I used the chain extensively with my gov't travel. They tried to decline points based on the fact that i was given a 'local contract" rate vs a gov't rate for rooms.

After 3 months of emails and phone calls, they awarded the points.

Why does it have to be so hard when it is based on $ spent vs visits?

BTW: whenever I have a choice (often) I tell my agents to make sur that i am not at one of the participating hotels.