Originally Posted by bhatnasx

I've done meetings at Hilton's before & they told me that they wouldn't give me points for the meeting (even though its their policy to do so - this was at the Hilton in Arlington, VA - Ballston area). Marriott gives points & depending on what region your doing your meetings (DFW? try: http://www.gowestmarriott.com/eventplanning.aspx) there are often bonuses...Starwood doesn't seem to have as much regional bonuses, though some individual hotels may offer something...

As someone who's done a bit of meeting planning before - don't focus on the points (yeah, as an FT'er, I shouldn't say that!) - focus on the service provided. I've been to meetings at the Sheraton Premiere in Tysons Corner, VA, where the A/V was having serious issues & we couldn't get a good internet signal. It really delayed the meeting & didn't leave a good impression on the attendees.

Be sure to shop the site as well - make sure ample parking exists for non-overnight guests (and is comped or do they have to pay?); how's the food & beverage at the hotel - what kinds of food & beverage offerings do they have? Limited coffee breaks or full breakfast/catered lunches, etc...Will they allow late checkout for all 25 or so attendees? Are their meeting rooms adequate for your event? Are they charging high attrition rates? What's the cut-off date for the group reservations? Do they charge to accept packages delivered (some hotels charge a receiving fee, others don't)...those are all more important, IMHO, than the points you'll receive as the planner - look at the points as an added bonus.