It looks like I may be doing 2 stays of about 12-13 days each at a JW Marriott later this year in October and November. Its been almost a year and a half since I stayed at a Marriott, and my current status is Silver until January 2005 and my points balance is a big fat 0.

Seeing that the rate I will be paying is about $70, I figure this will either get me about 21000 points (25x70x12) or 5250 KrisFlyer miles - and Silver for another year, for what its worth. Considering that the properties I can redeem points at are Category 3 and 4, that will get me only 1 free night and change.

Are there any other promotions that I should sign up for to maximise points earning possibilities? I did a quick search of the forum and couldn't find anything I could use. I have to pay for the stays using my Amex corporate charge card, so I won't be able to use any credit card promotions.

If there aren't, I might just take the alternative offered by my corporate TA at an Intercontinental hotel which will get me a room upgrade for the duration of the stays but will in all likelyhood get me no points or miles.

Hmmm. Isn't Intercontinental part of Priority Club? If so, at least they give 2.5 miles/$, so it's better than nothing.

Apparently the rate I'm getting at the IC is not eligible for points, but I'm leaning towards staying there unless someone comes up with a worthwhile promo at Marriott

Where is a JW for $70 a nite ????

I just has a AAA stay at the JW Orlando Lakes a a "deal" for $129/night.

Just curious, thanks for the reply

I've stayed at the JW in Houston for $49 a night.

$70 is the rate I get throught my corporate TA at JW BKK. I think the regular rate is around $130.

Nice. ^ Oh the value of a good TA.

Ah well...a low rate from a corporate TA has its pros and cons - its good when you can use the rate on personal travel, not so good when its on business travel (when you get reimbursed for expenses) since one gets less points