I just found out in a different thread how to check total point (call and ask).

I've accumulated 6.5M points, and spent 5.7M points. Points have come from many sources other than just stays, including turning in vacation club weeks, bonuses for buying them and credit cards.

I've never had a problem booking an award and I have never had to ask for special favors. I have stayed at the Paris Marriott twice (not really peak season though) and the Rome Marriott for free. I do plan in advance mostly because free airfare is hard to come by to popular destinations. Compared to the complexity, anxiety and frustration I experience trying to get award tickets on airlines, Marriott is really easy!

Overall, I have mostly traded the points for airline miles/awards and a few dozen stays. I've never gotten merchandise or cruises (I don't think they're a good deal).

I mostly stay at Marriott because they are everywhere, fairly consistent and really easy to work with.

I'm also a member with Hilton, Starwood and a few others, but have never been able to accumulate the points like I have on Marriott.

If I mostly stayed at a limited number of major cities served by Hyatt or upper end Starwood, then I'd consider staying with them. However, my travel patterns are all over the place and I feel like Marriott treats me well.

Overall good program. Not great - used to be much better before they devalued the program (has happened twice) - but still very good.

Billy