While Marriott is a perfectly lovely hotel chain that offers a consistent product with a huge footprint – boasting over 3,800 hotels across 15 brands, it just isn’t a brand that has attracted me in the past.

But lately, I have been thinking more about giving Marriott a go. Here are a couple factors influencing my decision:

Update: Silver status offer is dead.Marriott Silver Status used to be able to be obtained by registering as an employee for most large companies, but there was no verification during the registration process.

While the benefits for being Marriott Silver are just above being a Member, the benefits include an Elite Reservation Line, an Executive Guest Services Line and Priority Late Check Out based on availability.

Megabonus Promotion:

A big factor in my decision process is last week Marriott announced its fall Megabonus points promotion where members earn double bonus points redeemable toward future stays, merchandise and experiences. Registration is required by November 15^th, 2014 and …

• Earn double points with every paid stay, starting with the second stay
• A maximum of 25,000 bonus point
• You must stay between September 15, 2014 and January 15, 2015

The promotion is fairly basic, and wouldn’t necessarily drive my business to a Marriott, but it is a chance to earn points that I wouldn’t normally accumulate

$20 off Courtyard by Marriott that can be used at any Marriott property

A couple of weeks ago we posted about a targeted promotion from American Express and Courtyard by Marriott where you could get $20 off of a $100 purchase at a Courtyard using your American Express card.

You have to ‘Select & Save’ the offer on your American Express card. I took my registered card to my local Courtyard and proceeded to purchase a $100 gift card. With the American Express rebate, this is an automatic 20 percent savings.

Bottom Line

I am going to enroll in the Megabonus promotion and book a room somewhere fun in the USA, and use my Courtyard gift card to pay for it.