Thanks for all your responses. I was away for a while and was unable to reply earlier.

To answer your previous question: I was trying to use my points for booking a room at the Fairfield Inn in Rapid City during the July 4th week. I ended up using my Hilton points as they allowed me to use my points. Later I used my Best Western points as that did not have any blackouts.

I agree the full service Marriott gives you extra bonuses when you are a platinum. The Saigon Marriott and the Shanghai Marriott were memorable stays.

Overall with having attained top statuses with the hotel chains in Sweden and South Africa, Marriott still has some ways to go.