New to Choice - Whats the quick run down on the program
Aug 7, 2016 | 9:31 am
#31
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 903
if your earnings are set to miles, then no you won't get 8,000 points.
I think it would be smart to read the terms of any travel program bonus deal. They all have specific requirements. The spring Marriott promotion was so complex that a Wiki was created on the Flyertalk board in order to attempt to explain it and many people still didn't fully understand it.
I think it would be smart to read the terms of any travel program bonus deal. They all have specific requirements. The spring Marriott promotion was so complex that a Wiki was created on the Flyertalk board in order to attempt to explain it and many people still didn't fully understand it.
Aug 7, 2016 | 3:09 pm
#32
Join Date: May 2006
Location: BOS and ...
Programs: UA 2MM; AA 1.5MM; DL .5MM; Hyatt GP 1M; HH Gold; CP/Rad. Gold; Miracle Fruit-su Club
Posts: 9,961
Aug 21, 2016 | 8:00 am
#33
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Chicagoland, IL, USA
Programs: WN CP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,422
As mentioned, Europe and Japan are good places to burn. I know someone who got a 200+ Euro hotel in Paris for 8000.
I generally get 1.5 cents each from them at a Sleep Inn, the only hotel in the town where my son goes to college. Typically 8000 points vs. $120. So the 8000-points-for-2-stays promos work pretty well for that.
I did not check it, but I imagine burning for a hotel for an event like Lollapalooza in Chicago would yield a good return.
I generally get 1.5 cents each from them at a Sleep Inn, the only hotel in the town where my son goes to college. Typically 8000 points vs. $120. So the 8000-points-for-2-stays promos work pretty well for that.
I did not check it, but I imagine burning for a hotel for an event like Lollapalooza in Chicago would yield a good return.
Aug 21, 2016 | 10:21 am
#34
Original Poster
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Potomac Falls, VA
Programs: AA Plat 2MM, MR Gold, Avis Pref
Posts: 41,109
Quality Inn & Suites Hermosa Beach
Quality Inn and Suites Hermosa Beach
2 Reviews
|
100% Recommended
Recommended
Liked:
Location
Service
Food
Amenities
Room
Quality Inn & Suites Hermosa Beach (0 Photo)
Quality Inn and Suites Hermosa Beach
Thought I'd follow up my original post on Choice with my experience on my actual stays
I've never done one of these reviews on FT so bear with me.
Overall on a scale of A-F
B
No complaints overall.
Check In
It was 11 p.m. so no line and it was quick. A bit funky was actually getting into the lobby. We pulled into the garage and it was full so we followed it around to the outside parking in the back. There was a door to the lobby but you needed a key which we did not have yet. There was no buzzer to ring to let us in. So we had to walk around to the front to get in the lobby. Nothing major but having a buzzer would be nice with luggage.
We were given the room we reserved (no status) which was a Family room. Upgrade, have no idea since I've never been here.
Room
I wish I had taken photos because this family room was much better than the one that we would get on our return trip.
There is one entrance. You walk into a large room with 2 Queen beds, a sofa, coffee table, and bureau with a ~42 ish flat screen. Toward the back of that room is a doorway to the 2nd bedroom which is a King, with desk, chair, bureau, night stand with a microwave in the corner and the same TV.
The bathroom which was to the left as you walk in the main door from the outside, had the sink area outside the actual small bathroom. Also, if you are 5'3" tall or more, you will have to bed down in the shower to get your head wet.
I didn't realize that this place was a motel like place outdoor entrances; nothing major but a surprise none the less.
Service
Other than asking for a 1 p.m. checkout and daily housekeeping, we did not request any services. Housekeepign was fine. I tipped her $5 the first day (of a two night stay) for extra towels and shampoo which she obliged.
Dining
continental breakfast, not impressed but for this type of place, it was probably par for the course. No real complaints. There is indoor and patio seating. I only used it for coffee. The kids really didn't like it so we ate out the two mornings we were there.
Location
We stayed here because of the location. It's about 8/10ths of a mile to the Hermosa Beach Pier. That is what we wanted. I knew the location before booking and location was one of two reasons selecting this place. the other reason was its the only place i could get 3 bes in one room.
