So I know about
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marri...-required.html but here's one I haven't seen discussed here before...
Looking at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, I see the following interesting rate detail under "Marriott Rewards Member Exclusive Offer, includes deposit required, see Rate details":
Additional Information
Member Rewards Exclusive Offer
Book a room at the Best Available Rate staying 5 nights or more and receive 1 year Elite Platinum status.
The status will be applied for on the departure date.
It can take up to 6 weeks for the status request to be processed.
Rate is per room per night, based on single or double occupancy, exclusive of taxes, gratuities, fees and other charges.
It does not apply to groups and cannot be combined with any other offer. Guest must be a Marriott Rewards member to qualify.
Booking Window
Must be booked by June 30, 2016. Must travel by December 18, 2016
Holding Your Reservation
We will need a credit card prepayment to reserve your room.
To ensure that you receive this special rate, we will charge your credit card a prepayment of 1,042.84 USD (your room charge plus tax for your first night) on September 3, 2016.
Today is August 26, so I'm not sure I'd rely on a promotion that must be "booked by June 30"... Also, the nightly rate I'm quoted is about $290, so I'm not sure what that $1k "first night" room charge is...