My company's policy is - airfare - lowest possible, rental cars - lowest fare possible for a compact, hotels - up to $100 a night pre-tax.

If an employee would not mind, the company would rather fly him/her with 2 connections, overnight or over a full business day because the employee productivity does not show on the financial bottom line while the airfare does.
As far as hotels - here there are some classes and it's not the same as airfare. I would follow my company's rules and stay within the $100 mark. However, I would not sleep at Motel 6 for 39.99 even if it's available, nor would my company expect me to do so.

It's very easy and efficient for company's management teams to show BODs big saves on airfares (which are taken by the BODs as an expense that can be cut and utilized even more at any time). Rental cars and hotels are a little tougher to handle as they vary a lot by location.

So, I WILL BE Plat with Continental by the end of the year (so close, I'll do it and decide next year whether to stay or comp with another airline), and AM Diamond with Hilton and Platinum with Holiday Inn and I am flying on the lowest possible fare and keep the company's standard on all accounts keeping the costs low.