Choice Privileges - More point increases

Just wandering around the CP site, I did note that all the Clarions in New Zealand were now 75,000 points/night.

I also noticed that apparently all the hotels in Italy are now 40,000 points/night. I suspect point creep is taking place.

However, the main attraction (for me) of the program is the ability to get a half-way decent place to stay in a desirable location. If they're going to charge Hilton/Marriott point prices, I might as well stay at a Hilton/Marriott and take advantage of the lounges, perks, and so on.

Seems strange that when hotels are gasping for customers (and I suspect Europe is not doing all that well, either) they would be making changes to discourage people from selecting their brand.

OTOH, I also suspect that many of their clients have no idea of the reward program, or at best think of it as a way to get an EconoLodge near Aunt Bertha for Thanksgiving next year, so maybe they do know what they're doing.

But if it keeps up, I'm going to have to re-evaluate my stay patterns.

I'm done with staying at Choice unless there are no other options in the area. I'll burn what I have.

Choice's no-notice unfavorable changes, coupled with the short booking window makes it not worth it.

As you say, if they're going to charge Hilton/SPG/Marriott prices, why not go there. Plus, Priority Club is quite attractive.

Their hotels in Italy aren't really all that nice, anyway. Certainly not worth 40,000 points.

Now I'm concerned for point creep on the Preferred nights.

Now I'm concerned for point creep on the Preferred nights.

this has been happening for 3 years now. Each year, as Preferred Hotels adds more locations to their portfolio, the best of the best are removed as options for redemptions for choice points. Just look at last year's list verses this years.

http://www.choicehotels.com/ires/en-US/html/PreferredHotels?sid=n5Kqi.$s69Ngk890.8

Had forgotten all about last year's list but whoa what a change as they seem to have lost a lot of those partner hotels from last year.