Originally Posted by chitown85

There are dedicated loyalty points threads on Shopping, Simplimiles, etc but wanted to start one for hotels and earning loyalty points for stays. Today TPG posted a new article on earning via direct bookings or BookAAhotels.com and Rocketmiles.com/aa with some good insights.

I've used both in past and find that the rates are typically within reason of other big booking sites like Expedia or Booking.com but obviously member direct rates with the chains come into play. But the earn rates are so strong in some cases I'm willing to forgo hotel points or elite status earning. In my own experience with Lifetime Titanium on Marriott, whenever Ive booked a third party rate I email or call in advance and put my number in. I dont earn points but 95% of the time I still receive elite benefits like upgrades, breakfast, etc.

I also find this option to be great when booking in cities without good options for my preferred chain, and even more fun to venture out and book boutique or chain hotels without points programs like Four Seasons. YMMV but thought people could share good examples in this thread as well as learnings as the LP program evolves and we get clarity on booster miles, bonuses, etc.