Except for limited blackouts for special events, free nights are available whenever the hotel is selling their basic room type (even at rack rate only). Free nights in higher category rooms for more points may be available when the hotel is selling those room categories.

C&P is entirely optional for the hotel, although since C&P prices have gone up dramatically, one would expect C&P reservations to be more available than in the past (when it was a great deal if you could find it).