Thanks for the replies guys!

Based in Glasgow, Scotland so the closest marriotts are in Glasgow and Edinburgh and are looking about £80 a night before my challenge expires mid feb so I'm not sure it's worth it for the gold status? Totally understand marriott won't just give it away but sometimes you get lucky!

In terms of the 40 nights thing it was my 40th ever night as a member and 40th night in Shanghai but split over 2 hotels. The one which mentioned the "gift" was the Pudong East. I thought it very odd as well but didn't push them at the time as had a good stay there.