Originally Posted by
margarita girl
The reasoning behind no benefits when booked through a 3rd party is the 3rd party takes a 10-20% commission. However, I don’t understand how Fine Hotels & Resorts gets around this as guests do get their benefits and points.
There is a carve out that allows traditional travel agents to book Bonvoy-eligible rates (this group includes American Express Platinum Travel Service---phone for sure, Amex online seems to be a subject of debate at times as to whether points are always granted). OTAs can take a much higher cut than the traditional travel agency commission model allows based on placement in listings, promoting certain properties over others, etc.