Many Ascend Hotel Collection properties across the USA in the independent hotels brand of Choice Hotels show a 50 to 60% reduction in points required to book a night for September 16, 2023 – November 30, 2023 travel dates compared to summer award rates.
For the past year, I have been shocked by the high prices at hotels in the USA. I don’t know how the middle-class traveler is managing much travel when hotels and motels are commonly priced well over $100 per night in most cities across the USA.
I value Choice Privileges points at the price I can buy them. I purchased 304,000 points for $1,605 at an average rate of $5.28 per 1,000 points through Daily Getaways on June 19, 2023.
Choice Privileges sells points for $8.00 per 1,000 points when booking Points+Cash rates and sometimes at a slightly lower price during ‘buy points’ promotions. The best deal so far in 2023 was a 50% bonus points offer for two weeks in late March that dropped the price for points to $7.33 per 1,000 points.
Choice Privileges allow the purchase of 180,000 points per year, which favors buying points when there are bonus points offered rather than a 25% discount rate offer (as low as $7.77 per 1,000 points) if you want to maximize the number of points you can buy for the calendar year.
Over the weekend before the Daily Getaways Monday sale, I analyzed points redemption rates for dozens of Ascend Collection hotels across the USA. I was surprised at how many good-value redemptions I found. That is what prompted me to buy 304,000 Choice Privileges points. Choice Privileges points purchased through Daily Getaways do not count against the 180,000 points annual limit when you buy points directly from Choice Privileges.
A peculiarity of Choice Privileges hotel loyalty program is the availability window for award nights is limited to booking reservations using points within 100 days of your stay. For a booking made June 20, 2023, this means the latest date a points reservation can be made is for September 27, 2023. If you want to book September 28, 2023 using points, then you must wait until June 21.
Another feature of Choice Privileges is hotels have seasonal rates showing how many points are required for a free night. The current rates for Choice Hotels worldwide are only posted through November 30, 2023. A trend I noticed when looking at the rates for dozens of Ascend Collection hotels in the USA is rates drop significantly for many hotels after September 15, 2023.
Here are 10 Ascend Collection Hotels offering great rates for stays between September 16 and November 30, 2023.
1. The Carriage House Inn, Middletown, Rhode Island
- Sep 19 – 22 stay = 30,000 Choice Privileges points for King Bed Executive Room.
- Sep 19 – 22 stay = $880.27.
- 30K x $5.28 = $158.40.
- Choice Privileges points redemption value = $29.34 per 1,000 points.
- Choice Privileges points save $721.87 on this 3-night stay.
2. Ridgeline Hotel at Yellowstone, Ascend Hotel Collection, Gardiner, Montana
Our spacious rooms feature a refrigerator, microwave and flat-screen TV with free premium cable channels. When you’re done with a day of exploration, unwind in our hotel spa. Guest Review Rating = 3.7/5.
Ridgeline Hotel at Yellowstone TripAdvisor Reviews 3.5/5.
Choice Privileges Reward Night Redemption
- Sep 19 – 22 stay = 30,000 Choice Privileges points for One Room Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Kitchenette.
- Sep 19 – 22 stay = $2,146.74.
- 30K x $5.28 = $158.40.
- Choice Privileges points redemption value = $71.56 per 1,000 points.
- Choice Privileges points save $1,988.34 on this 3-night stay.
3. Kohea Kai Maui, Ascend Hotel Collection
Our stunning ocean views, leafy surroundings and walkable proximity to the beach lulls you into the laid-back Hawaiian lifestyle the minute you arrive. With only 26 rooms and suites, our intimate hotel reflects the uniqueness of our local community. Guest Review Rating = 4.0/5.
Kohea Kai Maui, Kihei, Hawaii TripAdvisor Reviews 4.0/5.
Choice Privileges Reward Night Redemption
- Sep 19 – 22 stay = 36,000 Choice Privileges points for King Bed, Junior Suite, Garden View.
- Sep 19 – 22 stay = $1,152.40.
- 36K x $5.28 = $190.08.
- Choice Privileges points redemption value = $32.01 per 1,000 points.
- Choice Privileges points save $962.32 on this 3-night stay.
4. Seafarer Inn & Suites, Jekyll Island, Georgia
We are just across the street from the Atlantic Ocean and Jekyll Island beach, with an outdoor pool and courtyard area for guests. Our hotel has spacious rooms with flat-screen TVs, mini-refrigerators and microwaves. Full kitchens are available in select suites. Guest Review Rating = 4.0/5.
Seafare Inn TripAdvisor Reviews 4.5/5.
Choice Privileges Reward Night Redemption
- Sep 19 – 22 stay = 36,000 Choice Privileges points for King Bed, 2 Double Beds, 2 Bedroom Suite, Full Kitchen, Pool View.
- Sep 19 – 22 stay = $919.98.
- 36K x $5.28 = $190.08.
- Choice Privileges points redemption value = $25.55 per 1,000 points.
- Choice Privileges points save $729.90 on this 3-night stay.
5. Hotel Napa Valley, Napa, California
Hotel Napa Valley, Ascend Hotel Collection, features Victorian luxury in the middle of Napa, a place where small-town hospitality meets world-class cuisine. Rooms feature warm wood paneling, plush beds with premium linens and luxurious tiled bathrooms. Guest Review Rating = 4.3/5.
Hotel Napa Valley TripAdvisor Reviews = 4.5/5.
Choice Privileges Reward Night Redemption
- Sep 19 – 22 stay = 48,000 Choice Privileges points for King Bed, Fireplace, Larger Room
- Sep 19 – 22 stay = $1,425.75.
