How I spent $0 for a 3 days/2 nights stay at Solaz Resort Los Cabos?

Vacation is always nice but paying for it, not so much. Years ago, I was fascinated with how to use credit cards and bonus points to get my dream vacation. It all started with my first trip to Europe (FIRST CLASS round trip!) using American Airlines points. Since then, I’ve always tried to get my trips paid for by points completely or at least partially. Recently, I spent 3 days and 2 nights at Marriott Solaz Resort Los Cabos which cost me $0 for the hotel stay. Here’s how:

I had an SPG (part of Marriott) credit card from American Express a few years ago and I received an offer which I just could not refuse which was to upgrade my credit card to the highest level–the Starwood Preferred Guest American Express Luxury Card with a $450 annual fee in 2018. Since I was traveling a lot back then, the $300 SPG or Marriott hotel credit, the Global Entry reimbursement worth $100, and Priority Pass benefits were worth more than the $450 fee. Therefore, I took it! With the new upgraded card, I received 125,000 SPG points after the minimum spend. Back then, 125,000 points was A LOT of points. It still is! However, it has lowered in value due to category changes in some hotels and the amount of points redemption needed.

I’ve kept these points in my account for awhile but after over a year long pandemic, I decided to use it on a quick trip to Los Cabos, Mexico. For two nights, Solaz Resort Los Cabos wanted 110,000 points. Score! I had enough points to get 2 nights stay at this architectural hotel. Actually, once I got there, I was very impressed. The hotel looked absolutely brand new because it only opened in 2018. With the pandemic, it seems like the hotel has only been used for 2 years or less! Of course, the service was amazing. They truly get to know you and your drink choices. haha!

Now, I know some of you may think, $450 annual fee is too much. I completely agree if the benefits mentioned above are not useful to you. Currently, the SPG credit card is now called Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express credit card with the same $450 annual fee. However, there are lesser fees such as the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express card which currently offers 75,000 bonus points and $125 annual fee. Additionally, Chase offers Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card for $95 annual fee and the bonus points varies. I actually closed my SPG card a few years ago and opened the Chase Marriott Bonvoy card to get 75,000 points recently. I just replenished my points! If you’d like to apply for the Chase Marriott card, follow this link.

Overall, it is possible to spend $0 in hotel stays but you have to take advantage of opportunities in earning points. My advice is to keep track of when you received the bonus and terms/conditions of the new bonus points so you can make sure you are eligible. Also, the 110,000 points is on a higher end for Marriott redemption. There are plenty of Marriott hotels that require 35,000 or less points per night. With that, cheers to our next free vacation!

If you have any suggestions on earning hotel points, please comment below.

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