Just as a follow up... I received a call from the Sales Manager's "assistant". Due to work schedules we have been playing phone tag. That being said, I am still shocked at the tact Marriott is taking. Below is the latest email I've received:

"I know we keep missing each other. I can offer you ten rooms for April 20 and ten rooms for April 21, 2012. Once you have filled up the ten rooms I can add more rooms based on availability. I can also discount parking to $5 per day. Please let me know if you would like to go ahead and book the rooms.

Thanks

XXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX
Sales Coordinator"

I pose this question... When I can book as many rooms as I want for $10 more or the exact same rate with AAA (I am a member), and with Marriott's cancellation policy of the day of... Why wouldn't I book the 50+ rooms I need, and cancel them as/if people cancel with me? A bit more of a pain in the ... for me and the bride, but if we say rooms need to be taken care of within a week of the wedding, that still gives me 6 days of wiggle room. If they had just blocked off a reasonable number of rooms instead of taking the tactic of we'll give you 10 rooms and if I actually use them they will give me more 1 at a time I'd be all set, but they didn't...

I guess my question is... Why do I need them with Marriott's fantastic cancellation policy? Not that I would, but what's to stop me from booking their entire hotel and then cancelling the day of? I'm obviously not going to do that but I'm very disappointed with the way I'm being given the run around. I think I'm just going to book the 50 rooms (in the name of the people) that I know I'll need (at least) and if/when I end up not needing them, cancelling them with no recourse. I haven't received a formal proposal but I can almost guarantee there will be an 80% occupancy tie-in. Why deal with it when I don't have to?

Am I missing something? Any input would be GREATLY appreciated!