How I Use 50K Free Night Certificates at 5 Marriott Hotels That Make Family Travel in Japan Easier

With the recent enticing co-branded credit cards sign-up offers from Chase and Marriott (and my personal love in Marriott hotels as you know me for a while), I have recently rethought my hotel stays in Japan and create a fresh game plan focused on Marriott. Let’s dive into my five Marriott Hotels you can use it with the 50,000 points free night certificates.

Why These Five Hotels?

• Marriott is got your back with 50,000 points and 85,000 points annual free night certificates if you have the co-branded credit cards. The latest offer for Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless is the five 50,000 points free night certificates sign-up bonus. Plus, with their top-up feature (you can add up to 15,000 points), I could easily book stays worth up to 65,000 points per night. That’s a fantastic deal, especially when traveling to high-demand destinations like Japan. 

• [Act now – The offer will expire very soon!] New credit card applicants for Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless currently features a sign-up bonus of 5 Free Night Awards (worth up to 50,000 points each). 

Photo Credit: Chase

• Family travel can get tricky when standard hotel rooms in Japan are small and often capped at three people. However, with Marriott’s free night certificates you can score a free room when you need to book two for a family of four or more. It’s a huge win for families looking to stay together and save!
• I’ve stayed at most of these hotels, so I’ve scoped out the best spots for family travel. Think bigger rooms, more outdoor space, convenient locations and breakfast options that cater to both picky kids and caffeine-needing parents.

Tokyo: The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, Autograph Collection

Maybe I’m a little biased because I’ve stayed at The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo for years, but it remains one of my go-to spots in the city. It’s not the flashiest or most luxurious hotel in Tokyo, and the executive lounge isn’t extravagant, but it’s perfect for families seeking comfort and space.

All their rooms here are surprisingly big for Tokyo – over 450 square feet. That’s a big deal, especially when traveling with kids! Whether you book a king-bed room or two-queen-bed room, there’s enough room to open two full-size suitcases and still have space to move around. This kind of room size is rare among international hotel chains in Japan, making it ideal for family travelers.

The hotel is located in Shinagawa, one of Tokyo’s major transportation hubs (along with Tokyo Station and Shinjuku). From JR lines to the Narita Express, Keikyu Lines to Haneda and Shinkansen, it’s all easily accessible. Just take a short walk from the station via a footbridge, and you’ll find the hotel, nestled among other Prince Hotels.

One of my favorite features of staying here is the access to the executive lounges of the other two Prince hotels – the Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa and the Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa, as well as the stunning Japan Garden nestled between these three hotels. The Japan Garden is famous for its breathtaking cherry blossoms in the spring and vibrant autumn foliage in the fall. I was there last Christmas, and the park’s festive lights made for a magical evening stroll. It’s the perfect way for the families to unwind and experience a slice of Japanese culture.

Points redemption and value: Room can be redeemed for 45,000 to 65,000 points per night. Hotel room rates ranging from $450 to $550 per night, taxes included.

Tokyo: AC Hotel Tokyo Ginza

If you’re seeking the ultimate family shopping experience in Tokyo, look no further than the AC Hotel Tokyo Ginza – a hidden gem you can’t afford to miss! Nestled in the vibrant heart of Ginza, this hotel is the perfect base for fashion enthusiasts. From luxurious boutiques to trendy everyday brands like Muji and Uniqlo, everything you need is just a short stroll away.

While the hotel doesn’t boast a large shopping mall, it’s ideal for families like four of us wanting to take a breather from their shopping spree and recharge before diving back into the action. Ginza is a favorite destination for both tourists and locals, thanks to its exceptional railway and transport network, connecting us to various stations operated by different railway companies.

Though the hotel lacks an executive lounge, it does offer complimentary breakfast for Marriott Platinum members (for two guests). While this might not cover a family of four, you’ll find plenty of convenient stores and grab-and-go options within easy reach. The only challenge? With so many choices available, deciding where to eat can be a delightful dilemma!

Built in 2020, the hotel features stylish accommodations and modern digital amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay. Let’s talk about the rooms: they may be compact, averaging around 250 square feet, but they are thoughtfully designed and comfortable, providing a cozy retreat after a busy day of exploring.

Points redemption and value: You can redeem from 48,000 to 58,000 points for a standard room. Hotel room rates range from $480 to $750 per night, taxes and fees included.

Yokohama: Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers

What really surprised me was how convenient Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers was for transportation. On paper, Yokohama looks like it is “outside” of Tokyo, so I think many people dismiss it as inconvenient. I used to think the same way. But once I realized I couldn’t find award rooms in Tokyo last winter and the cash rates there were no longer reasonable, I started looking at Yokohama instead.

The moment I stepped out of Narita Airport, I knew I had made the right choice. Narita Express connected the airport not only to major stops in Tokyo, but also directly to Yokohama. The ride took about 75 ~ 90 minutes and felt completely hassle-free.

And the hotel location made it even better. Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers is right next to Yokohama Station. It was literally just across the road. From there, the station connected you to department stores, shops, restaurants and museums. Honestly, it still felt like being in the middle of a big, lively city, and I never once felt like I was “too far away.”

One strategy I want to share is this: if Tokyo hotels feel too expensive or are out of reach for points, consider staying Yokohama as a “base” for a few days, weekend in specific. Getting back into Tokyo only takes about 15 ~ 20 minutes by JR and the other railway networks, so it is much easier than many people assume (like me in the part!). It can be a smart way to stretch a free night certificate too, especially when weekend rates here fall around the 50,000 ~ 65,000 points range per night. In Tokyo, those same kinds of stays may be sold out or cost much more.

Yokohama: The Westin Yokohama

I used this “stay in Yokohama, but shop in Tokyo” strategy during one of the busiest weekends last year, and it worked beautifully. The Westin Yokohama offers a very different feel from Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers. Where the Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers feels classic, the Westin Yokohama feels fresh, modern, and wellness-focused, with lots of natural light and greenery throughout the property.

On the map, it does not look as close to Yokohama Station, but in reality it was very manageable. There are bridges connecting the area to nearby train stations, and the walk took about 10 minutes. Along the way, you pass through Minato Mirai, an area filled with museums, innovation spaces, and family-friendly attractions like the Railway Museum, Shiseido S/PARK, and the Children’s Museum.

And if you keep walking toward the harborfront, you get some of Yokohama’s most iconic views: the ferris wheel, the Red Brick Warehouse, and even Japan’s oldest Chinatown. Our stay at the hotel was a very pleasant one, and I would strongly recommend keeping this property in mind when planning a Japan trip with free night certificates earned through this Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless sign-up bonus.

Hiroshima: Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel

Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from JR Hiroshima Station, which makes it incredibly convenient. To be honest, Hiroshima is not always at the top of everyone’s Japan bucket list. But for families, like us, planning award travel, it can be a hidden gem especially if you are looking for business class flights back to the U.S. on Japan Airlines or ANA. Thanks to married segment pricing, Hiroshima can sometimes open up opportunities that are harder to find from Tokyo or Osaka.

That is what makes this hotel such a smart option. It works well as a repositioning stay before your flight home, but it also gives you the chance to enjoy a mini stopover in Hiroshima. It’s worth visiting Peace Memorial Park, and using the city’s sight-seeing bus. You can slow down, stroll through the city, and have a more relaxed ending to your trip before stepping onto a long-haul flight.

The hotel often prices in the 40,000 ~ 65,000 points range per night, which can make it a very solid use of a free night certificates that fits to your schedule and purpose.

How many hotels above have you stayed at? If you’re eyeing Japan or planning your next vacation, how would you use those five coveted free night certificates at Marriott properties?