Thank you for the input. Every way I look at it it seems best to do it this way. I have at least put it on hold. The lowest rate at this place is 89 dollars, just 2 nights on the weekends. Every other rate is higher lists as 179 when booked in smaller blocks. (It is actually showing as sold out for a couple of nights when checking individually or in groups of 2 or 3 nights). If I check for the whole two week span it's still available at 129/night. If they were that close to selling nights out I'm surprised they had Standard awards available. Thankfully I did put it on hold with the agent who said no 10% limit. I then talked to a Marriott Rewards agent about the 10% and she didn't know about a limit either. So I'm 2 for 3 saying no 10 percent limit. I can confirm my plans and buy the points maybe on Sunday. Also, after putting it on hold it went from Standard Award to Stay anytime on the website for those dates.

It's in the San Francisco/Silicon Valley area. I have had the 32000 Marriott points for 18 months I got them from a timeshare presentation and a stay for a conference at work that was way more expensive than I would ever spend on my own. (I'm not cheap, I just don't spend time in rooms on vacation) and have not found very useful ways to spend them. I have no desire nor likely ability to get higher in the MR system, so status is not a factor here. While I am a newbie spending Marriott points I am familiar with valuations of miles/points etc. I'm sure I could find some other ways to get the points, but it's next weekend, and if I can confirm my plans this weekend, buying the points or a quick trade on CC seems to be the easiest. I Usually when we travel it doesn't make sense to use points and I use Priceline (which isn't very useful for a long stay with a desire for a fridge..., guaranteed high speed internet which is free in this case).

I'm basically paying 32,000 points plus 600 dollars for a room that would cost me at least 1200 dollars probably closer to 1400 with taxes for a similar property anywhere close to it. There is no question in my mind it's a good use of the points and a steal for buying points at 1.25cents/point and redeeming for around 2 cents per point. My biggest worry is buying the points or trading for points and then have them come back and say. Sorry, sir you can't do that or sorry this was a mistake, this hotel is ....... At least if I buy the points, I may have some recourse directly with Marriott and could say refund the points purchase , so I'm leaning that way.