I agree with BigLar on something a little extra for those who go above the tough task of 75 nights. I have the same situation; that is, I will have 56 nights at the end of June, so the 75 night issue is moot at this rate. So what makes me stay for an extra 25 or more in 2004. The Free night Cert's would be nice!

At this point, I will ONLY stay the extra 25+ this year (2004) as I have, at this momemt, only 130 nights total to go right now to make the "emertis" mark of 1000. I already have the 12 years; I've been Plat for about 7 and have the 3MM points earned. so I will go for 90+ nights this year, leaving me only a small amount to do next year then it's Perm Plat. So sometime in Sept. I'll start back at HH to continue my Diamond status...doing the 28 stay deal ( I already have 15 stays). I really think that the Marriott program is superior to HH; however I am with HH for the points, however inflated their redemption is...since they have resorts in some places of the world where no Marriotts exist, ie: St. Lucia, Key West (full service HH, no full svc. Mar.) etc.

My stays are at almost all brands of Marriot, excepting the TownPlace and Res.Inn Brands. I don't like the "double bed" at Res. Inn (Homewood has Kings) and TownPlace and Res. Inn only do 1/2 points....I understand, maybe the Townplace 1/2 point issue, but not the Res. Inn at the rates they charge now!

My other issue is with Courtyard vs. H.Garden Inn: Diamonds get free breakfast, at least a continental that may be upgraded at a modest charge to a full buffett. Why can't Courtyards do the same for Platinums. HGI's are a superior product over CTYD, altho' the CTYD's that have been refurbished are close and now they all have h.s free too, like the HGI's have. Also, I will not stay at a "franchise-type" CTYD; they seem to run their own program regardless of the Marriott name on the signage.

One last issue: in my family I will never make or get the letter from Marriott alowing me to become "premier"....my wife(Gold) has 43 nights so far this year, on track to Plat and I will make plat too....but neither of us will go to 125+ even tho' we'll have about 165 nights between us. As I am posting this, I'm in a CTYD in Orlando and my wife is in the Pere Marquette in the Big Easy!

No complaints tho, the suggestion of the certificates gets my vote, plus, maybe the CTYD Bfst for Plats! Thanks.

P.S. BigLar: no Marriott in Monaco, but a Marriott in Cap D'Ail; kinda around the corner in France, near the heliopad!