I think you might be misinterpreting; I seriously doubt if they're going to charge you full-rate in advance on an award stay.

As VA1379 mentioned, most Marriott award reservations require you to guarantee it with a credit card & you only get charged (usually) for 1 night if you don't show.

Just out of curiosity I called the Plat line & enquired about a 7-day award stay at Phuket. She found a date in April that was available; had a 7-day cancel policy. Nothing about a full charge to a credit card. She said if you think there is give them a call & they'll help sort it out.

Also, as an fyi, most hotels will put a small hold on your c.c. upon arrival for incidentals. That's true whether award or paid. But they won't charge the room rate; it's just an incidental rate. I usually call the property in advance to find out how much so I can plan accordingly/adjust for exchange rate.

Cheers.