We love using points for hotel stays when we go on vacations. Using them for a staycation is another great use of our points, particularly using a free hotel certificate. Recently, it was my daughter’s birthday, who lives two hours away, so another daughter and I arranged to meet her in Denver for a girl’s birthday celebration. A little shopping, some yummy food, and a free stay for a birthday celebration with a Marriott annual night certificate were a perfect storm. Have you ever done a birthday celebration with a free hotel certificate?

We decided to stay near the Cherry Creek Mall at The Jacquard Hotel which is part of the Autograph Collection. I like this brand, it is much more boutiquey and intimate. Because I have Platinum Elite status, we were given $20 each for brunch and late checkout.

 

 

I used a 35K certificate to stay here and the room usually runs for $300+. The lobby was beautiful, the room super comfortable, the staff was welcoming, and we were a block from the mall! Perfection!

 

 

Activities

One of our favorite things to do when we are all together is to eat. We really like Elways which is a steakhouse in Denver. Their artichoke hearts are amazing! We had a delicious dinner there to share my daughter Kelly’s birthday. We also did a little shopping at Cherry Creek Mall.

 

Bottom Line

A birthday celebration with a free hotel certificate was so much fun. While we love to use points and certificates for vacations, they are also great to use for staycations. Whether you use them for a family getaway, a birthday celebration, or some time alone, not having to pay for a stay makes it even more fun! If you are looking for a Marriott credit now, the best deal right is the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card with an offer of 100,000 Bonvoy Rewards after a minimum spend of $3000 in three months.