I absolutely think it will happen. How generous it will be for people is certainly up for debate. I also have some concern about the future cat 8 properties and availability though. But that won't affect most of us.

Is there bedding for two? Usually a no-brainer, but in Europe I suppose it's possible that hotels could have a 1-twin single room.

Assuming it's a Standard room, 1 vs 2 shouldn't be a problem, even though 2 vs 3 often is. You could always phone the hotel if there is any question about it.

​​​​​​​I would just take the few minutes to update it. Doesn't hurt, and could prevent headaches later. Where the cert is already attached, the regular reservations center may be able to just adjust the number of guests.

You could also just call the Malaysian MR center via Skype. I think its less than 2 cents/min (calling the Sydney number), and I've never waited more than 2 minutes on hold. They're awesome over there; every problem, solved almost instantly.

(1) Aug 10, 2019
(2) Yes.

Has anyone had any luck booking 5-night packages recently?

Booked a Category 6 (w/ 120k Alaska Miles) Travel Package with Marriott's Australian number a few hours ago. Unattached. I have another unattached Cat 1-5 package I downgraded from a Cat 8. Best case scenario for me is a generous points refund after the 18th (flexibility to air miles, which I have less of than hotel nights from cards etc.), though a generous category re-alignment (old C6 -> new C5) would be fine as well for a theoretical Japan stay next year.

They WILL check after the fact. Marriott apparently is doing POST redemption AUDIT on 5 nights packages redeemed to verify eligibility. Whether they only check it randomly or on every one such redemption is anybody's guess. But They DO check and lock accounts once audit shows not eligible, pending further investigation.

If you are not eligible, your account will be audited even after you have been able to book one.
Just 3 days ago on a non-English site I read a fresh DP of account is locked under audit due to the account owner booked a 5 days package though not eligible to do so.
换小礼包帐户被audit
http://www.mitbbs.com/article_t/Money/32995527.html

Many pages before in this thread someone also reported his account being audited and one of the 5 night cert was cancelled, additional points taken from his account to switch it to a 7 nights cert. Poster went all the way to Exec Office only to be told the Truth - you are not eligible for 5 nights package hence that is what we do. Seems Marriott is actually quite lenient without impose more penalty.
There are some data points posted in Reddit several weeks ago about their 5 night certs were revoked and accounts audited.

Proceed at your own risk. Just remember even if you succeeded to redeem the 5 nights package, the coast is not clear. Pray you will be lucky and your account not being audited later on.

Just redeemed a 7N Category 8 with 120K Alaska miles for 360K MR. Had to wait on the phone for ~20 mines. Rep was able to book in < 2 minutes.
So far the plan is a 7night in Maui, may need to upgrade at a later day - looking at either the Wailea Beach Resort (cat 8), or the Ritz Kapulua (T4 - stayed there before). The ocean club looks to be for timeshares only?

Called 1-866-814-6901

The Maui timeshares are eligible for a points/certificate redemption but availability is almost nonexistent for a 5 or seven night stay. Do a flexible search on the Marriott site and you will see what I mean.

Thanks, I called 1-800-321-7396 and booked one in 5 minutes (after being on hold for 20 minutes)

Booking a 5N simply by requesting and being approved by Marriott reps is one thing (that's on them). Lying about qualifying to get the package really seems to be something else altogether (that's on you).