Choice Privileges - Why no Choice points for South America?

I'm just curious as to why Choice Hotels don't offer points for stays at South America hotels? I recently stayed at the Quality Suites Bela Cintra in Sao Paulo, but won't get points for that stay. You would think that if they list it on their website, it would count.

The Web site and printed directory are clear that Choice Privileges is a US-only program. No other country, including Canada, participates for earning points or getting award stays. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

I'm not defending Choice - they lost me in London for this coming weekend because of this policy - but at least they're up front about it.

Please don't shoot the messenger.

Yeah, I was only curious as to why they are the only hotel chain that doesn't give points for stays internationally. I am with you, they will not get my business the next time I go to Sao Paulo or anywhere outside the United States for that matter. And the Quality Suites Bela Cintra was a very good hotel.

I recently stayed in Toronto at the Comfort Suites on Dundas for a month. The staff at the hotel assured me I would get points 'because it's North America.' Not to mention just across a lake from the US.

I chose the Comfort Suites over a less conveniently located Courtyard (where I would have earned Marriott points without any difficulty or grief).

After the points had not shown up, I called the customer service number, and was informed I wouldn't be receiving any points, and thanks for calling.

I wrote a letter to the CEO.

Reply, essentially: Tough. Deal with it. No points. Period. No apology for the lie I was told by the hotel staff. No offer to clear up the confusion with a few gratis points. Nothing.

Haven't stayed at any since. Not even for pleasure. They blew it.