I'm not sure this is good advice, at least in terms of the OP's described issue. He'll fail to get elite benefits on any hotels if it's prohibited by his employer. Now, getting a hotel in a convenient location, whether or not you're a member of the loyalty program, is excellent advice. When you're traveling for work, loyalty programs are a consideration or a tie-breaker, but they should never rise above doing one's job well. Risking being late for a meeting because you're driving across town in traffic isn't a reason to stay at a Marriott when there's something next door to the meeting place.