Thanks for pointing out that you must call the 800 number regarding reservations using the W14 certificates.

I have two award reservations using W14's for a total of 3 nights coming up over the next several weeks. These were previously booked via the website (I typically only book through the website to keep all my reservations in one place).

I got a very helpful CSR when I called. She told me that the main reason for calling the 800 number is so that they can notify the property to expect the W14 certificate rather than the usual award certificate. The inventory available for a W14 stay is the same for a regular award stay.

In my case, my usage of the awards have been very useful. I have a one night stay in ALB during the same period as the SUNY-ALB graduation. The best rate I was able to obtain at a Marriott or Courtyard was $169. However, they did have award availability.

Likewise, I was able to get two nights at the Spring Hill Suites in MSY during the last weekend of JazzFest. These rooms are currently going for $189/night.

The W14 certificates I'm using were earned during the promotion at the end of last year. Between my wife and myself, we should earn another 6-8 of these over the next two months. That should cover all my stays at the PIT Renaissance (which unbelievably is a category 3) for Steeler games next fall and for the Baseball in the 'burgh event in June.

Gotta love all those extra free night awards!!

[This message has been edited by BillMorrow (edited 04-12-2002).]