Choice Privileges - Award stay on a hotel in limbo

I received an email from Choice Cares about an award stay I have booked at an Arcata, CA Comfort Inn. The email said the hotel was no longer a Choice hotel and that I should contact them to see if they would honor my rez. I first contacted Choice and they said they thought the hotel would honor my award rez, but I should call the property first. So I did.

The property answered the phone as "Comfort Inn," and I explained my situation. After checking with a manager, the front desk agent said my reservation was fine. She said the hotel had new ownership, and that they were "deciding" whether to stay with Choice.

All seemed a bit weird, but I guess if they're honoring my rez, I won't change my plans.

Just a word of caution, if they don't remain a Choice flagged property, they may honor the reservation, but its highly unlikely they will honor the "award" as they won't receive any compensation from Choice.

Good Luck.

Just a word of caution, if they don't remain a Choice flagged property, they may honor the reservation, but its highly unlikely they will honor the "award" as they won't receive any compensation from Choice.

Good Luck.

Yeah, that's what I was afraid of. But they seem willing to take Choice's money (which I don't think is a lot). Maybe the new owners want to stay in "good graces" with Choice, because they seem to be seriously considering staying with them.

It's all a bit strange, but I don't know how "franchise games" are played. As long as they honor my award reservation, I guess I don't care.

Might be worth asking for an email confirmation from the property showing the award redemption. Since Choice has already warned you the property isn't Choice flagged, they aren't going to be of much help in honoring the award, but a confirmation from the property should put you in a good position. Wouldn't hurt to make a cancelable res at a nearby property too.