Try it and see what happens. I always test new theories with Marriott stays and have it work to my favor.

Book the special rate regarding the BBs. Then call the Elite line and have them make a note on your reservation that you will be using an EEO certificate and see what happens.

IIRC the M11 and M12 rates are special rates for Marriott Rewards Elites only.

JW Hong Kong refused a bonus buck on an M11 rate last week, saying I had to pay OTP rate (at which point I would have been paying the $100 in my rate, so needless to say, it didn't make sense for me).

I had a similar problem elsewhere; M11 rate (the rate conditon stated I needed to pay with a Visa to get a bonus buck) so I paid my bill with a Visa but got no bonus buck. So I e-mailed the customer support the same day explaining the fact and my point. After ten days, the certificate was in my mailbox. Have a try and good luck !

Bonus Bucks (amex MR)
 

I am thinking of redeeming for Marriott Bonus Bucks and then using them towards stays in Ireland, specifically the Galway Courtyard for 2-3 nights. Are the Bonus Bucks valid for Courtyard and for irish properties?

And if it's a $100 Bonus Bucks coupon, is it true that we could only use 1 if ew stayed 2 nights, and only use another if we stayed 4 nights (thereby that's the maximum of Bonus Bucks one can use)?

Yes, it is one per two nights. But it is a terrible use of MR points, you can pick them up on eBay for $20 or so. It takes 10,000 MR points, which could also be redeemed for a $100 gift certificate at any number of merchants. The $100 gift certificate could be sold on eBay for at least $80 after all costs which would buy FOUR Bonus Bucks.

Edited to add: No, BB are only good at FS Marriotts and Rens. There is a variant sometimes available on eBay that gives $50 off Courtyards (two night stay). And overseas you can use BB's but you often get hammered on the exchange rate.

Just to add, BBs can be used at all the Marriott Brands. In my expereince, I've received BBs from hotel stays (particluarly at the Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington, VA) that state: $50 off a 2 night stay at Courtyard, Residence Inn, Fairfield Inn, Townplace Suites, Marriott Hotels, Renaissance Hotels, etc. Some $50 BBs can be limited to a couple of Marriott hotels.

The $100 BBs, from what I've seen are limited to Full Service Marriotts.

Could you tell me how to redeem for gift certificates to other merchants using MR points?

Alect, when do U want 2 go? Which month, days of week, or specific dates?
It's a Cat. 4 which means 20K points for 1 night, but availability is sparse in Aug. & Sep. :(
If U can redeem for Marriott Cheques, that would be better than BBs. U can also buy a 50 BB or better yet a 50 Premium Pound on e-bay.

Exchange rate on redemption of Premium Pounds certificate
 

I have read several posts regarding the 100 GBP certificate redemption rates for use in the U.S., and would appreciate clarification.
I have a forthcoming stay at the Renaissance in Oak Brook, Illinois and would like to apply the certificate to my two night stay.
How will the hotel calculate the value of the certificate? Several FT's have commented that the exchange rate is based on (1) the currency conversion feature on the marriott website; (2) the forex "buy" rate, valid on that particular check-in day/check-out day; (3) the whim of the front desk clerk.

Hoping to avoid any conflict (and hopefully receive a credit somewhere approaching $175) kindly advise what I might expect, and should I print out in advance any specific information to bring with me on check in?

Not sure what the "official" answer is, but after reading many posts by FT's over the past two years the actual answer seems to be that is depends on the hotel.

I had very good success at the San Jose Marriott last year by printing out the conversion rate from this website and presenting it at the front desk at check-in. They accepted the Premium Pound cert, noted the rate I presented (a bit higher than then current Marriott Website rate), with no problems at all. However YMMV.

Good luck,
Bruce

My experience is that they post them as foreign currency and the rate is converted on the folio to local currency.

My $100 bonus bucks posted as 100 USD at 73.20 euros at Lisbon yesterday. That is around 7% below the 'official' forex rates or about 3% less than the bank exchange rate now.

I imaigine that US rates may be even more unfavourable and they may be about 10% under going official rates.

I think that many hotels set exchange rates locally and can enter whatever they please into their booking systems. Another fact is that some hotels do not update their rates with the frequency of banks.

I use this conversion tool:

http://www.xe.com/ucc/

Just used a 100 Pound certificate this past weekend and the front desk converted it to US$184 or so. A few months earlier it was $190. Not sure what index they use to convert it, but they did it right there on the spot.

I would print the exchange rate off the Marriott site and bring it with you. I have only used the PP certificates a few times and the two times I had an issue with the exchange rate had more to do with the clerks confusion of the certificate versus them trying to lowball me.

Once I educated them I received a reasonable exchange. The most I have lost in exchange is maybe 8% less than what I expected.

Thank you all not just for answering my question but going beyond and steering me away from a poor decision.

I am not sure that I can redeem Amex MR for Marriott Cheques? Not even sure what they are.

OK I gave up on the BBs idea. I am staying in July 07 so own't be booking till Aug 06. I think I am headed to CC and exchanging some HHonors points. Now the Hotel I am looking for is the Galway Courtyard Marriott, Ireland. It's a Cat 4 as you mention. By my research it seems comparable to a HGI or similar and this a Cat 3 Hilton award - 25k. Does that sound reasonable?