Hello,

I have never reedemed through certificates or from Marriott so I need some help and tips from the seasoned experts. I earned the two weekend certificates through making three separate stays at Marriott last year. Now, I want to redeem the free weekend for the Victoria Day weekend (May 23-25) in Chicago. I followed the instructions on the cert and dialled the number and it seems my only choice for a category 4 hotel in downtown Chicago is Residence Inn. The agent cooly informed me that I will not be able to use the certificate since the hotel is showing no availability. I don't have any more trips planned (I just came back from Europe) so does that mean the certificate goes waste? Do I have to call them everyday to see if they might have availability or it is pointless to do so? Wouldn't it be better if I could check myself on the Internet rather than troubling them by calling everyday, and is it worthwhile to call? How does their reward system works as opposed to Starwood where I never had a problem booking (redeeming) a night.

Any tips, suggestions, rules would be greatly appreciated.