are actually some of my most recommended hotels ; )

Hotel Drover

I tell somebody about the Hotel Drover in the Fort Worth Stockyards at least once a week. Seriously, it’s one of my top recommendations when people ask me for a wide open travel recommendations because 1) it’s REALLY amazing, and 2) it’s totally unexpected.

This has got to be what people who aren’t from this part of the country THINK Texas is like.

This hotel is nice enough (it’s a whole scene) and there’s enough to recommend about the whole area for me to suggest to people on either coast to get on a plane and head to Fort Worth for a long weekend getaway.

Seriously, this isn’t a place to consider if you’re within 2-4 hours away. Get on a plane and come here ; )

Book your stay at the Hotel Drover here.

Adolphus // Dallas

In today’s edition of I only stay in hotels where the Queen has stayed, I bring you…The Adolphus.

Yep, that’s right. Dallas’ first luxury hotel hosted Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip on their official state visit in 1991 and their portrait now hangs in the lobby. Imagine how impressed I was to walk in and see that. Okay, sure three US presidents have stayed there (Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, and George HW Bush), BUT THE QUEEN. Well, that’s the kind of place this is.

The vibe of this hotel is very cool, but in a historic “we’re not trying very hard, it’s just who we are” way. You got that? A dark color palette, a design style that’s refined and elegant but inviting and not too stiff, and every onsite amenity you could think of.

Overall, this is such a cool hotel and it’s my new go to for a Dallas staycation. It just has such a great vibe design wise, but every modern/luxury comfort you could think of. I love the onsite coffee shop, the food hall and hangout space across the street, and that this area of Dallas is pretty walkable (such a rarity in Texas!) And I think the price is a bargain compared to other downtown Dallas luxury properties.

Barfield // Amarillo

I never thought I’d be talking about a hotel in Amarillo, TX but here I am! I stayed a couple of nights here when I was driving Route 66 and couldn’t have been more impressed.

The vibe is very “Texas.” A little bit cowboy and a little bit oil town with a lot of polish, it’s by far the most upscale property you’ll find in Amarillo (but still at Amarillo prices ; )

It’s a great place to stay that’s high on personality and higher on amenities than most places you’ll find in the area.

What’s there to do in Amarillo, you might ask? I loved driving through the Palo Duro Canyon, and you’ve got to stop at Cadillac Ranch but what I was really impressed with was the SHOPPING. 6th Street in Amarillo has an impressive collection of vintage and antique shops (plus local boutiques) but the place I really loved was the From 6th Collective out by Cadillac Ranch.

It’s a retail space featuring over 50 different local artists, designers and small business owners. They call it a “cultural and design hub in the Texas panhandle” and boy is it.

A lot of the business owners from 6th Street have a space out here and it’s just indescribably cool.

Book your stay at the Barfield here.

The Sinclair // Fort Worth

Fort Worth has a pretty hopping hotel scene nowadays and there are plenty of things to do so if you find yourself needing a cool spot to stay downtown, I highly recommend the Sinclair.

Book your stay at the Sinclair here.

Stella // College Station

There’s usually only one reason you’d need a hotel in College Station (Gig ‘em!), but the last couple of times I’ve gone to the Round Top Antiques Fair I’ve stayed here in College Station.

It’s a nice hotel and it’s on the outskirts of town so you don’t get caught up in University traffic.

Book your stay at the Stella here.

Hotel Vin // Grapevine

In Grapevine, TX (famous for its quaint historic downtown, Texas charm and wineries galore), Hotel Vin is a new boutique hotel with an old feel and it’s the perfect place for a weekend getaway. It really feels like a destination.

The hotel takes its cues from the old railroad that passes by right outside and a good part of it really does look like a grand old train station.

The whole hotel is full of hangout spaces and it’s designed to attract a crowd beyond just who’s staying in the hotel.

The Harvest Hall is a great European style food hall attached to the Hotel Vin. There’s probably a dozen or so different food stalls plus plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and live music most evenings.

And a big draw here is the Grapevine Vintage Railroad.

On the weekends, the Cotton Belt Route takes you from downtown Grapevine (right next to the Hotel Vin) all the way to the Stockyards in Fort Worth on a restored vintage train.

Book your stay at the Hotel Vin here.

Other Places

The Gwen // Chicago

I’ve done a few quick trips to Chicago recently and the Gwen ends up being my favorite location for sightseeing the main part of the city.

Plus it’s pretty plush! I had good luck getting SNAs approved for an upgrade to a suite.

Book your stay at the Gwen here.

LaSalle // Chicago

Staying in Chicago, I didn’t love the location of LaSalle as much as the Gwen or even the Blackstone (it was sold out the weekend I stayed here), but since it’s in the downtown/financial area it’s often quite a bit cheaper (or has better availability for point redemptions) on weekends or last minute.

And it’s a beautiful hotel!

Book a stay at the LaSalle here.

The New York EDITION

The New York EDITION (not the one in Times Square!) is one of my favorite spots to stay in NYC. It’s chic and cozy, the rooms are fairly large (by NYC standards!), it has a convenient location in midtown but not too close to the crazy busy places, and it usually has a decent points to cash price ratio.

Book your stay at the New York EDITION here.

Hotel June // LA

This design forward hotel is super close to LAX if you want to be close to the airport, but it’s more of a neighborhood hotel than your typical Marriott or Sheraton.

The onsite cafe is a great spot to grab coffee and breakfast in the mornings plus the pool area is fun.

Book your stay at the Hotel June here.

RELATED: Catalina Island Day Trip

The Liberty // Boston, MA

I love a hotel with a good theme/story and boy does this one have one! The Liberty was an old jail (completed in 1851 and in use up through the 1990s) and they’ve won awards for their preservation work.

But it doesn’t skimp on luxury. I was truly impressed with the service (everyone from the front desk to the valet to the waitstaff in the restaurant) and after spending a few days “glamping” on Cape Cod, this place felt like the nicest hotel I’ve ever stayed in haha.

I also love the location! It’s right across the street from a really nice (above ground) T station and it’s in the historic Beacon Hill neighborhood which was great for walking around.

Book your stay at the Liberty here.

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