Overall
This stay was fine; a bit pricey but fine; my next stay which I will post after it ends, will be different (the room is definitely a downgrade on stay 2)
Aug 22, 2016 | 8:49 am
#35
Company Representative, Choice Hotels
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 601
Great review - I appreciate you sharing feedback with all of us.
Question for you - did your stay include any Sunday through Thursday nights? If so, the Your Extras program would deliver a really nice incremental benefit above/beyond core, Elite and even promotional points - including a choice of:
500 additional CP points
100 airline miles (UA, SW, etc)
$5 in instant Starbucks credit
$2.50 in instant Amazon.com credit
$2.50 in instant Uber credit
$0.20 off gallon (up to 20 gallons) at Shell gas (also an instant reward)
The last four rewards above are all delivered to your mobile phone (via email) within an hour of check-in, but usually near real-time. We're very excited about this program and hope that you and other power users of the program use it on all eligible stays to enjoy the perks offered!
Question for you - did your stay include any Sunday through Thursday nights? If so, the Your Extras program would deliver a really nice incremental benefit above/beyond core, Elite and even promotional points - including a choice of:
500 additional CP points
100 airline miles (UA, SW, etc)
$5 in instant Starbucks credit
$2.50 in instant Amazon.com credit
$2.50 in instant Uber credit
$0.20 off gallon (up to 20 gallons) at Shell gas (also an instant reward)
The last four rewards above are all delivered to your mobile phone (via email) within an hour of check-in, but usually near real-time. We're very excited about this program and hope that you and other power users of the program use it on all eligible stays to enjoy the perks offered!
Aug 22, 2016 | 9:12 am
#36
Original Poster
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Potomac Falls, VA
Programs: AA Plat 2MM, MR Gold, Avis Pref
Posts: 41,109
Great review - I appreciate you sharing feedback with all of us.
Question for you - did your stay include any Sunday through Thursday nights? If so, the Your Extras program would deliver a really nice incremental benefit above/beyond core, Elite and even promotional points - including a choice of:
500 additional CP points
100 airline miles (UA, SW, etc)
$5 in instant Starbucks credit
$2.50 in instant Amazon.com credit
$2.50 in instant Uber credit
$0.20 off gallon (up to 20 gallons) at Shell gas (also an instant reward)
The last four rewards above are all delivered to your mobile phone (via email) within an hour of check-in, but usually near real-time. We're very excited about this program and hope that you and other power users of the program use it on all eligible stays to enjoy the perks offered!
Question for you - did your stay include any Sunday through Thursday nights? If so, the Your Extras program would deliver a really nice incremental benefit above/beyond core, Elite and even promotional points - including a choice of:
500 additional CP points
100 airline miles (UA, SW, etc)
$5 in instant Starbucks credit
$2.50 in instant Amazon.com credit
$2.50 in instant Uber credit
$0.20 off gallon (up to 20 gallons) at Shell gas (also an instant reward)
The last four rewards above are all delivered to your mobile phone (via email) within an hour of check-in, but usually near real-time. We're very excited about this program and hope that you and other power users of the program use it on all eligible stays to enjoy the perks offered!
I didnt receive (that i know of) any of the listed bonuses but i am not elite either so that may make a difference????????
Aug 22, 2016 | 3:38 pm
#37
Company Representative, Choice Hotels
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 601
Actually the Your Extras program is agnostic of Elite status - you simply have to sign up for the Extra you want via your online profile at choicehotels.com (if you dont have one yet, you can go to our website and create one).
Once you have your profile, go to my setting/profile and scroll down - you will see the Your Extras detail and the ability to select which Extra benefit you desire. Select it, and you are good to go - any and all forward point eligible stays that carry at least one Sunday - Thursday night (even if its a one night stay) will deliver that Your Extra benefit to you.
Again, literally if this is your first stay with us, and you are signed up for the program and the night qualifies - you get the reward!
Once you have your profile, go to my setting/profile and scroll down - you will see the Your Extras detail and the ability to select which Extra benefit you desire. Select it, and you are good to go - any and all forward point eligible stays that carry at least one Sunday - Thursday night (even if its a one night stay) will deliver that Your Extra benefit to you.
