Another option might be to use "Coupon Connection" to trade in your Marriott points with the FTers who may be Marriott timeshare owners (such as myself). Owners can get these reservations at deep cash discounts and even get extra inventory for "Friends and family" at cheap prices. Timeshare owners often are looking for points stay for less than 7 day stays, especially in Europe, New York city etc where timesharing is not that common.