If you've been thinking about getting away, then Marriott just made it a little cheaper to do so. The hotel conglomerate is once again having a Bonvoy Escapes sale, which includes a reduction in weekend rates for almost 2,500 properties globally. The only catch is that the booker window will only remain open until Sunday, October 11.

How the Sale Works

The promotion "QRI" is available to those who are a member of Marriott Bonvoy and offers them a discount of up to 20 percent on eligible hotel bookings. Discount is applicable for the period of October 12 to November 1, 2026. It's not necessary to be a member to participate, but non-members will receive a smaller break, so you should sign up first. It is free to join Marriott Bonvoy, and it takes around two minutes.

The hotels involved include those throughout the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa. If you've got an image in your mind of a beach, a large city or a small town a couple hours away, there's a good chance something's nearby.

Go to Marriott's last minute deals page, provide the code and search your dates. The system will indicate which properties are included and you can compare the prices side by side.

Weekends Only, With One Big Exception

The discount is only available at most of the sale hotels for weekend stays (Thursday to Sunday). Some properties in the Middle East move that day earlier, so check-in takes place on Wednesday through Saturday.

There are certain rules in the resorts that are different. The deal is good any day of the week at a resort. That is a good thing if you have a flexible schedule or you want an escape in the middle of the week as resorts are the most versatile component of the sale.

What are the hotels included?

This type of sale tends to be a combination of affordable, but this time around Marriott caught off-guard. There were plenty of upscale choices on the list as well: Sheraton hotels, properties in the Autograph Collection, Tribute Portfolio properties and all-inclusive resorts. This creates some appealing opportunities such as a short-term rental in an area where it's easy to walk or a resort holiday with a fixed package.

However, the highest-end of the luxury brands at Marriott have decided to skip this one. These brands are NOT being sold.

• St. Regis
• The Ritz-Carlton
• Edition
• Bulgari
• Design Hotels

Homes and Villas by Marriott Bonvoy

But if you were expecting to get a deal on a Ritz-Carlton, you're out of luck. That said, the lineup of brands that do qualify is more diverse than usual, and that's where the excitement comes into this round compared to the standard flash sale.

Always read the Rules Before You Book

It seems that if you're paying less, there will be a catch, and there are discounted rates. The rules most travelers are surprised by are the terms of payment and cancellation, so here is a brief overview of the rules that affect the most.

• Rates are to be paid in advance (at least 5 days prior to arrival).
• Credit card payment will be completed at the time of booking.
• Reservations are no longer accepted after made.
• Bookings are nonrefundable.
• The offer can't be combined with other promotions.
• Prices generally don't include taxes.

The takeaway is simple. If you're definite about your plans, book it. If you have the real possibility that your schedule will change, then a flexible rate might be better, although it will be slightly higher. If you don't use the room, it's not a deal, it's a nonrefundable room.

Is This the Least Expensive?

Here's a little tip that will save you an amazing amount of cash. A sale price is not necessarily the cheapest price. Don't make your decision without taking the time to look at the regular member rate, any other offer from the public and the going rate for a few booking websites. Depending on the offer, sometimes the special code is superior and sometimes it's the regular rate with a free cancellation.

Also keep in mind that the advertised rate often doesn't include taxes and fees; the final amount at checkout could be slightly higher than it initially appears. If you're interested in comparing the total of what you're paying for a night's stay, then you have a better idea of what you'll be paying for.

This is a good time to consider which credit card you're using since it's needed at time of booking. A Marriott Bonvoy credit card will also give you additional points for your points during your stay and each card has a certain level of automatic elite status, which can include upgrades and late checkout as these become available.

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card is a popular choice for casual travellers. It gives you 6 points for every dollar you spend on a Marriott Bonvoy stay, and has a moderate $95 yearly fee. If you stay a few times per year, these points can accumulate quickly and be used for a future vacation.

Additionally, if you are new to the points universe it is also important to know how to earn Marriott Bonvoy points during your stay. Some minor things such as direct booking and attaching membership numbers to your bookings can increase the value of every journey.

Who Should Take Advantage

If you enjoy the thrill of an unplanned weekend getaway, and are okay with making a commitment at the start, this sale is ideal for you. It's also great for anyone planning an out-of-country trip for the fall as it covers the time from the middle of October through the first of November, when many destinations offer nice weather and haven't yet grown busy with tourists.

It's not as good if your calendar is erratic or if you want to have the peace of mind of getting the calendar free. If not, consider passing on this offer and opt for a more flexible one instead.

The Bottom Line

With a lot of upscale brands added, Marriott Bonvoy Escapes is a good choice for a last minute trip. When it comes to the price, just be sure that it is actually a better deal than your other choices and when you pay, be sure the terms are forfeiture penalties that you are comfortable with. When you discover a stay you really like that fits the budget, don't delay. The booking window will close 11 October, with the best properties being snapped up first.