How I Saved Over $1470 on a Little Part of My Luxury Stay in Sicily Using Points

How I Saved Over $1470 on a Little Part of My Luxury Stay in Sicily Using Points

If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Sicily and indulging in a luxury hotel stay, you know how quickly the costs can add up. For an upcoming trip to Sicily in the fall of 2025, I managed to secure a two-night stay at the stunning Ortea Palace without paying $1470 out of pocket. Instead, I used a combination of Marriott Bonvoy points and strategic point transfers to booking a king bedroom with a partial view for just 74,000 Bonvoy points. Here’s how I did it.

Step 1: Pooling Points to Reach 74,000

The room required 74,000 Bonvoy points for the two-night stay. My husband, Rob, already had 16,000 points in his account. To build on that, I took the following steps:

1. I transferred 8,000 Points from My Bonvoy Account to Rob’s Account Using Bonvoy’s member transfer tool. The transfer was instant, and Bonvoy’s policy allows members to transfer up to 100,000 points per year between accounts.
   
2. Transferred 8,000 Points from Bilt Rewards to Rob’s Bonvoy Account: Bilt Rewards made it easy to add another 8,000 points to the balance.
   
3. Took Advantage of Amex’s 35% Transfer Bonus: To make up the remaining balance, I transferred 31,000 points from my Amex Membership Rewards account to Rob’s Bonvoy account. Normally, Amex points transfer to Bonvoy at a 1:1 ratio, but thanks to the 35% bonus (ended on December 31, 2024), I received the additional points needed to hit 74,000.

Step 2: The Result—A Luxury Stay Without the Hefty Price Tag

With 74,000 Bonvoy points in hand, I booked a two-night stay at the Ortea Palace, a luxurious property located in a prime spot in Sicily. The cash rate for the room would have been $1470, but by using points, I’ll get to enjoy the same experience without spending a dime out of pocket. The room includes a king bed and a partial view—perfect for our needs since we’ll be spending most of our time exploring the island.

Reflections: Why Sicily Needs More Points-Friendly Hotels

While I’m thrilled to have secured this booking, I can’t help but wish there were more high-quality hotels in Sicily that are bookable on points. The options are limited compared to other destinations in Europe, making it even more important to plan strategically and take advantage of opportunities like transfer bonuses and member tools.

Key Takeaways for Your Next Trip

If you’re planning a trip and want to save big with points, here are a few tips based on my experience:

1. Leverage Transfer Tools: Marriott Bonvoy’s member transfer tool can be a game-changer when you need to consolidate points. Just keep the annual transfer limits in mind.
   
2. Use Multiple Point Sources: Combining points from programs like Bilt Rewards and Amex Membership Rewards can help you reach your goal faster.
   
3. Watch for Bonuses: Keep an eye out for transfer bonuses from credit card programs like Amex Membership Rewards. These promotions can significantly boost your points balance.
   
4. Plan Ahead: Points bookings often require flexibility and early planning, especially in destinations with limited options.
   
5. Focus on Value: Always calculate the value of your points versus the cash price to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

This experience underscores the value of a well-thought-out points strategy. If you’re planning a trip to Sicily or anywhere else, start early, stay flexible, and make the most of your points! Happy travels!

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