Hi everyone - just a few things to clear up some questions:
1) I didn't realize it until I checked out of the hotel, but I pre-paid for the reservation in full on the totalrewards.com website. My bill at checkout was $0. totalrewards.com did not charge any taxes or additional fees on top of the promotional rate. The totalrewards.com reservation was fully cancel-able/refundable up to 24 hours before the stay.
2) Rock Ohio Caesars (the casino owner) definitely did buy the Ritz Carlton hotel in Cleveland. See
http://www.cleveland.com/business/in...buy_cleve.html . There is no mention of the casino owner also buying the Marriott and Renaissance hotels in Cleveland, though discounted rates for those hotels are often available through totalrewards.com.
3) Though I had no problems adding my MR # to my reservation at check-in, I do not see any stay credit or record of the reservation in my MR account after I checked out. I guess that answers my question!