And really, what Marriott is about for me IS airline miles.

I can get a 235K mile "package" good for 5 night's (I'm a MVCI owner) at a category 1-5, which I can use, AND 120K miles on United, Delta or a host of other airlines (but not including AA anymore).

Over my lifetime, more than half of my hotel stays have been paid by my employers; so the cost to me was zero. As for my own stays, I have used a combination of free or paid stays.

I figure I get about 30% (or more) back from every stay, and often I get free breakfast/lounge access, room upgrades and free internet. And the upgrades.

So, for me, worth it!

Billy