1. Currently running a double points/Visa promo. What's their history on promos? PC used to run a double promo more or less all the time.
Usually run:
Yearly stay 3-5 times, get a free two weekend night in catagory 4 hotel.
Some small bonus, stay 5 times get 5K miles.
And usually some sort of double point.

Other Promo is season based (Fall, Summer, Spring) reductions in points for stays at some hotels.

2. Do they ever run anything like "50K for 8 stays" or the like?
Dpn't recall any bonus over 5K (except for Visa signing bonus of 10-15K)


3. It seems that points are the way to go - 100 miles per stay is pretty lame.
Points are way to go. The big value are the trip package which include miles and hotel stay. That is the real "value" award.

4. What's their redemption track record? Did 4 nights in Paris with Hilton, would like to do similar with Marriott.

Lots of opinions here. I have had great success in Hawaii and Aruba.
Also, with the stay anytime option - I was able to do a reward stay in Downtown Indianapolis during F1 race (vs. $300-$500 a night for room).
As with all FF, if you plan ahead you have good luck.

The two biggest MR complaints are:
Big step to Gold, Plat. - Most folks can get those comped at other chains, or get an easy challenge. At Marriott if you are Gold or Plat you probably earned it.

Lack of upgrades - Lots of complaints about not getting upgrades. Some folks say they always get it, some say never. Did a search on other boards and seems that everyone makes the same complaint.