Question about some technicalities
 

I booked a room for four nights at a Marriott next month using my name and MR#. However, a family member I am staying with will technically be the one paying so I reserved the room with his credit card. So I have two questions... (1) Will I still collect the points/nights if the stay is going on his card? (2) I will arrive at the hotel several hours earlier so can I check in without his credit card?

Thanks for the help!

I don't think that you should have a problem with this. If they need a credit card when you check in you could give them yours and then when your family member arrives he or she could then give the FD the new credit card. As far as I know the credit card used does not have to match the MR member on the reservation. As long as you are actually staying at the hotel you shouldn't have a problem with this plan.

Do a search and you'll find several "why didn't I get points/credit" for this reason.

My follow-up question would be will I get credit for the nights, just not the points? My understanding is that you can always get the "nights" for staying at a Marriott property and giving them your MR#, but in order to get the "points" you also have to be the one paying.

I am new to any hotel reward program though I have been taking advantage of Delta Skymiles for a long time.

Technically you should not get the points but you can still get them. Just keep a copy of your final bill and send it to MRif you don't get the points and they will add them to your account.

Only if they don't feel like following the rules that day.

YMMV, as always.

If you want the points or nights and your family member is not a MR member (or is not interested in the points) I would check with him if it's OK for him that you pay for the nights an he pays you back.

That way you're completely eligible to points + night and there will be no discussions or disillusions afterwards. And at the end your family member has still technically paid for this.