Marriott Concierge-

It would be great if we could order an award before Jan. 15 (or Dec. 31 in the case of the Euro Hopper awards) then use it for any hotel currently in that category anytime during 2009.

For instance, in late Dec. I would order a 7 night stay in a category 7 hotel (150,000 points) and it would be good for 12 months at any Marrriott hotel, even those that will bump to a category 8. I could make the reservation anytime during 2009, not be required to make a reservation prior to Jan. 15.

Obviously this certificates couldn't be renewed. They would only be good for 12 months. At that point we would have to order new rewards based on the new point structure.

Just wishful thinking on my part. It's frustrating trying to figure out all of next year's vacation plans & make reservations now so we will be charged this years points. It would be a lot easier if I could just order a couple of Euro Hopper awards and a couple of category 7 weeklong stays then use them in 2009.

This would allow us to use some of our hard-earned points at the current values in 2009 and give us some time to get used to the new program.

I know Marriott has to periodically adjust point redemption values for inflation, but I would prefer to see a 20% across the board increase. I liked the structured table for hotel redemptions, using fewer points per night the longer you stayed. To stay for a week in a category 7 in the new program will cost 210,000 points, a 40% increase. A week in a category 8 will be 240,000 points, a 60% increase. Those are the awards I would most often use.

I think Marriott should increase rates more often, not 40% or 60% at one time.

I'm Marriott Gold, so the new Platinum 50% bonus doesn't help me.

I've never paid extra points for "stay anytime", so I'm not excited about that feature. I'm flexible so I usually find what I want for "standard reward" amounts or travel at another time.

The points awards that I actually use (7 night stay certificates, air & hotel package, Euro Hopper) have increased by 40-60%. That is a huge increase at one time!!