Had to go to the www.lq.com website to research your question. La Quinta has three redemption levels: A, B, and C. Each hotel in the chain is assigned a letter for free nights.

The 8,000 points for 3 nights will "buy" one night at any of the Tier B properties (and be 2,000 points above what is required for a level A location). Redemption values are 6,000 points for Tier A, 8,000 for Tier B, and 11,000 for Tier C locations.

La Quinta points can also be redeemed for credits on Southwest, miles on American, and quite a few other travel-related "prizes" and such. I joined the La Quinta Returns last year when I was going to see family in Texas, so don't have that many stays or points. But the chain is very good value, particularly in NYC where their low rates provide a bargain stay in a perfectly acceptable room. The Manhattan property is a Tier C redemption.

Obviously, the current promo benefits a the traveler who stays a short time at multiple properties. It would be excellent for a summer road trip, say across the southwest where La Quinta has many locations. I certainly think this chain is equivalent to or slightly nicer than Hampton Inn, Fairfield, HI Express, and similar.