Originally Posted by TravelinSperry

Agreed, with a caveat. I find that only some chains are instantly discounted via OTAs (Hilton and IHG for example) while others offer identical rates when booking direct (Marriott and Hyatt for example). Now these are generalizations as I'm sure you can find a Marriott property less at an OTA, etc. But the generality stands imo. Thus - is it worth getting a credit card and joining a loyalty program? Yes, for Marriott and definitely for Hyatt (if their smaller footprint works for you). For Hilton or IHG - maybe as Hilton has a no AF card (so why not apply?) and IHG has a reasonably priced $99 AF card if you're staying a lot at that chain.

And I also agree BRG doesn't work for Hilton/Accor/IHG as the OTAs have figured out how to make the T&Cs ever so slightly different now - and thus I keep getting declined even though it's obvious I'm saving hundreds per stay by booking via the OTA (and the cancel policies or pre-pay policies are 1 day off)