I think that is correct.

You will earn those miles - as part of being a member of the programm. This is needed for tracking them as well, as the hotel does not award you the miles but the program.

(Or did you ever get miles in a program you did not participate?)

In the case of PC it is easy - you can sign up when you are in the hotel, then go to the website and make the changes that you do earn miles instead of points.

The stay posts within 2-7 days of you checking out.

With Starwood it is more complicated:
I was told that you have to present your ffp card at checkin so you would get the miles, otherwhise it will be star points.


In all cases the programs are free. And if I may ask - what are you doing in flyertalk and going to a hotel and not be member already with eventual promotions set to your account? don't you know about the hotel frequent programms here