Can points be used to upgrade a room?
 

Don't know why I vaguely recall being able to do this a few years ago. For example, can I pay for a 1 BR suite at an RI and use points to upgrade to a 2 BR suite?

Thanks.

No you can't use points to upgrade a "cash" paid room. It is possible to upgrade an award room using points though. Marriott has 5K pt upgrade certs that can be used. Check out Room Upgrade Information for the details.

Thanks!!! Just when you think you've clicked on every page at the Marriott site you get shown a new one.

I stand to be corrected, but I'm pretty sure there are hotels (primarily resorts and other properties in popular leisure destinations) where rooms or suites are available on a cash & points basis. IIRC, these rooms are technically available as points redemption but with a cash upgrade option.

You are correct and the link I provided mentions that as a possible option as well. But the OP asked specifically about paying cash for a room and using points for the upgrade which is not supposed to be an option.

As others have said, award rooms can be upgraded with points and/or cash. Haven't seen it the other way.

Last month on vacation with the wife (x1), kids (x3 teenagers), and dog (x1), I used Points + Extra Points to upgrade two 1BR suites at an RI in Westminster, CO to two 2BR suites.

I had to look around, as not all properties in Denver offered the 2BR suites on points. YMMV, depending upon your destination. Use marriottrewards.com to perform a search ... and I suggest stating that you have 5 persons per room, otherwise the search engine may not show you the 2BR suites (because it may not think you need a room that large).

If I remember correctly, they offered all combinations of payment:

1. $ for the room + upgrade (of course :-)
2. $ for the room + points for the upgrade
3. points for the room + $ for the upgrade
4. points for the room + points for the upgrade

I've seen points + extra points for the upgraded room elsewhere.

I'm always searching for six (me, wife, and four sons).

I've never seen option #2.

Neither have I. Also, the Marriott webpage I provided earlier states that #2 is not an option.

In my experience, it has not been possible to upgrade using points. Most recently I tried to do that at the Renaissance St. Petersburg, Russia.

Agree totally with Saintsfan and Hhope

Cash for room plus points for upgrade is not available...

Points for room plus cash for upgrade is and as previously mentioned it is possible to book an upgrade to a points stay at 5000 points per night...

Changing gears a little - is points for room upgrades something we MR members would like to see? I know I would. If given the option, whenever I travel with the family I would almost always prefer to pay for a base room and then use points to upgrade to a bigger room if given the option.

I think we'd all love to be able to book the cheapest room with $$$, get the night credit and upgrade on points. I think Marriott sees right thru that want.

Paying points to upgrade a cash booking could be attractive, depends on the rate set, although many Gold and Plat members would probably prefer to keep their powder dry and hope for a status upgrade, although I have paid in the past to guarantee what I want and would certainly enjoy using points for upgrading those stays, rather than cash...