Originally Posted by
lexdevil
In the future, you should be aware that you can book for points before you have earned enough points to cover your stay. Just make sure you earn enough points before the stay begins. Marriott will debit your account about one week prior to your stay. This allows you to book on spec almost an entire year in advance.
Even if you have the points, you can call Marriott Rewards and ask that the reservation be made without the points being pulled. As mentioned, about one week before your stay the points will be deducted. I always do this, although I'm not sure exactly why. I just don't like the points deducted ahead of time, and like the flexibility of being able to use points in the meantime knowing I will earn the additional points before those are needed.