Assuming (and as I have no evidence to the contrary...) that the OP did contact Marriott, and was told the card would be accepted, he is understandably upset. Early in my travel life I certainly would not have thought to verify it again, and in fact did not know that accepting these was optional by a property until I read this thread.

Personally, I think that stinks. IMO, a Marriott card, sold by Marriott, should be accepted at Marriott...expecting the customer to verify that seems inhospitable, to say the least.

With regards to his credit - if he bought the certs on the card, and is now having the "same" charges pre-authorized to it...that's a pretty hefty hit, and I certainly couldn't have carried it easily in my 20's.

If they would take the cards, checking in /out every few days would allow the OP to "pay up", releasing some of the pre-authorization....but sounds as if that is kind of moot now.

Pooker, I am sorry. Tough situation to be in, and I hope it works out. One thing I will say - as you have now learned, there are many facets to be considered when buying gift cards. A "good promotion" is only one of them - regardless of what the bloggers may tell you.