Till now my choice was always Miles (one night stays, one room, , discounted rates). In November 98 I will have 3 rooms and from the Miles-rules I learn that I can only get credit one (once 500 miles plus one fifth of the 2'500 miles-bonus for 5-stays). So it will probably be better to book that stay (3 rooms/2-nights) on the Rewards-program. Am I right?

Rudi ~ It depends on whether you only want the Marriott Rewards Points to convert to miles, or whether you'd use the Marriott Rewards points for a room.

If you're just going to convert them to miles. At best the 3 points are worth 1 mile (If you transfer 30,000), at worst, 5 points are worth 1 mile (If you transfer 10,000). At the best rate, these points are worth less than a penny a mile to me.

So, to best determine what *your* best deal is you have to figure out how much the points are worth to you and how much the miles are worth (I typically use 2 cents each), and then you should be able to make your choice.

Right now I'm saving up my Marriott Reward Points for a two day stay next year in Annapolis in May that will cost me 35,000 points. To me those points are worth over a penny a piece, because the room would cost close to $400 if I had to pay for it.

I think Marriott Rewards is a great program, especially with their myriad of earning opportunities. 1000 points for a Hertz rental car (non-corporate rates) and since you fly United a lot, you can earn 2 points per mile in lieu of United miles if you ever need to earn some Marriott Rewards points (though with your elite status this may not be that attractive of a deal).

thank you Beckles