Originally Posted by
synzero
This is one of the most basic rules of the game: no elite benefits unless you book directly with the hotel, or via a corporate rate your employer negotiated directly
...and "published" non-negotiated GDS rates, the kind that leisure travelers used to book through individual TA's before "OTA"'s and "direct booking" were a thing. AFAIK they still exist and are eligible for benefits even though they are commissionable rates.