Unveiling Choice Privileges: A Comprehensive Review of the Rewards Program
PointsCrowd is a community-supported platform. When you apply for a credit card, make an order, or otherwise interact with the advertisers through the links on this page we may earn an affiliate commission. This helps us maintain and develop the platform further at no cost to you.
Originating from the inaugural hotel chain in 1939, Choice Hotels has a rich history. Currently, it boasts a global presence with 7,000 hotels in 40 countries, solidifying its position as one of the most expansive hotel chains worldwide.
Choice Hotels showcases a diverse portfolio, ranging from an extensive collection of budget-friendly accommodations to the continual expansion of its upscale brands. The properties under the Choice Hotels umbrella cover a broad spectrum, catering to various preferences and ensuring a comprehensive lodging experience.
In a recent U.S. News ranking of 15 prominent hotel loyalty programs, Choice Privileges secured second place. This evaluation considered member preferences, the average nights required for a free stay, and the ease of earning and redeeming points.
The program’s ascension was bolstered by Choice Hotels’ acquisition of Radisson Hotels America in August 2022, expanding the brand portfolio from 13 to 22.
Hotel Brands Under Choice Privileges
One of the program’s strengths lies in its diverse hotel brands. From economy to upscale, Choice Privileges encompass a wide spectrum, providing options suitable for various preferences and budgets. Notable brands include Comfort Inn, Sleep Inn, Quality Inn, and the newly acquired Radisson brands (Park Plaza, Country Inn & Suites, and Park Inn by Radisson and others), ensuring a broad selection of accommodations for members.
Earning Choice Privileges Points: A Strategic Approach to Rewards
Unlocking Points Through Hotel Stays
One of the primary pathways to amassing Choice Privileges points is through hotel stays. Members can earn up to 10 points per dollar spent when booking a stay at any of the 7,000+ Choice Hotels® properties. This diverse range of accommodations spans the globe, offering options from upscale lodgings to budget-friendly getaways in over 40 countries and territories. It’s essential to note that WoodSpring Suite® properties are currently not participating in the program.
Choice Privileges Credit Card: A Stepping Stones to Points Abundance
Choice Hotels, in partnership with Wells Fargo, has introduced two Choice Privileges credit card: Choice Privileges Mastercard and Choice Privileges Select Mastercard, as tools for program members to increase their earning potential.
Choice Privileges Mastercard & Choice Privileges Select Mastercard Benefits
| Benefits | Choice Privileges Mastercard | Choice Privileges Select Mastercard |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | Free | $95 |
| Bonuses for accommodation | 5 Choice Privileges points for every dollar spent at Choice Hotels | 10 Choice Privileges points for every dollar spent at Choice Hotels |
| Automatic elite status + elite night | Gold + 10 Elite night credits qualifying | Platinum + 20 Elite night credits qualifying |
| Earn bonus points for expenses at gas stations, grocery stores, home improvement stores, and phone plan services | 3 points per spent dollar | 5 points per spent dollar |
| Other purchases | 1 point per spent dollar | 1 point per spent dollar |
| Welcome bonus | 40,000 points upon spending $1,000 in the first 3 months | 60,000 points upon spending $3,000 in the first 3 months, along with a 30,000-point anniversary bonus each year upon card renewal |
Beyond Hotel Stays: Diversifying Point Accumulation
Choice Privileges open doors to diverse opportunities for earning points beyond hotel stays.
