Originally Posted by alc

I actually do normally make the reservation online first (with or without points) and then call in to attach the cert. What I meant really is that as long as there are standard Marriott points/reward nights available to make a reward reservation, you can use the cert. Your cert need to the at the same category or tier of the hotel that you want to use it. so if the hotel is a Category 8 and you hold a Category 1 - 5 cert, you need to first upgrade the cert to Category 8 cert by using 90K points (30K per category increase). Hope this help.