Your points are more flexible than ever
 

http://www.marriott.com/rewards/learn/prgnews.mi
So if you decide to use points at check-in or to extend your stay, you'll be charged the Stay Anytime rate? Wow! :eek:
I thought everyone could use points to upgrade?

I'm not quite sure what to make of this, but after last spring's "episode" with the MR program, I'll believe I'll hold off forming opinions and commenting until AFTER the Freddies.

More corporate marketing doublespeak?

Can't imagine how this might work. Say I get lucky and need a room and its 2am. I can get in at double the points right on the spot? Imagine arguing with the clerk trying to do so without paperwork?

Actually if it works, it might come in handy. But why double the points?

If there is standard award availability at the hotel then just go book the standard award room online and tell the front desk that you have back-to-back reservations. This is just marketing and hoping/allowing you to bypass the online system and possibly use double the points in the process.

BTW, if you are extending your stay at 2 AM it would be for the next night for which you could possibly book the extra night online as a standard award. Extending your stay implies you would have to arrange the extra night prior to check-out. If you have checked out then you would need to make a new reservation. Whether you can book an award stay at 2 AM for that night is another question. But then again, if you are in that dire need of a room and/or were not able to plan ahead, then just cough up the bucks.

I have had a few instances in the past where I decided, last minute, to try and use points for a room. Even before the advent of e-certs, I was able to make this work. But with e-certs, this shouldn't be a problem at all.

Just check online and see if Standard award inventory is available, if so, book it. With e-certs now the norm, there shouldn't be any real issues. The biggest one might be trying to keep the same room, if you happen to already be in the hotel.

If there is standard availability, you can book via the reservation line on the day of the award. I have done this successfully to extend a stay or to get a new reservation. Sometimes, I have even been able to get a pointsaver award. As for extending a stay and staying in the same room, that has never been a problem for me.

An improvement that actually is an improvement!
 

"Checking out early? Take your points with you! If you’re staying at the hotel using points, inform the front desk that you’re leaving sooner than planned - and your points will be credited.* "

We have lost points several times by having to cut a stay short. If this is correct, then I give Marriott credit - this actually IS an improvement!