💡 Tl;dr – Choice Hotels launched its latest points sale offer members the chance to purchase Choice Privileges points with a 40% bonus. Choice Hotels, lowkey, has some sneaky value. It’s worth investigating the Choice portfolio to see if there is a property matching your future travel plans, and saving some money by buying points.
Through April 30, 2025, you can purchase Choice Hotels Privileges Points with a 40% bonus. Choice Hotels flies a bit under the radar though people (myself included) really should pay more attention to the program as there are some true gems in the portfolio. If you’ve been rocking with me you know I’m a big advocate for finding value everywhere so it should come as no surprise that I spent some time diving into all that Choice has to offer. Those who are familiar might think the lion’s share of Choice Hotels redemption values derives from the chains partnership with Preferred Hotels. While, there are some truly outstanding Preferred Hotels properties, you can also book a stellar stay by redeeming Choice Privileges points at properties squarely within the Choice Hotels core brands. In addition to highlighting this points sales, below I profile a number of worthwhile Choice portfolio hotels that you may be off your radar. Ok, let’s jump into it!
Key Terms of the Sale
- You’ll need to purchase at least 12,000 points to receive the 40% bonus.
- Members can purchase up to 180,000 points per year (before factoring in any bonus points.
- Points purchases must be made by April 30, 2025.
How Does One Purchase Choice Privileges Points?
Purchasing points is super simple.
Start by visiting choicehotels.com and login to your account.
Once logged in, click on your name to access the dropdown menu. Select ‘Buy points’.
You’ll be gated to points.com where you can select how many points you’d like to purchase. Select your quantity and follow the prompts to complete your purchase.
What Are Some Good Uses of Choice Hotels Points?
Oh, well I’m glad you asked.
If you’re looking at the luxury angle, Choice Hotels doesn’t tout many high-end brands but you’ll certainly find some upscale and/or unique properties within the Ascend Collection, Cambria Hotels brands. If you’re planning a trip to the Nordics, specifically Norway and Sweden you’ll find some good options. For Latin America, Choice Hotel has a soft brand called Radisson Individuals which has some promising properties in Colombia.
Colombia
Choice has a strong portfolio in some of Colombia’s most popular tourist destinations. As you’ll see below, the Faranda Collection is quite a gem for the Choice portfolio – it boasts several well-appointed, boutique properties that punch above their weight. Given the lack of solid points hotels amongst the ‘core four’ hotel chains, one could make a strong argument that Choice is the optimal ch.. (I stopped myself).
Hotel Bantu by Faranda Boutique, a member of Radisson Individuals
The Faranda Collection Located in the vibrant San Diego neighborhood, this is a great option for an upscale stay. As is the case with some of the other Faranda properties on this list, guests receive a free full breakfast. There’s also a spa and sauna onsite to deepen your relatxation.
Faranda Collection Barranquilla, a member of Radisson Individuals
A visit to Barranquilla, a coastal Colombian city with a defined-Caribbean culture, can only be made more enjoyable with a stay at this quaint property. Enjoy a rooftop pool, cozy rooms and tropical-themed everything.
Hotel Casa Don Luis by Faranda Boutique, a member of Radisson Individuals
Another boutique option in Cartegena’s old town. In many ways, the old walled city of Cartegena is reminiscent of Panama’s Casco Viejo – heck there’s even a Sofitel Legend there as well. For an affordable, plush option with some clutch amenities like an outdoor hot top, rooftop pool, and a free full breakfast, look no further than the Hotel Casa Don Luis bookable for just 35,000 points.
Hotel Casa La Factoria By Faranda Boutique, a member of Radisson Individuals
Yet another beautiful option in Cartenga’s old town. In addition to wonderfully designed rooms, and a rooftop hot tub and courtyard pool, Casa La Factoria distinguishes itself with a top-notch bar offering some of the best cocktails in the city. Rates peak in the mid $220s and it’ll cost you 35,000 points year round.
Nordics
The points hotel scene in Scandinavia, Sweden and Norway in particular has always been a bit quirky. There’s not a great representation from IHG, Marriott, Hyatt or Hilton and most of the existing properties from the core four chains don’t seem to have too much character. Similar to the Faranda Collection in Colombia, Strawberry Hotels are bookable directly on Choice’s website, with Choice Privileges points and offer some upscale, convenient, fun and relaxing options.
