Using points for a stay
 

I know this is probably a basic question, but how does Marriott decide what type of room to give you when you redeem points for a stay?

I am looking at a trip to stay at the Niagra Falls Fallsview hotel, cost shows to be 60k points. There are about 15 different categories of rooms, so I wonder what am I likely to receive? Is it based on a formula, reward level, or availability? I am a silver, would it different if was gold/plat?

Usually, when you book online, it tells you what type of room to expect: for example, garden view, city view, etc. Normally, if a hotel offers "upgraded" free nights, they want extra $ per night or extra points.

The awards without any additional costs or certs is their most basic room.

For gold/plats, they usually upgrade you to the nicest available non-suite room available. Key word is available.

Silvers may get upgrades, but I would not count on it.

Billy

I stayed at the Marriott Copley Sq last weekend on points and they put me on the CL level because I'm a gold. The CL is under construction, but oh well, it was still on the 28th floor :D

Book the room. Then call the hotel or Marriott Elite and see what options you have. That's what I usually do.

You will be default get a "standard" room. When I redeemed at that property, it was a non-falls-facing, lower floor room. They said there were no falls-facing rooms available and as it was a holiday weekend/sold out, I didn't doubt it. You should get upgraded to the best available non-suite, which may be falls-facing in low season or if they're not crowded.