Choice Rewards Program Has Just Gotten A Great Upgrade!!

If you are like myself, and do a lot of traveling, then you know how valuable rewards programs are.  You also know that some are not as good as others!!  

I am very excited to see that Choice Hotels is doing their best to make you feel like they truly value you as a customer.  Take a look at some of their awesome new features to their rewards program!!

The demand for bigger, better, and faster rewards are at an all-time high, even as many loyalty programs – and their perks – are being reduced in scope for members across a number of hospitality categories. Bucking the trend, Choice Hotels has recently announced a series of bold, exciting and completely unique changes to their rewards program, bringing greater and faster value to their over 25 million Choice Privileges members. Some of these new and improved perks include free nights at discounted point levels, instant digital gift cards, and points that never expire!

The program enhancements are being implemented to bring greater and faster value to the over 25 million members of Choice Privileges.  Some of the new benefits include:

• Your Extras. Weekday travelers can earn a special reward — a little something 'extra' — right when they check in. For each qualifying stay that includes at least 1 weekday night (any night Sun. through Thurs.), the member can earn a special reward of their choice. U.S members have 5 options, varying from Fuel Rewards® savings at participating Shell locations to Amazon.com credit. International members have 2 options: 500 bonus points or 100 airline miles from participating airline carriers.
• FlexRewards. Get to a free night faster— Members can redeem points for free nights at discounted point levels at participating hotels, varying by season. There will be up to 2,000 hotels reduced during either the weekdays or weekend at any time.
• Digital Gift Cards. The first hotel company to offer immediate in-app gift card downloads, Choice Privileges members can receive instant gratification with new digital gift cards.
• Keep Your Points. As long as members stay active by completing a qualifying activity at least once every 18 months, they get to keep their points.
• 10 Points per Dollar.  All 5,500 Choice Hotels now earn 10 points per dollar spent – including economy and extended stay hotels, such as MainStay Suites, Suburban, EconoLodge and Rodeway Inn.  And, during our award winning promotions, it is now easier than ever to qualify since members no longer need to stay two consecutive nights at economy brands.

"The exciting new changes to our Choice Privileges program mark a major milestone in Choice Hotels' history," said Jamie Russo, VP of Loyalty and Customer Engagement. "While many rewards programs continue to decrease the value of benefits for their guests, we're building a loyalty program that gives more and faster perks to travelers starting right when they join. We have built these new features around guests, and we want them to feel constantly rewarded by the new Choice Privileges wherever their travels take them."

This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Celebrate Father's Day With A Hands-On Culinary Experience At The Saybrook Point Inn!!

Saybrook Point Inn & Spa Celebrates Fathers The American Way

Dads to enjoy hands-on culinary experience with Grilling & Chilling Food Lover’s Package

OLD SAYBROOK, Conn., (April 13, 2015) – The Saybrook Point Inn & Spa is excited to announce a new Grilling & Chilling package as a part of its Food Lover’s Weekend Getaways. The weekend of June 12-14, 2015 will be dedicated to the special men and grill masters of the outdoors. The Grilling & Chilling Food Lover’s Weekend offers a wide range of activities for fathers and families to spend quality time together during the shoreline’s greatest time of year. 

With the help of Fresh Salt’s incredible award-winning chefs, guests will learn to prepare a colorful and delicious summer menu using the season’s freshest ingredients. This fully hands-on culinary experience will allow guests to learn every cooking aspect of the grilling process, including farm-to-table. First, guests will visit local farms and markets to personally choose fresh produce and prime cuts of meat and fish. In addition, they will experience the joy and excitement of gathering fresh fish caught right off the docks of Saybrook Point Marina.

Guests will also cook alongside Fresh Salt’s chefs to prepare for a special Saturday evening Gala. They will learn the mastery behind cooking the perfect Butterflied Leg of Lamb, Rib Roast “Prime Rib,” Grilled Romaine Caesar, Grilled Hearth Bread Salad with roasted strawberries, mystic cheese, and honey grilled corn, Barbeque Baked Beans, and fresh farm stand Ratatouille.

The Grilling & Chilling Food Lover’s Weekend package also includes a class dedicated to grilling the most delectable gourmet burger, as well as a pastry class to experience the magic behind preparing America’s favorite summertime treat – Native Strawberry Shortcake with sweet cream. And during Saturday evening’s Gala dinner, guests will also relax and enjoy a special local craft beer tasting.

