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.