I searched this forum and read other threads on the E195 award - a $1000 Gift Cheque for 135,000 points . . . need more help with this please!

We want to stay at the Grand Residences (vacation club) in Lake Tahoe for one week during ski season. There are no awards available to redeem for this property in Tahoe using just MR points. Rates for a one bedroom villa are normally around $170 per night.

First, are these Marriott cheques valid for use at MGVC properties?

Second, I can book a one bedroom villa for $119 per night using the Marriott Elite special promotional rate of 33% off. Reading the T & C for using the cheque, I am not certain--- can I use the cheque to pay for our room that week? It is not a travel industry, convention, advance purchase rate, but is the Elite promotion a "public" rate that will allow payment of my room with the cheque?