The Grilling & Chilling Food Lover’s Package will prove to be a great weekend of celebration and sunshine for all participants. The package includes a welcome reception, breakfast (2), lunch and full dinner with a craft beer tasting on Saturday night. The Package starts at $658, and day passes are also available at $175.95 per person. For more details or to book a reservation, please call 800-243-0212.

About Saybrook Point Inn & Spa

Situated along the picturesque coastal community of historic Old Saybrook, Connecticut, in the hamlet of Saybrook Point, the Saybrook Point Inn & Spa features 82 elegantly appointed guestrooms, the rejuvenating full-service spa SANNO, and casual fine dining restaurant Fresh Salt. The property also features the historic Three Stories guesthouse, where each room conveys the story of a famed local resident, including Katharine Hepburn’s mother, who was a leading suffragette. This completely renovated Italianate home overlooking Long Island Sound was originally built in 1892 as a single-family home for the prominent engineer William Vars. Today, as an eight-room guesthouse, it features wrap-around porches, private gardens, balconies, fine linens, heated bathroom floors, extensive water views, and original artwork by local artists. The Saybrook Point Inn & Spa also shines with the historic Saybrook Point Marina, a landmark yachting dock conveniently located at the mouth of the Connecticut River with easy access to Long Island Sound. It can accommodate vessels from 12 to 200 feet and has received numerous premier Connecticut marina awards. More information is available at www.saybrook.com.

This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Last Minute Labor Day Getaways With Booking.com!!

With the end of summer in site, why not get away one last time!!  Here are some terrific destinations to stop the end of summer blues, thanks to Booking.com.

Booking.com (the #1 accommodations website) has pulled out the top accommodations based on last year’s bookings for Labor Day Weekend. Needless to say, Booking.com makes booking a last-minute Labor Day Weekend accommodation labor-free.

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

For those who want to book a wild trip, this hotel is on the Las Vegas Strip and features boutique shopping and fine dining. It has a full-service spa and suites with a private balcony. It offers 3 different pools, a nightclub, and a casino with 100,000 square feet of gaming area, including table games and slot machines. In addition, this hotel features 12 unique restaurant choices and 4 bars and lounges.

Waldorf Astoria Orlando

For those who want to book an adventurous trip, this Orlando hotel is conveniently located next to Walt Disney World and provides free transportation to and from Disney parks. It also features an 18-hole golf course and a full-service spa. For parents traveling with children, this hotel offers a kids club. Spacious swimming pools and an on-site jogging trail are also available. Universal Studios and SeaWorld theme parks are both within a 20-minute drive of the Waldorf Astoria in Orlando.

Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort at Grande Dunes

For those who want a relaxing trip, this beachfront resort features a private beach, outdoor pool with a waterslide, and ocean or resort reviews. It offers a spa with an indoor pool and sauna, as well as a golf course, tennis court, gym, and highly-rated restaurants and bars. In addition, it is conveniently located within 7 miles of Myrtle Waves Water Park, Broadway at the Beach, and NASCAR Speed Park.

With Labor Day just around the corner, now is the perfect time to celebrate all of the hard work you have done all summer and soak up that last bit of sun! Whether it’s a wild trip filled with gambling and clubbing, an adventurous trip to an amusement park, or a relaxing getaway to the beach, Labor Day Weekend is the chance to end the summer right!

This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Wyndham Hotels End Of Summer Deals- South Florida #WyndhamHotels

From South Beach to Sunny Isles to Sarasota, Florida is the place to getaway this fall, and Wyndham Hotel Group is here to make your experience unforgettable!  Below are a few sites and bites not to miss when exploring the sunshine state.

·         Where to stay:

·         Shack up in the recently renovated and spectacular Shelbourne Wyndham Grand, located in Miami’s South Beach and Deco Districts. The Shelbourne is just moments from the trendiest shops, restaurants and nightclubs.

o   Deal Alert:  Honeymoon exclusive - Book 5 nights, get 2 free

·         Further afield, book a stay at Wyndham Hotel Group’s Ramada Lake Placid, conveniently located nearGatorama – where you can get up close and personal with alligators – and in close proximity to top local attractions and destinations.

