Choice Privileges Rewards Program: A Smart Travel Perk for Active Seniors

If you’re an active senior who loves hitting the open road, enjoying new destinations, or relaxing in comfort without breaking the bank, the Choice Privileges® rewards program from Choice Hotels could be your new travel companion. Whether you’re planning cross-country RV adventures, cozy weekend getaways, or visiting family and friends, this program offers valuable benefits to make your travels more affordable—and enjoyable.

Let’s break down how the Choice Privileges program works, what hotel brands are included, the perks, how to earn and redeem points, and whether it’s really worth joining.

What Is Choice Privileges?

Choice Privileges is the free rewards program offered by Choice Hotels, a global hospitality company with over 7,400 properties across 40+ countries. It’s designed to reward frequent travelers with points that can be redeemed for free nights, discounts, gift cards, and more. It’s easy to join, simple to use, and especially appealing to seniors looking for dependable, comfortable, and budget-friendly accommodations.

What Hotels Are in the Choice Hotels Network?

One of the best things about Choice Privileges is the wide variety of hotel brands it covers, from budget to upscale. Here are the main hotel chains under the Choice Hotels umbrella:

Comfort Inn® / Comfort Suites®
Quality Inn®
Sleep Inn®
Clarion® / Clarion Pointe®
MainStay Suites®
Econo Lodge®
Rodeway Inn®
Suburban Studios®
WoodSpring Suites®
Ascend Hotel Collection® (Boutique hotels)
Cambria® Hotels (Upscale accommodations)

With so many brands available, you’ll find something for every travel style—whether you’re a no-frills road warrior or you enjoy a little luxury.

How Much Does It Cost to Join?

Joining Choice Privileges is 100% free. There’s no membership fee, no annual charges, and no hidden costs. You can sign up online in just a few minutes.

How Does It Work?

The program is simple: You earn points every time you stay at a Choice Hotels property (and book directly through their website, app, or phone). These points can then be redeemed for free nights, discounted stays, gift cards, or other rewards.

Here’s a quick overview:

Earn 10 points per $1 spent on qualifying stays.
Earn bonus points for midweek stays, longer stays, or participating in seasonal promotions.
Book directly to earn points (third-party sites like Expedia won’t count).
Use the Choice app to manage bookings and rewards easily.

How You Save Money

Saving with Choice Privileges can be straightforward and surprisingly generous:

Discounted Member Rates: Members receive lower prices than the public rate when booking directly.
Points + Cash Options: Combine your points with cash to save even when you don’t have enough for a full reward.
Exclusive Promotions: Seasonal bonuses, double-point promotions, and “stay twice, get a free night” deals are frequent.
Gift Cards & Other Rewards: Redeem your points for gift cards, airline miles, or charitable donations.

How Many Points Do You Need for a Discounted or Free Room?

The number of points required depends on the hotel category and location:

✅ Discounted Rooms (Points + Cash):

Starting at 6,000 points + cash (amount varies by property)

✅ Free Rooms:

Range from 8,000 to 35,000 points per night
Some international properties and upscale locations may require more

Many budget and mid-range hotels can be booked for 8,000 to 20,000 points, making free nights attainable even with moderate travel.

Is It Worth Joining?

Absolutely—especially for active seniors who travel several times a year. Even if you only take a few trips, the free member discounts alone can save you money right away. Add in points toward free nights and seasonal promotions, and you’re stretching your travel budget even further.

Whether you prefer short weekend getaways or multi-stop road trips, this program helps make travel more affordable, rewarding, and seamless.

Benefits of the Choice Privileges Program

Here’s a full rundown of the program’s key benefits:

💰 Free to join
🏨 10 points per $1 spent on stays
🎁 Redeem points for free nights, gift cards, and more
📱 Easy-to-use mobile app
💸 Member-only rates and deals
🌍 Over 7,400 locations worldwide
💤 Points don’t expire as long as you stay once every 18 months
🔁 Elite status tiers (Gold, Platinum, Diamond) offer bonus points, early check-in, and other perks
🧳 Great for road trippers, family visits, and budget-conscious travelers

Pros and Cons

Here’s a quick look at what makes the program shine—and where it has a few limitations.

✅ Pros:

Free and easy to join
Wide range of hotels in the U.S. and internationally
Points add up quickly with frequent travel
Redeem for free nights or gift cards
Member rates offer immediate savings
Points can be combined with cash
Great app for easy booking and tracking

❌ Cons:

Points required for free nights vary by hotel (some can be pricey)
No points earned on third-party bookings (like Expedia)
Some budget locations may not offer elite-tier perks
Reward availability may be limited during peak seasons

Final Thoughts

The Choice Privileges rewards program is an ideal travel partner for seniors who want to explore the country, visit loved ones, or just enjoy a change of scenery, without overspending. It’s easy to join, costs nothing, and gives you access to thousands of hotel options with flexible rewards and valuable perks. Whether you’re looking for comfort on a road trip, convenience on a family visit, or affordability on a bucket-list adventure, Choice Privileges makes every stay count.

My experience with Choice Hotels is a mixed bag. I have stayed at some that are really nice, but I have also stayed at some that really needed a facelift. Since they are franchised, it’s up to the franchisee on how they manage/take care of the property. Like anything else, there are good owners and owners who are just in it for the money grab.