Expedia pay-at-the-hotel rates accrue points and elite nights. These are regular commissionable rates that may be used in conjunction with a Bonvoy membership.

Contrary to what most people are stating it’s not the fact that Marriott has to pay a commission that trumps the loyalty program. Even direct bookings may pay commission to cashback sites, travel blogs or other referral websites. It’s that some (most) OTAs use heavily discounted bulk rates where the loss of revenue for the property vis-à-vis the public rates is very significant.

The rule of thumb is that any rate that is paid directly to a third-party operator (be it an OTA or a brick and mortar TA), where the guest only has to produce a physical or virtual voucher to check-in for the stay, will most probably not be eligible for any benefits of the loyalty program.