Choice Privileges - New to Choice Hotels -- what to expect?

I am sure there is already a thread on this somewhere, so the moderator can feel free to close this thread if s/he will point me to the existing discussion.

Basically, I have almost always stayed in Hilton properties on previous business trips. Mostly at HGIs, Hampton Inns, and Doubletree. But my next two stays are at Choice Hotels properties and so I have joined the Choice Hotels program.

What I am asking is -- what is the baseline I should expect at the various types of properties, so that when staying at one I will know whether I am being treated good, bad, or indiferently?

FWIW, I will be staying later this month for a week at the Comfort Inn in College Park, Maryland. Then in May, I will be staying for a week at the Clarion Hotel in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. Anyone have any stay experiences at either? The reviews I have seen at TripAdvisor are all over the map at both places.

The hallmark of Choice Hotels is inconsistency.

Here's a previous discussion:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/choice-privileges/754542-does-choice-hotels-have-single-respectable-property.html

Basically, don't expect too much from Choice Hotels.

I stay in them usually only if there is a killer bonus points deal going on like right now (I'm striving to renew my Southwest Companion Pass and need the points), or if there is no real alternative.

"Quality Inn" is the most misleading company name in America.

Comforts are generally OK to reasonably comfortable, but not fancy. Best to look at Tripadvisor.com or ask around if you are looking for anything other than a minimal experience.

You might try to find a couple Choice hotels near one another in College Park and hop back and forth between them nightly. As I understand it, with the current bonus going on (which ends 4/30/09), 7 stays would give you three 2-stay-bonuses, netting 24,000 Choice points (plus halfway to a 4th), which can be very valuable, and you would be moving up the ladder in their elite program, so you could book a reward stay further out (this can be good in Europe and a few US properties).

Without hopping, you'll get 10 points per dollar.

Also pay with the Choice Privileges Visa card for more bonuses (5 points per dollar).

I think Accounts Payable and my manager would both have questions about my expense report if I hotel hopped for no reason other than earning points. Our company's travel guidelines allow me to keep all hotel points earned, but, at least in theory, the earning of those points is to not influence in any way the choice of the hotel.

Basically, the reason why I am staying where I am in College Park is because it is very convenient to where I need to be and it has a free shuttle to that place. The hotel in Raleigh is the sole convention hotel that still has rooms remaining in the room block (which obviously is not a great sign).

I hope I am not offending anyone on this forum, but Hilton has none of its hotels (in any line) anywhere close to Raleigh's convention center, or I would have stayed at that hotel instead. Also, if the Hampton Inn in College Park had a free shuttle (or was better situated to where I need to be) then I would have booked there.

So I am not sure whether I am going to be earning points in Choice Rewards long term. Right now, Hhonors (which I have been in for years) seems like the program that I want to continue to focus on. I guess a lot depends on my experiences with these two stays. I know that Comfort Inn and Clarion both have satisfaction guaranteed programs, but getting one night free would really not help me much, since my company is paying for both stays.

Coming from Hilton, you won't be happy with Choice hotels at all. It's a big drop. There is no perk to speak of.

Coming from Hilton, you won't be happy with Choice hotels at all. It's a big drop. There is no perk to speak of.True, other than the perk of having a lot more cash in your wallet.

Not so important if someone else is picking up the bill -- but if you're paying for your own expenses, then that's a 'perk' worth considering.

I think Accounts Payable and my manager would both have questions about my expense report if I hotel hopped for no reason other than earning points. Our company's travel guidelines allow me to keep all hotel points earned, but, at least in theory, the earning of those points is to not influence in any way the choice of the hotel.

This past weekend I spent 2 nights in STL near the airport, one in a Quality Inn and one in a Comfort Inn.

Same price to the penny, so it would be difficult to argue that monetary considerations were involved.

And Choice would usually save your company quite a bit of money compared to Hilton.

Unless your manager thinks you are somehow wasting gobs of company time switching, it's hard to see why he/she would care.

But I've never had a boss and, God willing, never will.

Coming from Hilton, you won't be happy with Choice hotels at all. It's a big drop. There is no perk to speak of.

