I started a new assignment back in July, so I went to my old Fairfield Inn and negotiated a nice rate we could both live with. Everything was fine through July and August.

In September, I started working on the Megabonus promo, but nothing was showing up. So I called Marriott Rewards, and I was told that, yes, they had the folios, but the rate coding (the 4-letter code on the bill) had changed to something that was not eligible for credit or points.

Hmmm.

I went down to the hotel and spoke with the manager, and he was quite surprised at this. Anyhow, he made some phone calls and assured me it would be taken care. End of story, I hope.

The lesson to be learned is, if you're any way at all on some "non-standard" rate or deal, check that the coding will allow you to get credit. I believe the manager doesn't really care much as long as he gets the money.