Background:
I recently did an elite hotel status match to the Choice Privileges Platinum Level before my recent stay at the Cambria Boston Somerville. So, was a bit surprised that I was not recognized as being an elite member, or receiving an “elite welcome gift” (which depending on the brand is bonus points or a snack and beverage). I found out after my stay that if you book with points for an award stay, it’s considered a non point-earning eligible stay and the Choice Privileges program does not require properties to provide the elite benefits, which isn’t generally the case with other major hotel programs.
Choice Hotels Award Stays No Elite Welcome Gift:
The Choice Privileges website’s terms and conditions state that:
On a non-point earning eligible stay, such as a reward night, Members may not receive the bonus Choice Privileges points, although a Property Gift may be awarded at the property’s sole discretion.
So don’t expect an elite welcome gift if you’re booking an award stay!
Cambria Boston Somerville Lobby
No “Your Extras” Reward Either:
Additionally, there is a perk of being a Choice Privileges member called “Your Extras” where you can get a small reward for a weekday stay. You can choose from $2.50 in Amazon Credit, a $5 Starbucks Card, a $3 Uber discount, 400 Choice Privileges points, or 100 airline miles. I stayed on a Thursday night at the Cambria, so I thought I might receive this perk.
But again, the terms and conditions state that:
Your Extras are an extra benefit provided for members who make a point-eligible weekday stay (Sunday – Thursday) at a participating brand/hotel.
So, since a reward night is not considered point eligible, it is not qualified for “Your Extras”.
Edgar Hotel Martha’s Vineyard, Ascend Hotel Collection Guest Room
The Verdict:
While the perks may seem minimal, having no benefits on Choice Hotels award stays is definitely interesting to me, as I have received elite benefits on award stays with Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt, so I’m not sure why Choice is engaging in this practice. Especially since their elite program is already quite weak to start with.
What do you think about the policy of no elite benefits on Choice Hotels award stays? Comment below!
Cheers,
Ty
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Darn, if you waited till after your stay you could’ve done the Diamond elite status jump to get to Diamond. Actually, you may still be able to do it
You’re right! I believe I still can do the Diamond Elite match separately based on the terms and conditions. But, the problem is that they won’t count the award stay as a “points-eligible night” to qualify.
This only applies to US hotel stays…?
For the elite welcome gift it seems they are offered in Canada, and Radisson Hotels in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The terms say you “may not receive” benefits. In my experience after a status match, that’s pretty much true for any stay at Choice. In my few stays with them, my status was recognized once – the front desk rang a huge bell and loudly welcomed me as an elite member, then handed me a small bottle of water – awkward, probably worst “recognition” ever…
Choice is an economy chain and their rewards program makes stays more economical, that’s it… don’t expect much more…
Sounds like when you have a choice, don’t choose Choice.
Haha, thanks for reading!
Choice won’t even give me points for a stay I booked through my corporate booking tool. They say that you have to book directly only to earn points. I even paid at the hotel, have a receipt that says that I qualified to earn points but they still refuse. Choice customer service and policies are awful.
Oh wow! Thanks for sharing, hope they change their policies.