The big chains are fighting to stay relevant against the channels (Expedia, Priceline, Airbnb). Franchisees don't want to pay 6-8% of revenue to a chain and then another 10-15% to a channel. They're going to pick one or the other, and right now, my bet is on the OTA or "online travel agency" aka Expedia.

This battle is existential for the chains (they're out of business if they lose). They need to be seen by member properties as "worth it" or the properties will "de-flag" and go independent, getting bookings directly from the channels. They're trying every play in the book, from merging to get more bargaining power (Marriott's purchase of Starwood), creating their own tech stack to drive direct bookings for member hotels (this), and trying every loyalty trick known to man.

In the long run the current situation isn't stable. Franchisees aren't going to pay for both a channel and a chain. The chains couldn't get their shit together enough to bring the individual properties bookings (what you're supposedly paying that 6% of revenue for) and they're going the way of the dodo. That's what's really going on here.

Roomkey et al is the chain-funded effort to fight back against Expedia, etc. They're going to lose unless they get serious about fighting Expedia and co. head-on. The problem is, they're fighting a battle where Expedia already has a strong, fortified position and it's going on be on their (Expedia's) terms. I don't see how this ends well for the chains.