Again, literally if this is your first stay with us, and you are signed up for the program and the night qualifies - you get the reward!
Aug 29, 2016 | 2:06 pm
#38
Original Poster
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Potomac Falls, VA
Programs: AA Plat 2MM, MR Gold, Avis Pref
Posts: 41,109
Quality Inn & Suites Hermosa Beach
Introduction I give this room a C- on the A-F scale. Mostly because of the lack of seating in the room and the set up of the rooms. Check In check in was fine, no line, it was quick and since it was my 2nd stay, I knew where to park to get into the lobby. FDC apologized for not giving me the same room as the one that I checked out of two days prior. Room Family room which was two bedrooms and one bath.The prior week I had a very good room but this tme, the room I had was no where near as good.The main room had no where to sit unless you sat on the bed, no couch, no chair, nothing.Bedroom 1 - the room you walk into; 2Q, a nightstand between the two beds and a bureau with a TV; lots of extra space but no chairs. I had to grab a chair a) from the desk in the other BR and b) down the hall that was by the elevator.Bedroom 2 - King bed, nightstand, desk, desk chair, bureau with a TV on itBathroom; separate toilet/tub area; shower was too short unless you are 5'3 or shorter.this room appeared more worn down than last week's room Service Service was fine, we didn't request much. Daily housekeeping was quick which was nice. Dining only the B/F was availableIts fine for what it is.Coffee is available at the FD 24/7 Location great location, 8/10th of a mile from the HB pier Overall the hotel itself was fine, a bit pricey and the room this time was definitely a disappointment compared to the same type of room (family) that I had the prior week.
Sep 4, 2016 | 12:14 pm
#39
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Kan@da
Programs: Anything with sweet spots
Posts: 1,790
Hi , I am also new to Choice Privileges. One thing that is not clear is whether I can earn Aeroplan miles in addition to Choice Privileges points, or do I forfeit Choice Privileges points if I show my Aeroplan card at check-in or add it in my Choice Privileges profile ?
Sep 4, 2016 | 9:03 pm
#40
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: home = LAX
Posts: 26,113
Hi , I am also new to Choice Privileges. One thing that is not clear is whether I can earn Aeroplan miles in addition to Choice Privileges points, or do I forfeit Choice Privileges points if I show my Aeroplan card at check-in or add it in my Choice Privileges profile ?
On each stay you can choose whether to earn points or airline miles.
But why earn airline miles directly? You only earn 500 Aeroplan miles per stay right now (they crossed out 350 and put 500, so I don't know if it's a temperary promotion or not). So for 2 totally separate stays, you'll only earn 1000 Aeroplan miles.
However, with the promo from now through Nov 11, any two separate stays (if earning points) earn 8000 points. 5000 of those points turn into 1000 Aeroplan miles, with 3000 points left over.
So if you do 4 separate stay on points, you'll earn 16000 points which can transfer to 3000 Aeroplan miles (with 1000 points left over). But if you do 4 separate stays on miles, you'll only earn 2000 Aeroplan miles (with no points at all).
So why bother earning Aeroplan miles directly (during this promo*)? If you really want Aeroplan miles, still earn points on the stay, and then transfer points to Aeroplan later.
But 16000 points may get a you a free night at some >$100 hotels. How much value with 3000 Aeroplan miles get you? So even though you can transfer Choice to Aeroplan, you may want to think about whether that's the best value for your Choice points or not.
* Earning Aeroplan miles directly might make sense once this promo is over after Nov 11 (or once you know you only have 1 stay remaining before Nov 11, and you'd need 2 stays to get the next 8000 points). Without the promo, you'll earn more Aeroplan miles if you earn them directly, even though during the promo you'll earn more Aeroplan miles if you earn Choice points and later convert them Aeroplan miles.
Last edited by sdsearch; Sep 4, 2016 at 9:12 pm
Sep 5, 2016 | 5:29 am
#41
Original Poster
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Potomac Falls, VA
Programs: AA Plat 2MM, MR Gold, Avis Pref
Posts: 41,109
Great review - I appreciate you sharing feedback with all of us.
