Marriott Bonvoy Faces Class Action Over Hidden Resort Fees On “Free” Award Nights

Marriott has been showing the cost of free night awards in a way I’ve argued breaks the rules for three years. I flagged it to Marriott. They ignored it. Now they’re facing a class action over it.

The FTC requires that prices shown to consumers include mandatory resort fees. Marriott agreed to a state-level settlement to do this, and it complies for paid bookings. But when members search with points, they see only the points price.

How we got here

1. 2023

   Marriott moves paid bookings to all-in pricing that includes resort fees — but leaves points prices alone.

2. 2023

   Gary shows members must click through three pages to see the cash co-pay on a ‘free’ night, and suggests it’s ripe for a class action.

3. 2024–25

   Gary keeps flagging the problem to Marriott. The display doesn’t change.

4. June 2026

   A class action is filed over how Marriott presents the cost of free night awards.

“Not only doesn’t Marriott have to hit members with these costs on awards, they have the contractual right not to allow hotels to charge them at all.”

What members should do now

Before booking a Marriott award, click through to the final checkout page and check for a resort or destination fee. Compare that cash co-pay with Hilton or Hyatt, where points cover the room.