We are leaving next week for Cancun. Originally planned to use pts to stay at the JW but I found a rate for $199 a night, premium OV, includes breakfast buffet for 2 & a $50 daily resort credit. I could book an OV (could be a sliver of ocean) for $166 but no break included. We are gold status & it seems like maybe we should hold onto our pts for now. Do they automatically upgrade your room or do you have to ask for it? If I book POV would I perhaps get upgraded to OF? This is their slow season. Are you pretty much at the mercy of the clerk for upgrades? We are going to celebrate my 50 BD so I would like a room w/a good view.

gold status is a crapshoot as far as upgrades go, especially at vacation locations. You can ask, but they typically will not offer a complimentary upgrade but will offer an upgrade for $XX/night.

That said, I do agree it is typically not worth using points if you can get such a good rate.

Email them before you leave and let them know it is a special occasion and include your info including rewards number. Do this after you have made the reservation. Don't be afraid to ask for the upgrade to the manager ahead of time but do it very politely. I am platinum now but it worked before for me when I was gold.

But do it after you have the reservation made.