Here’s a sliver of a silver lining for Bonvoy fans…
Now that Marriott has implemented their Peak and Off-Peak award pricing, those with 50K free night certificates can book Category 7 hotels when they are priced at off-peak rates. Previously, 50K certs could only be used for Category 6 hotels and below. The bad news, of course, is that when Category 6 hotels are Peak priced, we won’t be able to use our 50K certificates since the peak price is 60K. Same story with Category 5 hotels and 35K certificates.
Sadly, the off-peak trick doesn’t readily work for 35K certificates since Category 6 hotels charge 40K off-peak. However, in very rare situations you may be able to book a Category 6 hotel with a 35K certificate: the award must be off-peak and PointSavers.