Timing can be a little tricky -
but last year Marriott offered a $1000.00 gift certificate for $900. It worked out that it was right around the time we were taking a vacation at a pricey FS - so we bought (2). We still got points and night credit; but were $200 to the good before we ever checked in!

I will be watching for that offer again this year -


(I said timing is tricky as you don't want to do it if you charge it and are going to carry finance charges or have to pay for it so far in advance that your cash is tied up for months.........)