Adding another question to the discussion -- can you combine a stay using points and a certificate? As an example, an eight night stay at a hotel when one night would cost 50,000 points, configured as follows:

Monday-Friday -- five free nights using points (200,000 points, four night's worth, fifth night free, diamond status "bonus")
Saturday -- free weekend night based on 15K spend (free night certificate already awarded)
Sunday-Monday -- two additional nights, 100,000 points

Eight nights, 300,000 points. Is this valid? How would I book this?

Thanks for any help.