How to Get 5 Free Nights in Costa Rica With Credit Card Points

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If you have been dreaming of tropical beaches, spotting sloths in the rain-forest, and soaking up those famous pura vida vibes without draining your savings, you are in the right place. You can score five free nights in Costa Rica by using Marriott Bonvoy credit card current & BEST EVER welcome offer.

Here is the breakdown of how it works and which Costa Rican resorts offer the best bang for your points. 

TLDR About The Chase Bonvoy Card

$3000 in 3 Months Required Spend to Earn Certificates
Each Free Night Certificate is valid for one night stay up to 50,000 points.
Earn two $50 airline credits ($100 total) per year.
Add up to 15,000 more top-off points to certificates.
$95 Annual Fee
Free award night every anniversary up to 35,000 points
6x Points at Marriott & 2x Points on regular spend
Apply Now, Offer Won't Last

The Credit Card Strategy That Unlocks Your Tropical Escape

The secret to landing five nights for free starts with getting the Chase Marriott Bonvoy card, which currently features five Free Night Awards & two $50 airline credits. To unlock these, you must hit a minimum spending goal of $3K within the first three months of opening the account. 

You then receive award night certificates valid for a hotel stay costing up to 50,000 points per night. This is a huge win for travelers because it means your room rate is covered entirely by the certificate MINUS resort or other fees. Keep a little extra room in your budget for those details.

Mastering the Marriott Points and Certificate System

Understanding how these certificates work will help you plan like a pro. Marriott uses a flexible pricing system, which means the "cost" in points for a room can change depending on the busyness of the hotel. If a hotel you love is priced slightly above your 50,000-point certificate, Marriott actually allows you to "top off" your award by adding up to 15,000 of your own points from your account. This small trick opens the door to even more luxury properties.

To check award nights, you will need to go to each hotel site and check for award availability. This example is from the amazing El Mangroove hotel. 


 

Because prices fluctuate, being flexible with your travel dates is the best way to ensure your certificates go as far as possible. If one weekend looks expensive, checking the following week might reveal a much better deal that fits perfectly within your award range. It is all about timing and a little bit of curiosity during the search process. Learn more here about traveling to Costa Rica in different seasons. 

Don't forget - you also get two $50 travel credits, or up to $100 back, to apply towards your flight!  

The Best Costa Rica Hotels for Your Free Nights

Costa Rica is home to some incredible Marriott properties that offer great value for your certificates. Not all hotels will have 50,000 reward point nights every night. But the hotels listed here all had them at some point when I last checked. My #1 pick for a classic ocean resort experience is the Los Sueños Marriott Ocean and Golf Resort on the Central Pacific coast. Close behind is the JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort and Spa.

For those who want a more boutique, stylish atmosphere, ElMangroove in the Gulf of Papagayo offers a chic beachfront vibe that is perfect for a relaxing getaway. If your travels take you through the capital, the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen near San José is full of traditional charm and serves as a great home base for exploring the city. Finally, the Sabana Hotel in San José is a sleek and modern choice that is often priced very affordably in points, making it an easy win for the first or last night of your journey.

Free nights means more money for Costa Rica Activities. Click here for our Activities Must Do’s (and do nots).

Pro Tips for a Smooth Booking Experience

First, remember that award availability can be limited, so it pays to start looking for your rooms as soon as you have your certificates in hand. Use the Marriott website to scout for dates early so you don't miss out on the most popular resorts.

Second, plan your spending carefully so you earn the bonus within the required time frame (they are use them or lose them). Once you have the nights booked, double-check the resort's policy on extra fees so there are no surprises at checkout. 

Your Pura Vida Adventure Awaits

Five free nights in Costa Rica means more than just a place to stay, it means extra room in your budget for sunset boat tours, hidden waterfall excursions, and world-class dining. With a solid Marriott Bonvoy strategy and a bit of early planning, those beachfront dreams aren't just possible; they’re easy to achieve. Pick your favorite resort, lock in your travel dates, and get ready to experience the best of Costa Rica without the heavy price tag.

 

Ready for your Costa Rican getaway?

Don't leave those free nights on the table. Apply today to start earning your 5-night stay.

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