Good news for members of the U.S. Armed Forces: effective immediately, active duty or reserve military members, retired military, National Guard, U.S. Coast Guard, and eligible spouses and dependents can join Choice Hotels' Choice Privileges rewards program automatically at the Elite Gold level (which is normally obtained by staying 10 nights in a year). Just a little somethin-somethin' to say thank you for serving our lovely country.]]> Jenna 2008-11-11T14:46:38-05:00 http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2008/10/27/121834/25 <![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.hotelchatter.com/files/1425/ascendhotels.jpg" class="right"><a href="http://www.hotelchatter.com/tag/choice%20hotels"><b>Choice Hotels</b></a> has been busy lately, what with ads about <a href="http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2008/10/20/212153/94/hotels/Choice_Hotels_Spends_Ad_Money_on_Dog_Poop">dog poop</a> and several <a href="http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2008/9/15/125158/168/hotels/Loyalty_Program_News_Choice_Hotels_Now_Offering_250_in_Gas_Money_">promotions</a> for their Choice Privileges loyalty program. Today, they have another announcement--the formal launch of their <b>Ascend Collection</b> of hotels in the U.S. and the Caribbean.<blockquote><p> Ascend Collection properties, all of which are historic, boutique, or unique hotels, must meet well-defined membership criteria and demonstrate a commitment to service excellence. Travelers have the peace of mind that comes with staying at hotels that offer authentic experiences and attentive guest care yet are still a part of one of the world&#146;s largest lodging companies. </blockquote></p><p>Choice Hotels actually announced their plans for Ascend way back in <a href="http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2008/5/20/203214/155/hotels/Clarion_Hotels_To_Change_Brand_Name_to_Ascend_">May</a>. While there are a few juliana 2008-10-27T13:59:45-05:00 http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2008/10/20/212153/94

We all know that hotel commercials can be gross and grosser, and now Choice Hotels has joined the fray, with a set of ads that highlight life's awkward moments to remind you that you can "find your comfort zone" at Comfort Inn hotels.

It's a good idea, though some ads fall flat (like the guy getting busted drinking milk straight from the carton--oh, the horror!), but others net a giggle, like the one involving a bag of dog poop. Wanna weigh in? Well then, you'll just have to watch. For the full set of ads, click here. ]]> jennm 2008-10-22T09:00:49-05:00 http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2008/10/6/151936/713 <![CDATA[<p><img align="right" src="http://www.hotelchatter.com/files/admin/cambriasuites.JPG" class="imgborder"> <p>How long does it take to earn 100k <b><a href="http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2007/10/15/145848/80/hotels/HotelChatter_s_Guide_to_Loyalty_Programs_Choice_Hotels_ChoicePrivileges">Choice Privileges points</a></b>? Just one night, if you're one of nine lucky winners. <p>This is a pretty straightforward deal. No complicated equations to run or formulas to calculate to maximize your earnings. Nope. Just stay in a <b><a href="http://www.hotelchatter.com/tag/Cambria%20Suites">Cambria Suites</a></b>. That's it. Oh, and be a member of Choice Privileges rewards program (duh). <blockquote><p>For every night a guest stays at a Cambria Suites brand hotel, franchised by Choice Hotels International, Inc., they'll be automatically entered into a giveaway for a chance to win 100,000 Choice Privileges points. One winner will be randomly selected each month from September 1 until June 30, 2009.</p></blockquote> <p>You've already missed your chance travelingmcmahans 2008-10-07T15:17:16-05:00 http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2008/9/15/125158/168 <![CDATA[<p><p><img align="right" src="http://www.hotelchatter.com/files/admin/choiceprivileges2.png" class="imgborder">Over the summer, <a href="http://www.hotelchatter.com/tag/choice%20hotels"><b>Choice Hotels</b></a> enticed members of their Choice Privileges rewards program with $50 gas cards. <p>This fall, with gas prices hovering around $4 per gallon (and spikes whenever hurricanes loom), they're bringing out the big guns, with an offer of <a href="http://www.choicehotels.com/ires/en-US/html/Gas-Card?sid=A6GK.byTmNggED.3">$250 in gas cards</a>. Even at current prices, that's enough to make everyone from Smart car drivers to SUV owners take notice.<p> <p>Don't get excited too quickly though - they're not handing this reward out like penny candy. Here's how it works: <p> <p>After every third stay at Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion and Cambria Suites brand hotels throughout the United States, Choice Privileges members will receive enough points to travelingmcmahans 2008-09-15T16:01:51-05:00 Search HotelChatter string http://www.hotelchatter.com/search/