The Marriott Hotel chain has embarked on a campaign to encourage customers to bypass intermediary travel agencies and directly book with the hotel chain itself. This has angered many in the travel industry, because they feel that the very industry that Marriott selects to market their hotel chain to are being disparaged. In fact, the American Society of Travel Agents has come out with a statement that reflects their dissatisfaction with the decision and questions the ethical and legal basis of Marriott's campaign.

So - do you want to book directly at Marriott's site?

The advertising campaign consists of several short commercials where direct booking of Marriott is encouraged. However, the travel industry says that the travel agents use the prices off the Marriott site, so the ads are misleading.

For myself, I would much rather go to a site with all the hotels so I can get a good price at the best hotel. Once you have stayed in a variety of hotels, you tend to create favorite hotel chains that incorporate your favored features, such as good, free WiFi; a great working environment, plus cleanliness and comfort. If Marriott would offer these features, my head might be turned.

Will having to go to Marriott's site to make your reservations convince you to stay at Marriott? For me, the answer is no.