FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Seat 2A
Programs: AA EXP LT GLD 1MM, BA GLD, NH/UA*G, Hyatt Dia, Marr Tit LT PLT, IHG Spire,HH Dia, MGM NOIR,Hertz PC
Posts: 10,571
Depending on what kind of Marriott hotel you're intending to stay at having status or not won't make much of a difference. Some have reduced their lounge and breakfast offerings to a minimum and there are brands where being elite means nothing really.
Do you have Amex Plarinum that already comes with Bonvoy Gold? Otherwise as others noted maybe getting a Bonvoy card would make sense. I'm 100% convinced Marriott needs to slash their Elite requirements this year by 50% like everyone else, Maybe find a Fairfield Inn for 4 weeks and then you have Platinum bagged.