Choice Privileges isn’t the most popular hotel loyalty program. After all, the elite perks are minimal and even the program’s best properties aren’t luxurious. In short, there are many ways in which Choice should improve its loyalty program.

But, savvy travelers who love maximizing promotions can find a lot of value in the Choice Privileges program. I often choose Choice hotels for its promotions and the value I can obtain from Choice points.

This post contains the current Choice Privileges promotions you should consider. Many Choice Privileges promotions are only open to U.S.-based travelers, though. So, read the terms and conditions carefully if you’re based elsewhere. Now, let’s dive into the current Choice Privileges promotions.

Get the latest points, miles and travel news by signing up for TPG’s free daily newsletter.

In This Post

Double bonus points

This relatively uninspiring promotion offers double bonus points for each qualifying stay with arrival between Jan. 18, 2021 and Feb. 28, 2021. In particular, double bonus points means you’ll earn two times the base points. To earn double bonus points, you must register for this promotion before check-out and stay on a rate that’s eligible to earn points.

As with many Choice Privileges promotions, WoodSpring Suites hotels, Ascend Hotel Collection all-inclusive resorts and select other hotels aren’t participating. Plus, you won’t earn double bonus points for stays in Japan, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia. Finally, you’ll stop earning double bonus points after you reach 30,000 points earned during the promotion.

Related: You can now earn and redeem Choice points at dozens of casino resorts

Earn 50,000 points and perks on all-inclusive stays

Last year, I wrote about how to earn over $360 in points and perks on a $517 all-inclusive stay. Well, now Choice offers a slightly different version of this promotion for bookings made by Feb. 21, 2021.

When you book the Seize Your Sunshine rate at Zoëtry, Secrets, Breathless, Dreams, Now and Sunscape properties through Choice Hotels by Feb. 21, 2021, and complete your stay by Dec. 22, 2021, you can enjoy the following perks:

• 50,000 bonus points when you spend $500 or more on your reservation
• $50 spa credit per person (up to two credits per room) at Zoëtry, Secrets and Breathless
• Kids stay free at Dreams, Now and Sunscape resorts (one child free per paying adult, up to two children free per room)
• $200 resort coupons per room per stay, broken down as follows:
  • Spa treatments: One coupon worth $20 and two coupons worth $40, not combinable or valid for spa products at the Spa Boutique or 25-minute massages and treatments
  • Romantic dining: One coupon worth $20 and one coupon worth $40, combinable up to $60 per romantic dining experience but not valid for bottles of wine
  • Wine purchases: Four $10 coupons, not combinable but useable at any restaurant on property

  Choice considers the Seize Your Sunshine rate flexible. However, for the properties I searched, the rate provided the following cancellation policy:

  Reservations modified or cancelled from the time the reservation is made until 4 days prior to arrival date may be charged a fee of 50 USD per room. Reservations cancelled within 3 days of arrival date will be charged a penalty of 1-nights stay per room. No show reservations will be charged a penalty of 1-nights stay per room.

  So, you’ll want to be relatively confident you’ll take the trip when booking.

  Related: 19 ways to earn more Choice Privileges points

  Your Extras

  Your Extras is a program that provides extra perks on point-eligible stays that include a Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday night. The perks vary depending on where reside. But, U.S.-based travelers can current choose one of the following perks for each weeknight stay:

  • 400 Choice Privileges points (doubled at Cambria hotels)
  • 100 airline miles
  • $0.20/gallon in Fuel Rewards
  • $2.50 Amazon credit (doubled at Cambria hotels)
  • $5 coffee card (doubled at Cambria hotels)
  • $2.50 Uber trip discount (doubled at Cambria hotels)

  To get a perk on eligible weeknight stays, you must select the Your Extra that you want in your online Choice Privileges account. Once you’ve chosen an Extra, this choice will apply to all future stays. But, you can change your preferences at any time using your online account.

  Related: Register for Choice Hotels Your Extras to earn gift cards and other perks on weekday stays

  Diamond elite status jump

  Choice Privileges’ top-tier Diamond status doesn’t provide many elite perks. But, it does provide a significantly higher elite point bonus on paid stays. So, if you stay with Choice frequently, it may be worth using Cambria’s Diamond Elite Status Jump to boost your status.

  To boost your status, you must complete a qualifying stay at a Cambria hotel. Then, send an email to [email protected] with the following information:

  • Your Choice Privileges number
  • Proof of your elite status with another major hotel loyalty program
    • A copy/photo of your membership card showing expiration date or a copy/screenshot of your current account statement showing your elite status
  • A copy/screenshot of your Cambria folio/receipt for a stay completed within the last 12 months

  If your qualifying stay or request is between January and June, you’ll obtain Diamond Elite status for the current year. But, if your qualifying stay and request are both between July and December, you’ll get Diamond Elite status through the end of the following year. You aren’t eligible for this promotion if you received a status match or elite status upgrade in a previous calendar year.

  Related: Comparing 4 top hotel elite status levels — and how to easily earn them in 2021

  3-night Bluegreen Vacations stay for $199

  You can book select Bluegreen Vacations locations through Choice Privileges. You can even use Choice points to book Bluegreen Vacations properties. But, if you’re willing to sit through a two-hour timeshare presentation and tour, you can get a three-night Bluegreen Vacations stay, plus 20,000 Choice points or a $100 Mastercard Reward Card for $199.

  I took advantage of a previous deal to stay at Bluegreen Vacations Fountains in Orlando, Florida. The Bluegreen Vacations timeshare sales presentation wasn’t high-pressure. But, this current three-night offer isn’t the best you’re likely to see. And, I found it difficult to book a stay at the Bluegreen Vacations property I wanted.

  Finally, note that you must meet specific criteria, including income, residency and credit score requirements, to be eligible for this offer. So, carefully consider whether this is the deal for you before calling to claim this offer.

  Related: Why timeshares aren’t always a scam

  Featured image of Bluegreen Vacations Fountains in Orlando, FL by Katie Genter/The Points Guy

  SPONSORED: With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

  And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

  These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

  —

  Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

  Source: Read Full Article