I'll second Big Lar's dissent.

Coming from a Hilton "Hampton" Diamond member, I was terrified when my new territory was virtually devoid of Hilton properties. Choice properties abound - I (somewhat reluctantly) signed up and have been very impressed ever since.

Understand, Hilton doesn't have an Econolodge pricepoint/offering but make no mistake there are several Comfort Inn's/Quality Inn's etc... that easily match the "quality" of many of the Hampton's that I've stayed at.

There are HUGE opportunities for perks via the choice privileges program - they have a fantastic array of redemption opportunities. Choice does a great job of offering promos - I've easily amassed several hundred thousand points per year due to these offerings.

If you stay at "high end" Hilton properties you will certainly see a drop in the accomodations but make no mistake, from a perk perspective Choice properties are near the top.

I'll agree that the choice properties are hit or miss. The brand hierarchy isn't always that clear - is a Clarion better than a Quality Inn which is better Comfort? Depends on the individual property. It seems like you basically 'get what you pay for' with Choice. When they are cheap compared to other hotels around, they aren't so nice.

That said, they have incredible point promos and points go along way when traveling in Europe. With this current promo, you can stay 4 times and have enough points for the a $300 hotel for 16k points in Copenhagen or Prague or some other location that is a great value compared to Hilton or Marriott. I guess the caveat is that Choice hotels usually cost less, so racking up the points is harder in terms of number of nights.

In Choice Hotels' system, what does a "deluxe continental breakfast" have that a non-deluxe one does not? Just waffles and hard-boiled eggs, or something better, like Hampton Inn's one hot item that rotates daily? And yes, I suppose it is debateable just how much better some of Hampton's hot items are -- like the egg patties or the clog-your-arteries biscuits and gravy.

It varies by property-the higher up the scale, the better the breakfast-Rodeway/EconoLodges might have a box of donuts and a gallon jug of OJ on the counter
Clarions may have a full restaurant on the property(but it won't be free)
YMMV at any Quality, Comfort, or Sleep-it really depends on how much the property manager cares about his/her breakfast program. I've been to Quality Inns with a nice spread and Sleep Inns with next to nothing, and Sleep Inns are supposed to be more upscale.

In Choice Hotels' system, what does a "deluxe continental breakfast" have that a non-deluxe one does not? Just waffles and hard-boiled eggs, or something better, like Hampton Inn's one hot item that rotates daily? And yes, I suppose it is debateable just how much better some of Hampton's hot items are -- like the egg patties or the clog-your-arteries biscuits and gravy.
It indeed varies by property a lot. If you care for specifics, see if reviews on TripAdvisor (http://www.tripadvisor.com) mention breakfast details. Don't expect even necessarily hard-boiled eggs, just more variety of some sort than the bottom-barrel donuts-and-coffee-and-OJ only (which is all a non-deluxe breakfast may be at some Choice properties!).

In Choice Hotels' system, what does a "deluxe continental breakfast" have that a non-deluxe one does not? Just waffles and hard-boiled eggs, or something better, like Hampton Inn's one hot item that rotates daily? And yes, I suppose it is debateable just how much better some of Hampton's hot items are -- like the egg patties or the clog-your-arteries biscuits and gravy.

For a while, Comfort Inn/Comfort suites all offered one or two rotating hot items, a la Hampton Inn. I think that's "officially" been dropped, but many properties kept it; so in my experience, "deluxe" = hot items. Now that's only with the Comfort brand. I have seen hot items at Quality Inns, but only when mentioned in the property information. Never seen much more than cereal, fruit and milk at Sleep Inns. Many EconoLodge's offer nothing more than coffee.

Understand, Hilton doesn't have an Econolodge pricepoint/offering but make no mistake there are several Comfort Inn's/Quality Inn's etc... that easily match the "quality" of many of the Hampton's that I've stayed at.



I disagree.

Comfort Inn does NOT match the quality of Hampon Inn, although I don't have experience with Quality Inn.

Although in Comfort Inn, they had changed the bed, but it is still far off from the Hampton bed, plus in most of the Hampton that I have ever stayed in, they don't just change the bed, most of the furnishing also updated, include the bathroom, while in Comfort Inn, everything stay the same.

