At many places (including the organization I work for), the term "travel" includes lodging as well. When I fill out a "travel reimbursement form", I include the details of the hotel(s) I have stayed at during my trip in the form. Orbitz, Expedia, Travelocity, and the likes are called "travel websites" and they offer hotel reservation services on top of other travel-related services.

Also, for me in this case, the difference in the amount of points I need to redeem is 70,000 points for a six-night stay in Japan, between the old and new HH point structure. I just feel like the peace of mind knowing that my reservation is secure and will be honored is much more important than those extra devalued points, considering that my son and I will be traveling half the globe to get there.