on a long term assignment you can sometimes negotiate a lower rate that will allow you to stay checked in even when you go home on weekends without any additional cost. so rather than $149/nite for 4 nites a week, you pay $99/nite for 7 and get the nights stay.

I will get about 180 nites in one reservation this year (6/4-12/31) and maybe 365 next year. in addition, when i go to another city and stay in a marriott, i will also get the nights stay there as well as the points!

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