Originally Posted by
craigthemif
There's a big difference between EARNING points and nights for elite status qualification - probably no chain does this - and chains that recognise you with some extra perks even though you didn't book direct.
There's also a big difference between the OTAs like Expedia / Priceline and corporate-style travel agencies that are available to the general public (i.e. FHR, etc.)
I've had different experiences. A few weeks ago I got points and EARNED elite qualifying nights from a stay I booked with HotelTonight