Gotcha. I generally only care and stay at Marriott's since their loyalty program did its job in 2005 and sucked me in. Sorry to see the long (and I guess common) slide to the bottom since 2009. SPG too?

When huge players merge and eliminate competition, we are the losers, I bet this is another side effect.

Again, I would love to know if PLT can still cancel DOA as rumored & undocumented in the past. If anyone tries it, please report.