Not trying to get something for nothing, just trying to get clarification on accruing credit for stays.
A co-worker and I arranged to stay in a Marriott Courtyard for 3 nights last month; we had the client direct bill the room to themselves, saving us the step of invoicing them, etc. The hotel had our (Gold) Rewards numbers and provided free Wi-fi as a benefit thereof. I noticed afterwards that no credit was ever assigned to my Gold account so made inquiry of the 1-800 Rewards Desk. A very nice young lady made inquiry on my behalf and after a few days advised that after talking to the hotel (in the Caribbean), teh position the hotel took was that since the account was direct billed to a 3rd party, "...no points are assigned [to me]." I get that and and can apprecite the logic that since I did not pay anything out of pocket, I should not get any points based on the cost of the room.
But I kind of got lost in the maze and neglected to ask her furtherabout the actual reason for my inquiry: I am, like everyone else, trying to maintain my elite status and am trying to attain the 50 night requirement again this year. My thinking was and is that since I did stay there, I should be entitled to the 3 nights' credit toward my elite status. Am I wrong? I'll certainly appreciate any clarifying responses. I am not seeking exception to the rules, I just need to better understand the rule and at this point am a bit confused. In some ways, asking makes me feel like a beggar and I begin to ask myself if the quest for renewal is worth it or not in the face of such rigidity. Thanks for any thougths you might have.