*laughing* I didn't say I don't use my points, only that I don't use them for free nights! I have found that psychologically I can't bring myself to redeem those hard-earned points for free stays where I could be earning night and point credit. I've gotten a free DVD player (8 years ago when that was a big deal) and two free cruises thanks to Marriott Rewards, and I've got over 800K in the bank waiting for my next big withdrawal...

Anyway, as for Marriott properties that rival the best of Starwood... In my personal experience, the Renaissance Wailea is the equal of the Kapalua Bay Hotel. The JW Marriott Las Vegas is outstanding, although there's no Starwood property to compare it to. People have raved about the JW Marriott Grande Lakes in Orlando (I personally had a horrible stay there), but the nicest Starwood property in the area is the WDW Swan.

Moving on to rumors as opposed to places I've stayed, the JW Marriott South Beach, Le Marigot in Santa Monica, London County Hall, Renaissance Chancery Court, and JW Marriott Seoul are supposed to be among the best properties in their respective locations. And don't forget that you can redeem Marriott Rewards points for free nights at Ritz-Carlton locations worldwide, which certainly trumps ANYTHING in the Starwood system!