Hilton HHonors - Hhonors credit w/ non-website bookings

I think this has been addressed before, but I couldn't come up with the right combination to search with.

I believe it is now Hilton's policy to deny HHonors credit (points/miles/stay credit) for stays not booked on their website. Is this true?

It would seem that this policy would unduly penalize business travellers, since many, if not most, are required to use their in-house travel departments. This would mean that, even though you specifically request Hilton, and pay their rate, you still would get nothing for it.

Or have I misunderstood something?

I thought it was only denied for blind websites where you dont know you are getting Hilton (and certain non points earning rates)?

I think this has been addressed before, but I couldn't come up with the right combination to search with.

I believe it is now Hilton's policy to deny HHonors credit (points/miles/stay credit) for stays not booked on their website. Is this true?

It would seem that this policy would unduly penalize business travellers, since many, if not most, are required to use their in-house travel departments. This would mean that, even though you specifically request Hilton, and pay their rate, you still would get nothing for it.

Or have I misunderstood something?

I use a corporate travel dept, make my reservations through itn.net/my_company_name, and I have not missed a point on my stays.

I tried using AAA.com, and was told by Hilton that that stay would not qualify for points. I cancelled and used Hilton.com.

I believe Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, etc. are not eligible for points. It is not just Priceline and other blind engines.
I also believe that reservations made through traditional TA's are eligible - that must be the loophole that ITN.net and corporate travel depts. fall under.

From the HHonors website, "Stays that are booked via third party websites other than the websites of Hilton HHonors airline partners are not Eligible Stays irrespective of rate paid, for the purpose of earning points, miles or stay credit toward VIP tier status. Stays booked via "opaque" channels where the brand is unknown at the time of purchase are not Eligible Stays for the purpose of earning points, miles or stay credit toward VIP tier status, or the receipt of VIP tier benefits such as upgraded accommodations / amenities or access to health clubs."

See this thread - http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=330159 - recently closed

and this active thread

No Points for Incidentals on Third Party Stay? (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=327399)

as there are already 2 appropriate threads this one is toast...


thanks all

squeakr
MOD Hilton