Originally Posted by IAN-UK

You don't, in theory. But most will give some of the benefits, though it seems a few will stick to the rules.

Some have reported that booking a revenue night before a points stay will ease you into at least the room upgrade benefit. Though be careful, I once prolonged a five day paid stay by one (reward) night - and got into a silly discussion about when/what time a Coke had been taken from the mini-bar.