Originally Posted by
PTahCha
Was the rate paid the as part of a room block, or was it a negotiated rate that can be used anytime? If it was a room block, it's considered an event, even though there's no event/meeting taking place at the hotel. If it's a negotiated rate that can be used anytime, then it's not an event, and you get points/benefits. This is the reason why when we reserved a room block, we specify that the invitees pay for their own room and incidentals, so they get the points and benefits.
Unless the member stole the cash from someone, that person "paid" for the room with said bank notes (or bags of coins).
Pretty sure it was a room block - we have a rate with the hotel, but booked a block of rooms because we didn't know exactly who would be filling them on this trip, and that happens from time to time. Honestly this all likely falls in some weird gray area. If Marriott just told me "because there was a block, we consider it an event, and therefore there's no credit possible since you didn't pay directly either" then we'd know exactly what to adjust for the future. Will take your advice though - and ensure that we all just pay directly next time, or at least those who care to earn the points and stays.
I buy your explanation more than what Marriott is telling me, that's for sure.