The UK used to be really bad for posting points for me (90% didn't post which was a pain as I'm in Marriotts most weeks) - but in the past 6 months all the hotels have upgraded to a new system that means I only now have to occasionally chase for my Platinum Welcome gift - which is great as a year ago I used to have a tracking spreadsheet and chase when the points didn't post. My other experiences interntionally have been good, but for only a small number of hotels.

Guess I'm saying it does sound as though you've been particularly unlucky - but doesn't sound impossible. As for reservations - I just use the internet, quicker and more convenient!

lv

PS: Chasing for me is easy, I just send an email to the Marriott rewards elite email address on this forum and its sorted in 24 hours normally (Not sure if this is a Platinum only email, I found it here though)