| Ways to earn Choice Privileges points | Details |
|---|---|
| Bluegreen Vacations | Collaborating with the official vacation ownership partner, Bluegreen Vacations, Choice Privileges members can earn points for stays at cabins, resorts, and more in popular destinations like Myrtle Beach, Orlando, and Las Vegas |
| Gaming Getaway | Members can earn and redeem points for stays at 20+ casino hotels and resorts, featuring brands like Hollywood Casino, Ameristar, Boomtown, and more |
| Car Rentals with Avis and Budget | Renting a car with Avis and Budget not only provides up to 35% off base rates but also allows Choice Privileges members to earn 1,000 points for each rental |
| Exclusive Cruises | Opting for Choice Privileges Cruises offers members the chance to earn 5 points for every $1 spent on the price of their cruise, redeemable for cruise credits on hundreds of sailings |
| Skip the Dishes | For a limited time, members can earn 500 bonus points by enrolling in Choice Privileges Eat & Earn and spending a minimum of $25 at participating restaurants within the first 30 days |
| Refer a Friend | Advocacy pays off, with members receiving 500 points for referring friends to the Choice Privileges Rewards Program |
| Buy Points | Accelerate your journey to the next reward by purchasing points, whether aiming for gift cards or a well-deserved getaway |
| Take Surveys with e-Rewards | Members can earn 500 bonus Choice Privileges points by signing up and completing surveys with e-Rewards, with additional opportunities for ongoing points accumulation through survey participation |
Transferring points to Choice Privileges
An additional benefit is an ability to transfer rewards from other popular travel programs.
Below are the currencies that can be transferred and their conversion rates:
| Name travel program | Transfer Ratio to Choice point |
|---|---|
| American Express Membership Rewards (Amex) point | 1:1 |
| Capital One miles | 1:1 |
| Citi ThankYou Rewards points | 1:2 |
The program’s multifaceted approach, from credit card partnerships to diverse earning opportunities, provides members with a strategic pathway to maximize their rewards. By strategically leveraging the various earning avenues, members can fast-track their way to an array of enticing rewards and experiences.
Using Points: Navigating the Choice Privileges Redemption Landscape
The true measure of a loyalty program’s value often lies in the simplicity and flexibility of its redemption process. In this realm, Choice Privileges shines, offering its members a straightforward and adaptable system. This ease of use empowers members to unlock the benefits of their loyalty effortlessly.
Free Nights, Uncomplicated
Utilizing points for free hotel stays with Choice Privileges is a hassle-free experience. The process is designed to be user-friendly and efficient, ensuring that members can enjoy the perks of their loyalty effortlessly.
Understanding the Point System
Here’s a breakdown of how the redemption process works:
How many points will I need?
- Reward nights start at 6,000 points.
- Most Choice locations require more than 8,000 points for a free night.
- Reward nights at locations worldwide range from 6,000 to 35,000 points
- Point requirements may vary based on the time of year.
Where can I book a free stay?
- Choose from an extensive array of Choice Hotels properties worldwide on the official Choice Hotels website.
How do I book with points?
When can I use my reward night?
- Enjoy the flexibility of booking a reward night anytime, as there are no blackout dates.
- Members should make their free night reservation no more than 100 days prior to the planned arrival for all locations worldwide.
Points Plus Cash Dynamics
In order to save points, you can consider booking under the “Points plus cash” option. However, this choice means giving up the opportunity to earn additional points for booking.
Beyond Standard Stays: Special Redemption Categories
Choice Privileges offers more than just standard hotel stays. Members can explore unique redemption categories tailored to diverse preferences:
Resort Destinations (Starting at 16,000 points)
Indulge in the luxury and amenities of resort travel with Bluegreen Vacations®, the official vacation ownership provider.
Casino Hotels
Redeem Choice Privileges® points for complimentary nights at 20+ casino hotels and resorts, providing a blend of entertainment, including slots, table games, pools, spas, and dining options.
Luxury Hotels (Starting at 25,000 points)
Enjoy the pinnacle of hospitality with free nights at Preferred Hotels & Resorts—a distinguished collection of independent luxury hotels around the world.
Exchange Choice points for cruise credits
Exchange is available:
85,000 Choice points = $250.
160,000 Choice points = $500.
To book a cruise, you must call 800-596-0451 and a $24.99 processing fee will be charged.
The value of Choice points averages from 0.29 to 0.31 cents when exchanged for cruise credit.
You can also redeem gift cards and subscribe to magazines.
Members can effortlessly redeem points for free stays, with the added bonus of exploring special categories like resort destinations, casino hotels, and luxury accommodations. This flexibility enhances the overall appeal of the program, ensuring that members can reap the rewards of their loyalty across a broad spectrum of preferences.
Read more about redeeming Choice Privilege points here.
Choice Privileges Membership Levels
Membership tiers:
- Member
- Gold
- Platinum
- Diamond.
Choice Privileges Mastercard offers status shortcuts to Gold or Platinum.