The breakfest area in Comfort Inn is always depressing, while in Hampton, it is bright, inviting, big signs. The waffles may be a nice touch that Hampton doesn't has, but there is no "hot" item in Comfort Inn. Hampton always has fresh mix fruit bowl, in Comfort Inn, either they don't have any or have it from a can obviously. Comfort Inn definately is below Hampton Inn.

Basically comfort inn is at the bottom of my list, I would never choose a comfort inn over Hampton, not unless it is Holiday Inn Express.(the warm cinnamon rolls just win over any hot items)

I disagree.

Comfort Inn does NOT match the quality of Hampon Inn, although I don't have experience with Quality Inn.

Although in Comfort Inn, they had changed the bed, but it is still far off from the Hampton bed, plus in most of the Hampton that I have ever stayed in, they don't just change the bed, most of the furnishing also updated, include the bathroom, while in Comfort Inn, everything stay the same.

The breakfest area in Comfort Inn is always depressing, while in Hampton, it is bright, inviting, big signs. The waffles may be a nice touch that Hampton doesn't has, but there is no "hot" item in Comfort Inn. Hampton always has fresh mix fruit bowl, in Comfort Inn, either they don't have any or have it from a can obviously. Comfort Inn definately is below Hampton Inn.

Basically comfort inn is at the bottom of my list, I would never choose a comfort inn over Hampton, not unless it is Holiday Inn Express.(the warm cinnamon rolls just win over any hot items)


Perhaps I should have clarified that I have been a bit lucky with two brand new Comfort Inn's in my territory. Again, I am a Hilton "Hampton" Diamond member - I know exactly what they offer (in my travel territory) and I prefer them over the Choice offerings if they are available.

It has been previously discussed in this forum before - unfortunately for Choice, there is quite a range of "quality" amongst specific brands i.e. Comfort Inns.

The two Comforts that I have had the opportunity to stay at are very close replica's of the Hampton's that I utilize - from room decor/flat screen tv's all the way to breakfast offerings.

I will readily admit that some of the older Comfort's that I've stayed at don't come close to the worst Hampton.

Perhaps I should have clarified that I have been a bit lucky with two brand new Comfort Inn's in my territory. Again, I am a Hilton "Hampton" Diamond member - I know exactly what they offer (in my travel territory) and I prefer them over the Choice offerings if they are available.

I will readily admit that some of the older Comfort's that I've stayed at don't come close to the worst Hampton.

I just had a recent stay with Comfort Inn, it really remind me how bad it was before I stopped staying in the Comfort Inn, fortunately I was not paying, just stay with a friend who overnight in that hotel.

From the choice hotels catalog, I didn't see they have something like the Hampton for individual hotels getting lighthouse award or top 10% quality. Even those without these two catageories, they are fine too. My only complaint, probably as well as others are probably the infamous "fake eggs". Maybe those Hampton with exterior hallways are the bad ones ?

From the choice hotels catalog, I didn't see they have something like the Hampton for individual hotels getting lighthouse award or top 10% quality.


Choice Gold Hospitality Award

Hotels that achieve the prestigious Gold Award represent the top 10% of hotels within each Choice brand. The awards are based on a ranking system that measures guest satisfaction, product quality, room condition and cleanliness, and staff service. These properties have a proven track record of providing exceptional guest service and facilities.


Choice Preferred Platinum Award

Hotels that achieve the prestigious Platinum Award represent the top 3% of hotels within each Choice brand. The awards are based on a ranking system that measures guest satisfaction, product quality, room condition and cleanliness, and staff service. These properties have a proven track record of providing exceptional guest service and facilities.


The logo is a little round medal with the word "gold" or "platinum written vertically. It appears with a hotel's listing when the hotel is in a results list. On the page for an individual hotel, it's right next to the hotel's name.

The logo is a little round medal with the word "gold" or "platinum written vertically. It appears with a hotel's listing when the hotel is in a results list. On the page for an individual hotel, it's right next to the hotel's name.

Do you know at least one location with gold or platinum award? So that I can look for it in the book.

