One thing you should remember is that when you book through the portal, you won't be eligible to earn hotel loyalty points or elite benefits. (upgradedpoints.com)
We've said before that you almost never get a better value when redeeming hotel loyalty points for anything other than hotel nights, the same is usually true with frequent flyer miles. (travellatte.net)
You get hotel loyalty points when booking AAA and Senior rates. (travelskills.com)