escapefromphl

What we’re discussing here is the hotel equivalent of a Basic economy fare, for which you typically get no seat assignment miles and elite benefits. Marriott doesn’t want you (you the business traveler) to book this hence they give no benefits or credit. It’s supposed to be sold to price sensitive traveler who doesn’t care about elite benefits. Plus its easy to avoid - don’t book through OTA.

paolo64

Of course Marriott will deny those benefits, unfortunately. Marriott wants everyone to book direct with them, paying a premium in the process ( 10, 20% or more), so that they can provide those ‘free’ benefits , like points, lounge, breakfast.

jaejaez

I managed to convince my (now ex) employer that if they book me using a non OTA corp rate I would get comp breakfast and free pressing etc, hence I would be reimbursing from the company less travel expense, which worked.

NoviceFT

It is true...my priceline booking did not get me nights or points credit but I got the elite benefits.

SHLTP

I'm no Marriott apologist by any means, but how does OP after 2500 nights not know basic rules of the game? Marriott is right not to extend benefits

Nights booked this way do NOT let member accrue points or get benefits. How can one be outraged when properties follow program rules? They obviously trying to bypass paying out commission to an agent thus no benefits.

Get mad at your company travel agent not Marriott... but actually company travel agent probably just trying to keep costs down... just as Marriott is. Companies don't exist to stuff points in employee accounts.

This is why customer service often starts looking at my complaints with a grain of salt - too many members freak out when they shouldn't.

I will probably be banned for this post.

yorkboy24

I think those on business who have received elite status, points and benefits, courtesy of their company, often not having to spend a penny themselves (no pun intended UKers), should simply appreciate this rather than complain when their company changes its policy.

There are many 100% leisure travellers or those self-employed who have to actually spend money to earn their status with no corporate rates available to us.

So if you want to continue to take advantage, sort it out with your company and don’t blame Marriott or look for sympathy from those who have to do it the hard way (and even without credit card options / nights when outside US).

SHLTP

Actually I'd be outraged of Marriott extended benefits for someone who bypassed the system


Not really of course... but one gets the idea.

For senior employees I let them choose where to book & earn as a benefit for their loyalty. For example I'm staying at a Hyatt next week so I can re qualify for Globalist sooner but suggested my employee to stay at the more expensive St Regis next door because he wants Marriott points.

For junior employees? I tell them where to book from a cost standpoint

Not sure how employees can get outraged at how travel managers book rates. Maybe OP needs to return to his previous company

IluvSQ

But a lot less than they would on other booking methods

dcstudent

True, OP you need to talk to whomever has some oversight of corporate travel at your office. My guess is your company found a way to save money on hotels, but in exchange for whatever savings its getting you as the employee lose out on benefits.

northsideguy

No one is “screening members” except for you with “anyone who is legacy SPG need not reply to this thread.” Rules are in place to protect the hard earn benefits of lifetime elite members. Yes, protect your benefits! Protect your benefits from those who do not follow the rules and try to deceive the system. You may not like the rules, which is your choice to decide. Yet you can’t arbitrary ignore a rule for your own benefit and expect the same rule to be enforced on others. If this rule “offends you” then stay somewhere else.

Oh, I am in no way associated with Marriott, but I back them in this decision 100%!

TomMM

Guess you are finding out that those "free" benefits really aren't free.

swag

It was only in late 2018, less than a year and a half ago, that Marriott stopped honoring elite benefits for OTA bookings. Those of us who visit this forum regularly know the current policy, but we're a small minority. For others, even those with a long history and a ton of lifetime nights, it's easy to see how they might not.

warakorn

Marriott should just make these rates available at its direct sales channels. Problem solved! No more commission to Expedia and other OTA.

Well, if Marriott sells Basic rates only via OTAs, then I doubt that your statement (Marriott wants everyone to book direct with them) is correct.

bosman

Agree, but OP continues to be outraged and castigates FT members who point our the facts. Personally, I would have replied with something like "well, that sucks, but thank you for clarifying what is going on".

JBord

Ugh...have to go off topic for a minute here, even though I agree the OP is completely incorrect.

Every once in a while a post is made insinuating that people who travel on their own dime are somehow more deserving of the benefits. Besides only being marginally related to this thread, it's incorrect for many reasons:

1. I'd wager there are very few people who ONLY spend their company's money. They all take vacations and personal trips too.
2. Corporate money is more important to Marriott than your personal money, because it's a much much larger pool. They should reward corporate travelers the same, if not more.
3. "Leisure travelers" do not HAVE to spend the money, as you stated. They choose to. Corporate travelers have to, often being taken away from home and family when they wish they weren't. I agree with your point about small employers not getting corporate rates. However, many corporate travelers are locked into staying at certain hotels because of these rates and contracts. A small employer has many more options, and more control over price and experience.

All that said, you're 100% correct that this is a problem the OP needs to take up with his employer. Just not sure I agree with your reasoning to get there .