Originally Posted by
mclee19
Choice is terrible at recognizing their elites, IMO.
That is the crux of the situation - the only two real benefits to Elites are the extended booking window and point bonuses. The fine print of the upgrade benefit shows how worthless it is:
"Upgraded room types may include recently renovated rooms, rooms on a higher/lower floor, or rooms with favored views. Hotels are not required to upgrade members' rooms to specialty rooms or suites."
Not being near an elevator can be considered an "upgrade". Being on the second story of a 2 floor Comfort Inn can be considered an "upgrade".
It would not take much for Choice to have a more competitive elite program. Given the expansion of Cambria/Ascend plus repositioning Comfort Inn/Suites & Sleep Inn to a slightly higher end level as well, I'd think they would be adding benefits to better compete with IHG & Hilton.