ORDnHKG: if you follow this link for hotels in Williamsburg, VA, US (http://www.choicehotels.com/williamsburg-virginia-hotels) there are several listed with GOLD & PLATINUM AWARD icons.

If you prefer individual listings:

hotel# VA064 - Gold Award
Econo Lodge Colonial
216 Parkway Dr., Williamsburg, VA, US, 23185

hotel# VA086 - Gold Award
Quality Inn At Kingsmill
480 McLaws Circle
Williamsburg, VA, US, 23185

hotel# VA055 - Gold Award
Quality Suites Lake Wright
6280 Northampton Blvd. , Norfolk, VA, US, 23502

hotel# VA225 - Gold Award
Econo Lodge Historic Area
442 Parkway Dr., Williamsburg, VA, US, 23185

hotel# VA237 - Gold Award
Econo Lodge Benns Church
20080 Brewer's Neck Blvd., Carrollton, VA, US, 23314

hotel# VA384 - Platinum Award
Comfort Suites Airport
12570 Jefferson Ave, Newport News, VA, US, 23602

hotel# VA445 - Gold Award
Comfort Inn
12330 Jefferson Ave., Newport News, VA, US, 23602

Ah ok, thanks, saw it on the website, but still couldn't find it in the choice hotels directory though, or is it they don't put it on there ?

Ah ok, thanks, saw it on the website, but still couldn't find it in the choice hotels directory though, or is it they don't put it on there ?
Which directory (year) do you have? I think they may change which hotels they highlight from one year to another, although "highlight" is a bit overstatement.

In the so-called "2008 Worldwide Hotel Directory and Atlas" (actually a worldwide directory but only Western Hemisphere atlas :td:), the first Gold Award listing I spot is a few pages in, at the start of Manitoba, for Comfort Inn Brandon MB. Look for a tiny gold banner above the property picture.

(I don't have the 2009 directory yet.)

In my mind, knowing which properties scored the highest in their internal ranking process is not as important as knowing which scored the lowest (which of course is not revealed). I probably would not go out of my way to stay at a high-scoring property, but if I knew I would certainly take pains to avoid staying at a low scoring property.

Amanuensis, since you're in SLC, perhaps you fly Delta.

You know about the free upgrade to Choice Gold Elite at: http://www.choicehotels.com/delta

Not to mention enrolling in advance for systemwide and property-specific bonus miles/points/deals.

Kohoutek

Amanuensis, since you're in SLC, perhaps you fly Delta.

You know about the free upgrade to Choice Gold Elite at: http://www.choicehotels.com/delta

Not to mention enrolling in advance for systemwide and property-specific bonus miles/points/deals.

Kohoutek

Thanks for the info. I certainly do fly on Delta. The problem is, I have joined Choice Privledges already. I do wish that I had known about the promotion earlier.

Which directory (year) do you have? I think they may change which hotels they highlight from one year to another, although "highlight" is a bit overstatement.

2009

In the so-called "2008 Worldwide Hotel Directory and Atlas" (actually a worldwide directory but only Western Hemisphere atlas :td:), the first Gold Award listing I spot is a few pages in, at the start of Manitoba, for Comfort Inn Brandon MB. Look for a tiny gold banner above the property picture.

I look up that hotel in the catalog, there is no difference than other hotel listings.

Ah ok, thanks, saw it on the website, but still couldn't find it in the choice hotels directory though, or is it they don't put it on there ?
Ok, I finally picked up the 2009 directory, and there on page 28 they explain that you have to go to the website to find the award-winning hotels.

So while it was per-hotel in the 2008 directory, they removed it from the 2009 directory.

This printed directory should be taken with a grain of salt, especially in some countries in Europe where they seem to be dropping and adding properties as fast as juggler. The directory lists two properties in Spain, but the website only shows one, OTOH the website shows even more properties in Switzerland than the directory shows. And it's only March!

And they got rid of the Atlas, which at least for the Americas showed all the locations on a map for a state or a province. That I found to be the most useful feature of the 2008 directory, and with both that and the award info missing I find the 2009 directory to be of much more limited use.