Question for you - did your stay include any Sunday through Thursday nights? If so, the Your Extras program would deliver a really nice incremental benefit above/beyond core, Elite and even promotional points - including a choice of:
500 additional CP points
100 airline miles (UA, SW, etc)
$5 in instant Starbucks credit
$2.50 in instant Amazon.com credit
$2.50 in instant Uber credit
$0.20 off gallon (up to 20 gallons) at Shell gas (also an instant reward)
The last four rewards above are all delivered to your mobile phone (via email) within an hour of check-in, but usually near real-time. We're very excited about this program and hope that you and other power users of the program use it on all eligible stays to enjoy the perks offered!
Question for you - did your stay include any Sunday through Thursday nights? If so, the Your Extras program would deliver a really nice incremental benefit above/beyond core, Elite and even promotional points - including a choice of:
500 additional CP points
100 airline miles (UA, SW, etc)
$5 in instant Starbucks credit
$2.50 in instant Amazon.com credit
$2.50 in instant Uber credit
$0.20 off gallon (up to 20 gallons) at Shell gas (also an instant reward)
The last four rewards above are all delivered to your mobile phone (via email) within an hour of check-in, but usually near real-time. We're very excited about this program and hope that you and other power users of the program use it on all eligible stays to enjoy the perks offered!
This question regards the coffee card which is what I want.
The extras selection (and your post) states starbucks but the T&C's say:
14. Tim Hortons and now where in the T&C's i starbuck's mentioned.
I don't have a TH near me so I won't select that if that is truly the option
So my question is whether the coffee gift card is SBUX (which I want) or Tim Hortons (which I do not want)
thanks
Sep 5, 2016 | 8:20 am
#42
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: home = LAX
Posts: 26,113
I am finally getting around to selecting my extra but I have a question and it makes a difference as to what I select.
This question regards the coffee card which is what I want.
The extras selection (and your post) states starbucks but the T&C's say:
14. Tim Hortons and now where in the T&C's i starbuck's mentioned.
I don't have a TH near me so I won't select that if that is truly the option
So my question is whether the coffee gift card is SBUX (which I want) or Tim Hortons (which I do not want)
thanks
This question regards the coffee card which is what I want.
The extras selection (and your post) states starbucks but the T&C's say:
14. Tim Hortons and now where in the T&C's i starbuck's mentioned.
I don't have a TH near me so I won't select that if that is truly the option
So my question is whether the coffee gift card is SBUX (which I want) or Tim Hortons (which I do not want)
thanks
Look:
https://www.choicehotels.com/choice-...es/your-extras
It says coffee card first, and then there's a section for "Canadian residents" which replaces "coffee card" with Tim Horton card. Tim Horton is a Canadian chain.
Meanwhile, where is this T&Cs that has an item 14 or mentions Tim Horton (besides trademark language at the bottom of the link I just provided)? I can't find it. Please provide a link. Thanks.
Sep 8, 2016 | 1:58 pm
#44
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: home = LAX
Posts: 26,113
It's because the OP posted two reviews of a specific Choice hotel (Quality Inn & Suites Hermosa Beach) in the thread. The FT site noticed that, and now is confused thinking this is a thread about that hotel, rather than a thread about the Choice program.
I don't know why the OP put those reviews into this thread, but that's where they are.
I don't know why the OP put those reviews into this thread, but that's where they are.
Sep 8, 2016 | 3:42 pm
#45
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Chicagoland, IL, USA
Programs: WN CP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,422
I am finally getting around to selecting my extra but I have a question and it makes a difference as to what I select.
This question regards the coffee card which is what I want.
The extras selection (and your post) states starbucks but the T&C's say:
14. Tim Hortons and now where in the T&C's i starbuck's mentioned.
I don't have a TH near me so I won't select that if that is truly the option
So my question is whether the coffee gift card is SBUX (which I want) or Tim Hortons (which I do not want)
thanks
This question regards the coffee card which is what I want.
The extras selection (and your post) states starbucks but the T&C's say:
14. Tim Hortons and now where in the T&C's i starbuck's mentioned.
I don't have a TH near me so I won't select that if that is truly the option
So my question is whether the coffee gift card is SBUX (which I want) or Tim Hortons (which I do not want)
thanks
Mine arrived between checkin and the time I walked up to my room.