Member benefits include discounts, bonus points, and added perks.
| Benefits | Member | Gold | Platinum | Diamond |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Access to reduced room rates | + | + | + | + |
| Discounts at select theme parks | + | + | + | + |
| Additional benefits for weekday stays | + | + | + | + |
| Earn up to 10 points* per $1 USD spent on guest rooms at over 7,000 Choice Hotels locations worldwide. | + | + | + | + |
| Add points bonuses | – | 10% points bonus per stay | 25% points bonus per stay | 50% more points per stay |
| Priority check-in/out | – | + | + | + |
| Complimentary reserved parking | – | + | + | + |
| Welcome gift | – | + | + | + |
| Room Upgrades** | – | + | + | + |
| Qualifying nights for qualification and requalification | Qualifying activity every 18 months (to maintain the balance of points) | 10 nights at affiliated properties annually | 20 nights in a calendar year (with the option to roll over up to 19 extra qualifying nights) | 40 or more nights within a calendar year (with the option to roll over up to 39 extra qualifying nights) |
| Avis Preferred Plus status | – | – | + | – |
| Free breakfast for two at select Radisson Hotels properties | – | – | – | + |
| Guaranteed Room Availability*** | + |
* WoodSpring Suites properties are not currently participating.
At MainStay Suites and Suburban Extended Stay Hotel locations, the number of points you earn per night varies based on the length of your visit:
- 1-6 nights: 10 points per $1
- 7-30 nights: 5 points per $1
- 31 nights or more: Less than 5 points per $1 (varies by hotel)
** Elite Member room upgrades are extended as a privilege at global establishments affiliated with the Cambria and Ascend Hotel Collection brands. In addition, these upgrades are applicable at hotels falling under the Radisson umbrella, including Radisson, Radisson Blu, Radisson RED, Radisson Collection, Radisson Individuals, and Park Plaza brands, but limited to North America, Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The allocation of upgrades is at the discretion of each hotel during the check-in process, contingent upon availability. It’s important to note that these enhancements exclusively pertain to the Member’s personal room. The upgraded room categories may comprise suites, recently refurbished accommodations, rooms situated on higher or lower floors, and those featuring preferred views. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the variable nature of participation, and hotels are not obligated to upgrade a Member’s room to any specific type. This approach ensures flexibility and acknowledges the distinct offerings and capacities of each participating hotel.
** If the hotel is fully booked, please call (877) 421-0006 at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled travel to obtain a room reservation and we will reserve a room for you. This exclusive offer is available at select Ascend and Cambria hotels worldwide. It also applies to Radisson-affiliated hotels, including Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Blu, Radisson Collection, Radisson Individuals and Park Plaza, covering the regions of North America, South America and Latin America and the Caribbean.
When Do Choice Hotel Points Expire?
As long as you remain an active member of the program, Choice Privileges points do not expire. To ensure the viability of your account and protect your points, complete at least one qualifying activity every 18 months.
What is meant by activity?
- Engaging in stays that qualify for points or miles accrual
- Utilizing Choice Privileges points for various redemptions (such as free nights or gift cards, earning points exclusively with the Choice Privileges Mastercard® for U.S. members)
- Purchasing points directly
- Participating in the Refer-a-Friend program are a distinct avenue for enhancing your Choice Privileges rewards.
When it comes to the Refer-a-Friend option, points are credited to your account upon your friend’s enrollment in the Choice Privileges Rewards Program and successful completion of a point-eligible stay. Importantly, the forfeiture date for these points aligns with the posting date to your account rather than the referral date, ensuring clarity in the timeline of point attribution.
Contacts and assistance: Navigating the Choice Privileges program
For members seeking guidance, the Choice Privileges contact number is readily available. Additionally, the Choice Privileges login provides a seamless interface for managing accounts, tracking points, and exploring exclusive offers.
Conclusion
Choice Privileges emerges as a robust and rewarding loyalty program, offering a diverse range of hotel options, an enticing points-earning system, and a straightforward redemption process. The recent merger with Radisson Hotels America has only fortified its position in the market. As travelers seek value and convenience, Choice Privileges stands as a commendable choice in the realm of hotel loyalty programs.
