Marriott Homes & Villas: What to Know

Marriott has set its sights on Airbnb and other home-sharing services, offering 2,000 new vacation rentals in over 100 destinations starting next week under a new brand called Homes & Villas by Marriott International.

Particularly if you’re a member of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, here’s why that could be good news.

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Travelers are able to book minimum three-night stay at homes across the U.S., Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America. The Homes & Villas program extends Marriott's reach to about 40 new destinations they hadn't been serving, the company says.

For example, guests can book stays at a villa in Sorrento, Italy, that has an infinity pool overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and a wood-fire pizza oven for home-cooked meals. A whole party could stay at an 18th-century Irish castle that sleeps up to 17 people and has a private lake for boating and fishing.

Marriott Bonvoy members will be able to earn or redeem points at these properties, which opens up a range of new options for members of the loyalty program.

Bonvoy members will earn the same number of points they could earn at the company’s extended-stay hotel brands: 5 points for every $1 spent. In addition, members with elite status will still be eligible to earn bonus points or special welcome gifts with a Homes & Villas stay.

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Marriott says certain hotel conveniences will be incorporated into these vacation rentals, including cleaning services, 24/7 customer support, high-speed Wi-Fi and premium linens and amenities. Anyone who has stayed at a disappointing vacation rental that looked nothing like the photos, or anyone suspicious of home-sharing in general, might be enticed to try Marriott’s more standardized rentals.

Travelers are able to book stays on the Homes & Villas website. Major credit cards and Marriott Bonvoy points are the current acceptable method of payments, but Marriott Bonvoy free night certificates or gift cards are not accepted.

Looking ahead, guests can expect the ability to book through the Marriott Bonvoy app and other sites in the future — along with even more home rental options.

Photo courtesy of Marriott International.