13% is on the low side. I know this because Mr. used to book through Egencia and on top of the hotel cost there's a fee charged. The rate looks like 20% or so.

Think about it, CB sites offer up to 10% CB on the big OTAs.

I don't get affected by the flooding platinum problem. In at least 2 hotel lounges in Malaysia I know that food will always be replenished. Even if a clan of 8 barge in and take all the food they will refill. Not all kids make noise and I have seen plenty of inconsiderate adults talking loudly on their phones.

The whole point of giving away platinum is to get people to stay and if the lounges are packed they got what they wanted. I don't believe people pay $650/year without using the hotels.

How much can those breakfast cost to make (I am mostly focusing on the US)? It's all cheap items and somehow hotels think that people are more than happy to pay the exorbitant prices if they don't get it for free. If a hotel is that cheap they won't get my business.

Mr is only 18 nights away from LTP and I am already LTP so once we are done we are free agents.

Marriott has changed a lot and their spirit to serve is not to guests but to hotels.