Originally Posted by
poemadept
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?
No; status upgrades are (at least theoretically) based on availability AT CHECK-IN, not in advance.
However, you CAN book at the higher rate before you've actually earned the points. The system will let you make the reservation and "order a certificate later". Later, when you've earned the points, you then call in, order the "certificate", and have it attached to the existing reservation.
Your other option would be to split your stay up into multiple reservations, taking whichever days you can get at the standard rate. Best case, you'll be upgraded when you arrive and keep the same room the whole time. Worst case, you have to change rooms at the reservation breaks.