If you are talking about the reward certificates, I have had great luck with these both times I have tried. The first was for 12 nights ( a 7-night and a 5-night combined) at the Marriott San Diego Marina property over Christmas and New Year's and then for the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua in Maui for 7 nights over Christmas. In the San Diego case, they did not have award stays available, but I talked to the reservations managers and they were very accomodating and let us cash it in for the 12 nights.

In the Ritz-Carlton case, I wanted to upgrade to a deluxe ocean view, but the Marriott certificate won't let you. Again, a chat with the reservation manager made this possible, with a reasonable nightly cash payment for the upgrade.

The only problem I have with Marriott is that they never answer their reward phone lines and everything is automated. This can get frustrating if you have a question.

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"Living well is the best revenge"