Originally Posted by
synergistic
This is bogus (boy, not the word I wanted to use) and it is somewhat insulting.
I haven't searched extensively yet, but I see that my three most common redemption properties are on the 'discount' list - but they are NOT 'proactively lowered' during the week. Their points costs have been INCREASED for the weekends. When I have a bit more time, I can go back and check all the redemptions for myself, friends, and family, but I am quite familiar with the rates for these three properties, and they all reflect only increases.
These are not the temporary 'seasonal' increases, I'm talking about the 'low season' rates that follow them up - my 8k hotels will now be 10k on the weekends, and my 12k hotels will now be 16k on the weekends.
If this is somehow in error, I'll eat these words and apologize, but right now? I REALLY don't like them instructing you to spin things in a deceptive manner. Play up the fact that we can finally see seasonal rates again. Play up the fact that all of your hotels are now on an equal footing for promotions. Play up the fact that you managed to stave off full time devaluations by increasing the points costs only on certain days - but don't pretend that you're decreasing the number of points required for redemption. FT members are, by and large, an informed group, and I can't be the only one that isn't a fan of the misleading language posted above.
EDIT: I will admit that these three properties are all in Florida, and *perhaps* they were all due for an annual increase in points, which happened to coincide with these changes. I edited my post somewhat to be a little less vinegary.
EDIT AGAIN: I checked several other properties that I've booked at, as well as a few I'd had on my list for future trip possibilities. Haven't found an actual decrease in either low or high season points yet, only increases. Sour taste in my mouth when I read 'proactively lowering' remains.
The uncertainty around how this works is exactly why we made changes that we feel are universally customer friendly… Some members feel that rewards programs are making things more difficult. The new benefit options gives Choice Privileges members various options to use their points faster and in more ways that work for them.
In regards to Flex Rewards, we are surprised to see this reaction. From the beginning, FlexRewards was conceived to be a benefit to offer members discounted point levels so you need fewer points to redeem for a free night at select hotels. We wanted to have a lot of nights at discounted point levels, and we noticed there was significant variability in when hotels need business by day of the week. So, we looked at where hotels were expected to be for the season, and lowered the point value for when certain hotels may have more occupancy available, and we pass those discounted point levels to you. Because FlexRewards depends on the occupancy needs of Choice branded hotels, which vary by location and season, not all hotels are available for this benefit each season. We feel that FlexRewards gives you more flexibility and options to get free nights for fewer points. And, we assure you, this change, like our others, is meant to make nights, instant rewards, and other options better and faster for our members.
Could you please let me know which properties you're looking at so that we can get back to you with some more information?