Choice Privileges – Your Thoughts

We have been a member of this group for some time but have not seen any benefits. It appears to be only another ‘Booking on-line scheme’. Their off-shore call centre is in the Philippines.

You only have a plastic card without your details – only a bar strip. They suggested that you should make your bookings only through them of the place you intend to stay - and they will give you points – payment must be paid to them by credit card. (I believe most other booking on-line schemes do this). We were advised NOT to book through third parties and if you book directly with the place you want to stay in – that you might not get a discount or points added.

Also they no longer have a hard directory available but only an on-line one. We am not sure if it is worth the trouble of being loyal to this group as doesn’t sound any better than any other loyalty scheme.

Could we have input from others, please?

Comments

  • +2

    I think if you're not seeing any benefits - then it doesn't matter if other people are. Generally with hotel reward schemes, you have to practically live out of hotels around the world to make it worthwhile. The occasional stay here and there will not earn you much from the hotel, might be best to direct those rewards instead to your frequently flyer balance to add to that total.

  • +1

    IMHO nearly all rewards or loyalty programs are overrated, and worse than that, many are actually a bad deal.

    Can be better to just shop around and save upfront rather than committing to a certain booking site/agent or hotel chain.

    Often you can save 15% or more upfront if you don't mind paying in US dollars. Keep an eye on the hotels page…

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/pages/hotels

  • You really need to research these programs heavily and check them regularly to ensure you are actually getting a deal. You will otherwise come out a loser.

    I am a member of Accor Plus ($329p/a) which pays for itself every year through a free night every year (used at Sofitel each year over a weekend, value to me exceeds $329). Other benefits only work if the rates offered are decent. Membership does seem to get us better rooms though (currently gold status, was platinum previously). I am happy with the program, but you will only get value out of it if you know how to use it. As soon as that changes my membership will not be renewed.

    If you only travel when there is a bargain you are probably better off dropping the membership & watching OzBargain with alerts.

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