Marriott Bonvoy Q1 2026 Promotion: The End of Easy Status?
Date: February 9, 2026 | Topic: Hotel Loyalty & Elite Status
Quick Summary: Marriott Q1 2026
- Promo Period: Feb 25 – May 10, 2026.
- The Offer: 2,500 Bonus Points per stay + 1 Bonus Elite Night (ONLY at different brands).
- The Catch: No more unlimited double nights. You must change brands to earn extra nights.
- The Fix: Use our Virtual Mattress Run service to get elite stays without traveling.
Since the pandemic era, Marriott's Q1 quarterly promotions have typically offered double elite night credits to everyone. While this year appeared to follow tradition, the mechanics have changed significantly. The new rules are stricter, marking the end of the "easy status" era. Here is everything you need to know.
Part 1: The New Promotion Rules
Registration Deadline: Register before April 26, 2026
Link: Click here to Register for Marriott Q1
How to Earn
- Bonus Points: Earn 2,500 bonus points per eligible paid stay.
- Bonus Elite Nights: Earn 1 additional Elite Night Credit only when staying at a different brand than your previous stay during the promo period.
Why This Changes Everything
The most significant difference is the "different brand" requirement. In previous years, you could stay 10 nights at the same Courtyard and earn 20 elite nights. Not anymore.
Marriott has realized that the Platinum and Titanium ranks have become inflated. By forcing members to brand-hop to earn status, they are deliberately making it harder to qualify. As noted in industry analysis, while this is tough for casual travelers, it may eventually benefit existing high-tier members by thinning the herd of elites.
Note: Award stays (points redemptions) and Cash + Points stays are NOT eligible for this promotion.
The Solution: "Qualifying Elite Night" (Virtual Mattress Run)
Are the new "Different Brand" rules ruining your strategy?
With the 2026 Q1 restrictions, maintaining your Platinum or Titanium status just got significantly harder (and more expensive). Physically traveling to different hotel brands just to earn a night credit is time-consuming and inefficient.
We Have the Fix.
We offer a specialized Qualifying Elite Night service, often known by experts as a Virtual Mattress Run. This allows you to earn the nights you need without ever packing a suitcase.
Why use our service for Q1 2026?
- 100% Qualifying: We handle the bookings to ensure they count as revenue stays in the eyes of Marriott Bonvoy.
- Cheaper than Travel: Save on flights, gas, and time. Pay only for the credit you need.
- Secure & Easy: We handle the check-in and check-out process remotely.
Don't let the new rules downgrade your status. Contact us today to schedule your virtual mattress run plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Virtual Mattress Run?
A Virtual Mattress Run is a service where a paid hotel room is booked in your name to earn loyalty points and elite night credits, but you do not physically stay at the property. We manage the check-in process for you.
Does the 2026 Q1 Promo count award stays?
No. Points redemptions and Cash + Points awards do not trigger the bonus points or the extra elite night credit.
Can I do a mattress run to get Titanium status?
Yes. By utilizing our Qualifying Elite Night service, you can stack the Q1 promotion bonuses to reach Platinum or Titanium status much faster than through standard travel.
