Hi folks,

I have a question about booking a reward stay and didn't find any answers with the search tool.

My girlfriend and I are booking a 9 night stay at the Courtyard Kauai in October. We thought we had enough points, but Marriott is telling us that no standard redemptions are available and we have to pay for an upgrade each night, which brings the point total above what we have available.

I will be on tour this fall, and was thinking about doing a platinum status challenge since we stay with Marriott frequently while on the road. That status comes with free upgrades. My question is if I have the status, will Marriott waive the upgrade fee for my booking, or do I have to book first before I receive the status upgrade? That is, if I have status, can I book at the lower rate with the upgrade factored in at no cost?

Any guidance is much appreciated!