[REDCART]

Does anyone have experience with Choicehotel.com? We've heard that it's a convenient place to call when you're on the road and want to find a motel. Their web site had so many provisions and rules that it scared us off from signing up. When you're driving long distance, it's difficult to know far in advance because of weather and traffic conditions where you'll be at the end of the day, and having a service that you can call and say I'll be X in a half hour and would like a motel, sounds convenient.

George

[ijusluvit]

I've used them for years and things have worked well when I'm on the road. I take their hotel directory with me and just call their 800 number when I figure out where I'm going to stop. Also, I always ask what the cancellation time is, because I often cancel reservations an hour or so before the deadline when I'm ahead or behind schedule.
I like Choice because they have lots of good, clean, inexpensive hotels close to interstate exits. They also do "points" promotions which have netted me free nights. Almost all of their hotels give a good discount for seniors and AAA members.

[CaptJohn]

I use Wyndham Hotels. Nice variety and convenient but I'm not sure they offer the service you mention. Good AARP discounts are usually better than AAA. They also have a rewards card.

[ladylake1]

Originally Posted by ijusluvit

I've used them for years and things have worked well when I'm on the road. I take their hotel directory with me and just call their 800 number when I figure out where I'm going to stop. Also, I always ask what the cancellation time is, because I often cancel reservations an hour or so before the deadline when I'm ahead or behind schedule.
I like Choice because they have lots of good, clean, inexpensive hotels close to interstate exits. They also do "points" promotions which have netted me free nights. Almost all of their hotels give a good discount for seniors and AAA members.

Also have used for years and just returned from a Choice hotel in Fernandina Beach. AAA discount usually lowest rate. Book online as well and never any problems.

[njbchbum]

although i have not used the resource you note, i have most of the hotel/motel 'club/discount' cards and find them convenient to save a few $$ when we travel between nj and the carolinas/florida. not sure which routes you travel, but i have found the following resources good to review before starting out so that i know where the 'walk-in'rates are offered. those rates are sometimes the best rates available despite sr/aarp/aaa/club member rates. and some 'club' cards will accept the discounted overnite rate toward their rewards programs.

http://travelcoupons.com/
Hotel Deals & Discount Hotel Room Coupons - HotelCoupons.com
The I-95 Exit Information Guide - Campground and RV Parks

if not convenient to review the coupon books before leaving on the trip, they can usually be picked up at gas stations and welcome centers en route to your destination.

[eweissenbach]

We have used Choice Hotels and have been members for 4 or 5 years. We book everything online and get the best rates and accumulate points that we have used for free stays several times. Their hotels are mostly clean and good, but we have stayed in a couple (out of a couple dozen) that were not up to par. They usually provide a decent breakfast often with make your own waffles and buscuits and gravy. For example we stayed in a confort inn and suites on S. Padre Island for $79 per night for a semi-suite with a full hot breakfast buffet every morning, a heated pool and hot tub, and beach access with the beach about a block away.

[oot]

I have also used Choice for years and have not had any problems booking a room if you call them. If you use the internet, then try to book it at least 1 hour before you arrive, or you may have to wait at check in a little longer. I have even traveled with pets and have not had any problems. By the way - the Choice hotel in The Villages is the BEST! They always make you feel like you are at home!

[hotrodgirl]

I am also a member of Choice Hotels and have stayed at the one in TV! They were most accomodating. But most often now I stay at LaQuinta hotels because I travel with 2 small dogs and they do not charge anything for pets. You just need to let them know when you book.