[QUOTE=infinityplusone]3) Ask to stay at a specific hotel (NOT Best Western). I would have chosen Hampton Inn (because of HHonors) or Westin (in airport). I doubt I would have gotten the Westin but again, it never hurts to ask.
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None of the programs give points for airline discount rate stays anymore, in my experience anyway. HHonors doesn't even give points for ANY stays not booked through them now. In fact the last two times I have been bumped the hotels did not even acknowledge my status. They just said that does not apply on this rate. No UG, no points, no water or anything special.