How Choice Privileges Works

The Choice Privileges program is the loyalty rewards program for Choice Hotels, one of the largest hotel chains globally.

With over 7,000 properties across 40+ countries, it provides travelers with numerous opportunities to earn and redeem points.

Whether you’re a frequent traveler or someone who enjoys occasional getaways, understanding how Choice Privileges works can help you maximize your hotel stays.

In this guide, we’ll cover how the program works, how to earn and redeem points, and the elite status levels you can achieve.

1. How to Join Choice Privileges

Joining the Choice Privileges program is simple and free. You can sign up online through the Choice Hotels website or via the Choice Hotels mobile app.

Why it matters: Membership allows you to start earning points immediately and access exclusive member-only rates.

2. Earning Choice Privileges Points

There are several ways to earn points with Choice Privileges:

Stay at Participating Hotels

The most straightforward way to earn points is by staying at Choice Hotels properties, including:

✅ Comfort Inn
✅ Comfort Suites
✅ Quality Inn
✅ Sleep Inn
✅ Clarion
✅ Cambria Hotels
✅ Ascend Hotel Collection

Points earned: Members earn 10 points per $1 spent on eligible stays at most properties.

Book Directly

It is important to book directly through:

✅ ChoiceHotels.com
✅ Choice Hotels mobile app
✅ By calling the hotel directly

Why it matters: Third-party bookings (such as through Expedia) usually don’t qualify for earning points.

Promotional Offers

Choice Privileges regularly offers bonus point promotions for specific stays or during certain seasons.

Pro tip: Sign up for promotional emails to stay informed about these limited-time offers.

Partner Activities

Members can also earn points through partners, including:

✅ Car rentals
✅ Shopping portals
✅ Credit card spending (if you have the Choice Privileges Mastercard)

3. Redeeming Choice Privileges Points

Once you’ve earned enough points, there are multiple ways to redeem them:

Free Hotel Stays

Points can be redeemed for free nights at participating hotels. Redemption rates vary by property, brand, and location, starting as low as 6,000 points per night.

Why it matters: Free nights offer exceptional value, especially in budget-friendly or mid-range hotels.

Points + Cash

If you don’t have enough points for a free night, you can use Points + Cash to combine points with a cash payment.

Example: Use 6,000 points plus cash for a discounted stay.

Gift Cards and Merchandise

Points can also be redeemed for:

✅ Gift cards (e.g., Amazon, Starbucks)
✅ Merchandise through the Choice Privileges rewards catalog

Why it matters: This provides flexibility if you prefer non-travel redemptions.

Airline Miles

You can convert your points into airline miles with participating partners such as:

✅ American Airlines AAdvantage
✅ United MileagePlus
✅ Southwest Rapid Rewards

However, note that the conversion rate is generally less favorable than redeeming for hotel stays.

4. Elite Status Tiers

Choice Privileges offers four elite status tiers, each with increasing benefits:

1. Member (Entry-Level)

✅ Free to join
✅ Access to exclusive member rates
✅ Can earn and redeem points

2. Gold Status

✅ Achieved after 10 nights in a calendar year
✅ Earn a 10% bonus on base points
✅ Early check-in (upon request)

3. Platinum Status

✅ Earned after 20 nights in a calendar year
✅ Receive a 25% bonus on base points
✅ Priority customer service

4. Diamond Status

✅ Earned after 40 nights in a calendar year
✅ Enjoy a 50% bonus on base points
✅ Complimentary room upgrades (when available)
✅ Dedicated reservation line

Why it matters: Achieving elite status can make your stays more comfortable and rewarding, especially for frequent travelers.

5. Key Member Benefits

In addition to earning points and elite perks, all Choice Privileges members receive:

✅ Exclusive discounted rates when booking directly
✅ Ability to reserve rooms with points up to 100 days in advance
✅ Expedited check-in at participating hotels
✅ Your Extras – a special reward for weekday stays, such as bonus points, coffee gift cards, or other perks (available in the U.S. only)

6. How Long Do Choice Privileges Points Last?

Points typically expire if there is no qualifying activity (such as earning or redeeming points) within 18 months.

Pro tip: Keep your account active by making regular redemptions or stays to prevent losing your points.

7. Using the Choice Hotels App

The Choice Hotels mobile app makes managing your Choice Privileges account easy. With the app, you can:

✅ Check your points balance
✅ View upcoming reservations
✅ Book stays directly to earn points
✅ Access digital member cards for faster check-in

Why it matters: The app streamlines the process of maximizing your rewards.

8. Is Choice Privileges Worth It?

For travelers who frequently stay at mid-range or budget hotels, the Choice Privileges program is definitely worth joining. Its generous earning rates, no-cost membership, and wide hotel footprint make it a valuable tool for both leisure and business travelers.

Final Thoughts

The Choice Privileges program offers a straightforward, valuable way to make the most of your hotel stays. From earning points to redeeming rewards, the program is designed to enhance your travel experience without complicating the process.

By booking directly, staying loyal to Choice Hotels, and taking advantage of elite status perks, you can unlock significant savings and added conveniences

Source of information: www.choicehotels.com/es-xl/choice-privileges/rules-regulations

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