"Price Reduction" Award?
 

Does Marriott have / have they ever had an award category that would allow you to pay less for a room, as opposed to going on a full award stay? I.e., x% off your bill for y points?

I am working in London this summer, and am currently staying at various 4-star properties - I would love to try out a few of the 5-stars (Park Lane, Ren. Chancery Court, West India Quay), but certainly don't need to take full award stays. Basically, I need to get the price of the 5-star down to that of a 4-star so my expense report doesn't get rejected :)

This probably isn't what you're looking for, but I've had a number of award stays that included a cash "buy up" to a better-quality room.

I'm not aware of any award that allows you to "buy down" the cash cost of a room, but perhaps a points redemption for a Marriott gift certificate would get you where you want to go? :confused:

You could consider doing a partial award / partial pay stay. If you're "permitted" weekly hotel bill is $1,000 and 5 nights at a 5-start would be $1,250, stay on an award for one night, and pay $250/per for the other 4 nights. Total is still $1,000 for the week.

Great point.

AAND,

There is also the option to use PointSaver rewards for 33% less points at participating properties. For more information go to www.marriottrewards.com or click on the link below.

http://marriott.com/rewards/mesOffer...splayLink=true

Thanks,

Chris

The basic answer to your question is: No. There are no Awards like that.

But I wish they did have them.