Originally Posted by BigLar
What I propose is the following, based loosely on airline practices:
Upon achieving top tier (75 nights), you are awarded a certificate good for one night's free stay at any Marriott in the world. No blackout dates.
Want more? OK - Every 25 additional nights gets you another certificate!
I'd have loved the heck out of that in 2002. 440 nights would equal fifteen of those certs!
More seriously, though, excess nights simply get you closer to Emeritus at a faster rate. 75 nights a year X 12 years (minimum time in program to be awarded Emeritus) = 900 nights -- and that's only enough for Gold Emeritus (assuming you meet the other criteria), IIRC. Picking up extra nights here and there helps you score Emeritus faster, if you're taking the long view of your travel loyalty programs.