- 48K x $5.28 = $253.44.
- Choice Privileges points redemption value = $29.70 per 1,000 points.
- Choice Privileges points save $1,172.31 on this 3-night stay.
6. The Federal Pointe Inn Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
The Federal Pointe Inn Gettysburg, Ascend Hotel Collection, is a fully restored 19th-century hotel. Stay with us to experience the area’s historic charm and rich history. Since our boutique hotel is located in the heart of downtown Gettysburg, you’ll find that it makes easy to visit top local attractions—and find some of the local’s favorite spots along the way. 2 miles from Gettysburg National Military Park. Guest Review Rating = 4.7/5.
The Federal Pointe InnTripadvisor Reviews 4.5/5.
Choice Privileges Reward Night Redemption
- Sep 19 – 22 stay = 48,000 Choice Privileges points for 1 King Bed, 1 Bedroom Suite, 2-Person Whirlpool.
- Sep 19 – 22 stay = $740.74.
- 48K x $5.28 = $253.44.
- Choice Privileges points redemption value = $15.43 per 1,000 points.
- Choice Privileges points save $487.30 on this 3-night stay.
7. The Inn at Apple Valley, Ascend Hotel Collection, Sevierville, Tennessee
The Inn at Apple Valley, Ascend Hotel Collection® is perfectly positioned for Sevierville’s best attractions. Dollywood and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are just at our doorstep. You will also find great shopping and dining nearby, and Dollywood’s Splash Country is a sure-fire family favorite. 5 miles from Dollywood. 12 miles from Great Smoky Mountains Nat’l Park. Guest Review Rating = 4.7/5.
The Inn at Apple Valley TripAdvisor Reviews
Choice Privileges Reward Night Redemption
- Sep 19 – 22 stay = 36,000 Choice Privileges points for 1 King Bed, 1 Room Suite, Jacuzzi.
- Sep 19 – 22 paid stay = $793.82.
- 36K x $5.28 = $190.08.
- Choice Privileges points redemption value = $22.05 per 1,000 points.
- Choice Privileges points save $603.74 on this 3-night stay.
8. Blue Angel Hotel NYC, Ascend Hotel Collection, East 55th St. NY, NY.
Stay in the heart of New York City at the Blue Angel Hotel NYC, Ascend Hotel Collection. Our boutique hotel offers contemporary accommodations and easy access to some of Manhattan’s most popular attractions. We’re just a 15-minute walk from the Museum of Modern Art, Rockefeller Center and the Radio City Music Hall. Plus, you’ll find plenty of options for shopping, dining and entertainment nearby. Book our NYC hotel to enjoy the energy and excitement that makes the Big Apple a one-of-a-kind destination. Guest Reviews 4.3/5.
Blue Angel Hotel NYC TripAdvisor Reviews 4.5/5.
Choice Privileges Reward Night Redemption
- Sep 19 – 22 stay = 90,000 Choice Privileges points for 1 Queen Bed, 1 Room Suite, Accessible Room.
- Sep 19 – 22 paid stay = $2,316.12.
- 90K x $5.28 = $475.20.
- Choice Privileges points redemption value = $25.73 per 1,000 points.
- Choice Privileges points save $1,840.92 on this 3-night stay.
9. Insignia Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection, Brooklyn, NY
Modern boutique hotel in the Sunset Park neighborhood. Explore Brooklyn, NYC from the Insignia Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection. The area is buzzing with popular restaurants, bars and activities. Basketball fans can easily catch a Brooklyn Nets game at nearby Barclays Center, nature lovers can admire the wonders at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden and art admirers can explore the iconic Brooklyn Museum—all just a few miles from our hotel. Guest Reviews Hotel Rating = 4.2/5.
Insignia Hotel Brooklyn TripAdvisor Reviews 4.0/5.
Choice Privileges Reward Night Redemption
- Sep 19 – 22 stay = 60,000 Choice Privileges points for 1 King Bed.
- Sep 19 – 22 paid stay = $1,021.05.
- 60K x $5.28 = $316.80.
- Choice Privileges points redemption value = $17.02 per 1,000 points.
- Choice Privileges points save $704.25 on this 3-night stay.
10. Blue Green Vacations Big Bear Village, Ascend Hotel Collection, Big Bear Lake, California
Enjoy accommodations along the shores of Big Bear Lake in the middle of San Bernardino National Forest. Our modern, one-of-a-kind resort makes the perfect home base for a wide variety of outdoor activities. The surrounding mountains offer many opportunities to ski and hike. The lake is a great place to fish, or just paddle a kayak or canoe. You have the choice of swimming in the lake, or in our heated outdoor pool. Full kitchen in each suite. Washer/dryer in each suite. Game room with pool table. Guest Reviews Hotel Rating = 4.5/5.
Blue Green Vacations Big Bear Village, Ascend Hotel Collection TripAdvisor Reviews 4.5/5.
Choice Privileges Reward Night Redemption
- Sep 25 – 28 stay = 60,000 Choice Privileges points for 1 King Bed, 1 Queen Bed, 2 Bedroom Suite, Kitchen.
- Sep 25 – 28 paid stay = $642.26.
- 60K x $5.28 = $316.80.
- Choice Privileges points redemption value = $10.70 per 1,000 points.
- Choice Privileges points save $325.46 on this 3-night stay.
These are a small sample of hotels in the Ascend Hotel Collection brand bookable with Choice Privileges points for big savings on posted hotel rates. The availability of hotel rate deals like these is the reason I try to buy as many Choice Privileges points as I can afford during the annual Daily Getaways sale.
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