My traveling was in the days before 3rd party reservations, but I did use a Travel,Agent. There weren't too many unwanted surprises except one reservation in Key West. I wound up at a clothing optional joint. Wouldn't have even minded that except most guests were 70+!
Some things carried forward though. Despite the fact that I haven't hardly used a hotel in 20 years I went back East for a wedding a few months ago. There was a Marriott Courtyard at the Charlotte, NC airport and I made reservations there through the Marriott system. Turned out I'm a lifetime member of their awards program, and additionally I still had a bunch of points credit on the program. Only had to pay for one night of the two night stay, and my room was upgraded.