Farris Bad, Ascend Hotel Collection
The largest spa in Scandanavia right offering sweeping views of the North Sea? 12,000 Choice points per night, which will cost you $123 as compared to the $500 cash rates. Done.
BTW, yes that IS crawfish. Evidently, it’s a delicacy in Norway and the fishing of it is quite protected. Who knew!
Norefjell Ski & Spa, Ascend Hotel Collection
Where my skiers at? Located just about 2 hours from Oslo, this property puts you right on the slopes with a solid spa as a bonus. 12,000 points per night.
THE THIEF, Ascend Hotel Collection
Close to sights such as the Astrup Fearnley Museum and Norwegian Opera and Ballet, THE THIEF is a great option for your Oslo adventures. 20,000 points gets it done.
Hotel Christiania Teater, Ascend Hotel Collection
15,000 Choice points per night to stay in this trendy historic hotel that was once a theatre. Art loves rejoice. The rooms look great and this is a great place to perch while you visit Norway’s capital city.
Copperhill Mountain Lodge, Ascend Hotel Collection
More skiing! This time in Sweden. For just 12,000 (!!!) points you can live out your wildest Alpine dreams, and enjoy these stunning views from your room, the spa or atop the slopes. A full free breakfast is included too. Cash rates go as high as the low $300s so buying 12,000 points during this sale for $123 can net you immediate savings if you plan to visit/can find availability during peak times.
United States
If you’re an avid points and miles enthusiast, chances are you have your pick of the litter when it comes to hotel options domestically. That said, every hotel chain has some diamond in the rough value. Here are some value plays, more so for their uniqueness than their luxury, in Choice’s US portfolio.
Yellowstone Valley Lodge, Ascend Hotel Collection
Finding comfortable accommodations near national parks isn’t always the easiest thing to do. While it’s been great to see a lot of development in ‘get your closer to nature’ space, finding ‘deals’ or affordable options, particularly for families can still be a challenge. How about a picturesque Big Sky country lodge, just 40 minutes from the north entrance to Yellowstone NP? With ample activities and views that will make you take your breath away each morning, afternoon and evening, Yellowstone Valley Lodge is a great use of Choice Hotel points.
Cambria Hotel New York – Chelsea
Coming at you is a trio of New York hotels. You have a lot of lodging options in New York City but hotels can be pricey and you don’t always get what you pay for. This Cambria hotel is in the heart of Chelsea, a convenient home base for your wildest city exploration dreams. Rates can get as high as $809 but the most you’ll ever pay on points is 45,000 per night. Purchasing 45,000 points during this sale will cost you $339, meaning that even on the most expensive night of the year, you can save as much as $470 off peak rates at this Cambria location.
Blue Angel Hotel NYC, Ascend Hotel Collection
If Midtown is more your fancy, then you could do worse than this Ascend property. Rates here are fixed at 45,000 points per night and when compared to the property’s highest cash rates of $655, represent solid value.
No sleep till Brooklyn. I get it – you’re ‘edgy’. NYC was never going to be an option as ‘all your people are in BK.’ Well in that case, this Borough Park option is a place to lay your head while you get after it!
Plantation Resort on Crystal River, Ascend Hotel Collection
Do you like manatees? Who doesn’t love themself a sea cow! At this Ascend Hotel you can float right along the Crystal River with those big mammals while staying at the Plantation Resort on Crystal River, Ascend Hotel Collection. If you’re roadtripping to Disney, Florida’s Gulf Coast destinations, Miami or elsewhere that takes you through the area considering breaking up your trip with a stop at this property.
Casas de Suenos Old Town Historic Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection
After tour hot air balloon touches down and you’ve finished your hike at Petroglyph National Monument, enjoy some rest at this Ascend property before heading out to dine on some red chile enchiladas.
Conclusion
Choice Hotels isn’t as talked about in the luxury points and miles world as many of their properties aren’t viewed as aspirational. That said, there’s value to be had for the savvy traveler and you could very well land yourself a great deal when doing the math to determine whether it’s cheaper to buy and redeem points versus paying the full cash rate. You may save a little money!
