I would suggest going to the Vacation Club website to see a list of locations. If you plan on being in the area, call the location and schedule a tour (they always have room on their schedule for a tour). It should take only 2-2 1/2 hours depending on if you ask any questions to make it look good.

Many of the VCs are also offering cheap vacations if you take the tour (of course you don't get points, since you get the discounted vacation).

As an example, the VC in Absecon, NJ is currently offering a 2 night stay (Sun -Thurs) with 2 rounds of golf for $99 (Fri - Sat will cost $199). However, the golf is at Blue Heron, which is close by and a good course, but not the Marriott course AND you may not actually stay in the villas (unless you request that when you schedule a date) -- if the VC is booked they will put you in a nearby Sheraton.

There are many others you can try as well.

Warning though -- many people who say they're going only for the points or cheap vacation end up falling in love with the place and buy a week -- so be strong. Good thing is Marriott is not the type to do a real hard sell. So they won't hound you to death.

A final option if you want the points and a vacation is to go to the Timeshare Users Group website (tug.com) and search for Marriott timeshares for rent. You should be able to find something reasonable. Then when you go to the location you can schedule a tour (for points which vary from 10,000-20,000)when you check in. You may also find weeks for rent on eBay.

Enjoy.