·         Close to the Everglades and Gulfstream Park, escape to the well-located Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Naples and have all of Naples’ world class attractions at your fingertips.

o   Deal Alert:  Save 30% off the best available rate when you stay 3 consecutive nights

·         Where to eat

·         If you’re too chilled out after hitting up the Shelbourne’s Blue Harmony Spa to leave your lush surroundings for dinner, mosey your way to the hotel’s most special post-renovation features, Japanese-inspired Morimoto Restaurant under celebrity chef, Iron ChefMasaharu Morimoto.

·          If you’re further afield in South Florida, Artisans is an intimate, fire-lit Lake Placid restaurant – perfect for a romantic dinner.

·          For those hitting the beachside town of Naples, you can’t go wrong with the Yabba Bar and Grill for delicious, local seafood.

·         Where to play

·         South Florida has a range of exciting new and recently renovated attractions that are a must to check out on your trip! For those relaxing in Miami with kids, Miami Children’s Museum has undergone a $20 million facelift and now features life-like reproductions and interactions.  If you’re venturing to Naples, spend a few hours in the lush renovated Naples Botanical Gardens before hitting some of the area’s sparkling beaches. For those en route to Ramada Lake Placid, be sure to drop into Gatorama – always a fun family day out!

This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Wyndham Hotel Group’s Autumn Foliage Getaways #WyndhamHotels

WYNDHAM HOTEL GROUP’S FALL FOILAGE GETAWAYS

·         Rutland, Vermont – Famous for spectacular views and ample hiking paths, the Green Mountains just south of Rutland have some of Vermont’s most beautiful fall foliage. Take in the changing leaves throughout September and October, and be sure to spend some time in Manchester for their farmers’ markets and to see the Hildene mansion, which was once home to Abraham Lincoln’s son.

o   DEAL ALERT: Book your stay at the Days Inn Rutland at least seven days in advance and receive 15% off your stay!

·         Lenox, Massachusetts – A popular summer destination, The Berkshires is known for its tranquility and culture. Take a drive through the October Mountain State Forest to soak up the greenery and see what inspired the likes of Herman Melville.

o   DEAL ALERT: Book your stay at Days Inn Lenox at least seven days in advance and save 10%!

·         Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan – Bordering Canada, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has some of the world’s most vibrant foliage, which is said to be visible from space! Drive along the coast of Lake Superior, or visit one of the areas’ many nature reserves and parks to experience autumn at its best.

o   DEAL ALERT: Book your stay at the Days Inn or Super 8 Sault Ste. Marie at least seven days in advance and receive15% off the total price, or book at the Ramada Sault Ste. Marie and receive the best rate plus 2000 Wyndham Rewardspoints!

·         Glenwood Springs, Colorado – While Colorado is known around the world for its spectacular skiing, the foliage is noteworthy as well. Take a quick drive to Aspen to experience Independence Pass, which is only open between May and November. A hike or drive through the area is the perfect way to observe the changing leaves and take in the breathtaking views.

o   DEAL ALERT: Book your stay at Ramada Glenwood Springs at least 7 days in advance and save 15%!

·         Portland, Oregon – Portland is notorious for its farm-to-table dining, microbreweries and niche book shops, but visitors can also revel in the Pacific Northwest’s majestic autumn by taking a stroll through Hoyt Arboretum or the Japanese Garden, and driving through the Columbia River Gorge, the largest National Scenic Area in the US.

o   DEAL ALERT: Book your stay at the Ramada Portland and save 15% on your total price, or book at the Days Inn Portland and receive the best available rate plus 2000 Wyndham Rewards points!

Now through September 15th, members who visit www.wyndhamrewards.com and register for the program’s “Unpack Your Bonus Promotion” will receive the opportunity to virtually “unpack” a suitcase and reveal a bonus that will multiply points earned on future stays by up to 10 times. Members can also enter for a chance to win a prize of anywhere from $10,000 to $1,000,000 this summer via the program’s “One Million Dollar Sweepstakes.” To enter, members need only visit www.wyndhamrewards.com/win or call 1-866-996-7937. Non-members may enter by enrolling in Wyndham Rewards through one of the above methods, or in person at any participating hotel. There is no cost to enroll in the program or to enter the sweepstakes.



This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.