No points for TA booking

[RooFlyer]

Just checked into the Novotel Krakow and very nice receptionist let me know that since it was a 'special rate from your travel agent', the stay wouldn't earn any points.

I was too tired to argue the point and for al I know, she may be right; my Accor number is in the booking and I can argue later if needs be. Its a pre paid rate, booked through a TA but IIRC about the same as from the web site#

Has anyone heard of this before? Had a look on the Accor web site and nothing there that I found. And if true, is it just points or the status-relevant nights stays as well?


# And to answer the obvious question - why didn't I book it myself .... answer is I wanted the TA to get some commissions; she looks after me so I try to reciprocate, even though I usually like to book my own accommodation.

 

[jetlagger]

Just checked into the Novotel Krakow and very nice receptionist let me know that since it was a 'special rate from your travel agent', the stay wouldn't earn any points.

I was too tired to argue the point and for al I know, she may be right; my Accor number is in the booking and I can argue later if needs be. Its a pre paid rate, booked through a TA but IIRC about the same as from the web site#

Has anyone heard of this before? Had a look on the Accor web site and nothing there that I found. And if true, is it just points or the status-relevant nights stays as well?


# And to answer the obvious question - why didn't I book it myself .... answer is I wanted the TA to get some commissions; she looks after me so I try to reciprocate, even though I usually like to book my own accommodation.

I have also heard this spiel from several of hotel receptionists upon checking in. I am well aware that through booking through any third party - TA's, consolidators, OLA, airlines, etc. that points will not be earned for the stay.
The points can be a bonus. Don't become obsessed though. Enjoy your stay in Krakow!

 

[RooFlyer]

Thanks; no not too worried about points (the hotel is where I want it at the price I wanted it) but may as well get 'em if entitled. Sounds like a no.

Krakow surprisingly uncrowded. I'm learning the lingo fast!

 

[Aussie_flyer]

If its booked through a gds like sabre it should earn. Any other ta booking through other wholesalers usually wouldn't.

 

[Cynicor]

Wholesaler vs GDS is the key.

Wholesalers are those catalogues that you see in the shops, generally. If you book through them then no points.

 

[RooFlyer]

Thanks again for the replies. TA advises that the booking was a regular GDS one, with no special rate.

I guess its the hotel I need to 'have the discussion' with, rather than Accor, as the hotel will be the one 'paying' the points?

Quite a few Accor stays booked on this trip .. hope this is a one-off

 

[markis10]

For a French company they can be very Scottish with giving the points.

 

[RooFlyer]

I wanted to investigate more as to why no points for this stay at the Novotel Krakow, when booked through TA on GDS, using 'normal rate'. Interesting discussion with a senior-ish lady; she was nice about the enquiry, wanting to explain the situation to me.

The reason for no points etc is that I booked through a TA, not the rate per se, which she acknowledged was the 'public rate'. Basically she was saying in so many words that the TA could get a commission, or I could get points, but not both. She said these rules were there to encourage guests to book direct, and commercially that makes sense.

Then - God bless technology - I took out my phone, logged onto the CBA application and showed her that the stay was paid with my own credit card. All the TA did was to tap the reservation keys instead of me. This puzzled her a bit; she looked at the paperwork and then she acknowledged that as I had effectively paid direct there was no reason for me not to get points; it appeared new to her that a TA would use my cc to pay as opposed to the TA paying off their own account then charging me.

I don't think they were trying to rip me off, just a flag went up in the reservation and the shutters came down automatically. Points will be earned.

Henceforth I think I'll stick with my normal policy & book hotels direct; Accor at least.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

I wanted to investigate more as to why no points for this stay at the Novotel Krakow, when booked through TA on GDS, using 'normal rate'. Interesting discussion with a senior-ish lady; she was nice about the enquiry, wanting to explain the situation to me.

The reason for no points etc is that I booked through a TA, not the rate per se, which she acknowledged was the 'public rate'. Basically she was saying in so many words that the TA could get a commission, or I could get points, but not both. She said these rules were there to encourage guests to book direct, and commercially that makes sense.

Then - God bless technology - I took out my phone, logged onto the CBA application and showed her that the stay was paid with my own credit card. All the TA did was to tap the reservation keys instead of me. This puzzled her a bit; she looked at the paperwork and then she acknowledged that as I had effectively paid direct there was no reason for me not to get points; it appeared new to her that a TA would use my cc to pay as opposed to the TA paying off their own account then charging me.

I don't think they were trying to rip me off, just a flag went up in the reservation and the shutters came down automatically. Points will be earned.

Henceforth I think I'll stick with my normal policy & book hotels direct; Accor at least.

They are getting things very mixed up at accor.... clearly she actually knew nothing about the difference between a gds pay direct booking and a prepaid wholesaler rate.

Ps most agents dont use the gds as it takes too long to get a commission back from the hotel after you stay. IME anyway

 

[tomo69]

I know this is dated now, but a couple of years back I booked mecure Townsville via Qantas hotels. Showed Accor card upon check in and awarded both