Originally Posted by mctaste

I love the concept of being outraged over something a) so small; and b) any traveler should know. Of course you don’t get perks if you use an OTA. OTA users are sub-human to hotel clerks, in my experience.

Originally Posted by lingua101

sometimes I wonder, why people with over 2500 nights and LT Titanium (which should be MR Plat lifetime?), but do not know the "basic" rule of the game

i only stay more than 10% of that nights.... but I know that non direct booking will not have any Elite benefit.....

Originally Posted by fdem

I am most certainly not a defender of Marriott but if you have travelled 2500 nights you should better understand how the program works. It is 100% down to your employer by booking through an ota. Imagine if everyone whether silver, gold or above just booked using oats then what purpose would Marriott Bonvoy serve! Either explain to your boss that in order for you to get your perks you need to book via bonvoy or a travel agent that Marriott recognises.

Originally Posted by lingua101

is this true? It probably gone pre-merger. is it written as part if T&C or a goodwill done by the hotel? and I have found many instance like this in some other forum. Elite Gold/Platinum and they do not even understand the basic rules

but seriously with 2,500 nights he should fall into savvy traveler, not?

Originally Posted by SHLTP

I'm no Marriott apologist by any means, but how does OP after 2500 nights not know basic rules of the game? Marriott is right not to extend benefits

Nights booked this way do NOT let member accrue points or get benefits. How can one be outraged when properties follow program rules? They obviously trying to bypass paying out commission to an agent thus no benefits. Get mad at your company travel agent not Marriott... but actually company travel agent probably just trying to keep costs down... just as Marriott is. Companies don't exist to stuff points in employee accounts. This is why customer service often starts looking at my complaints with a grain of salt - too many members freak out when they shouldn't. I will probably be banned for this post.

Originally Posted by Admiral Ackbar

2500 nights and no clue that a huge merger with another loyalty program may change things?

I barely get to 30-60 nights a year but know how most of the programs work (Marriott was the exception in letting OTA bookings get benefits), they are all (well Hilton and Accor for sure) the same on this point.You have been presented with easy solutions (get your corp TA to book the correct rates) don't know why you are getting so worked up at people here trying to help.

Originally Posted by tkelvin69