Choice Hotels has entered into a strategic agreement with Penn National Gaming, the nation's largest regional and most broadly diversified gaming company with 41 properties across 19 states.
The agreement signals an expansion in benefits for loyalty members of both companies, allowing members of Choice's award-winning loyalty program, Choice Privileges, to book Penn properties directly with Choice — while earning and redeeming Choice Privileges points for their stays once fully implemented. Slated to roll out in phases this year, the alliance will offer reciprocal earning and redemption benefits for Choice Privileges members and members of Penn's mychoice loyalty program.
"With these exciting Penn properties joining Choice and our Ascend Hotel Collection network, we will be able to provide guests even more upscale travel experiences and a wider variety of fun and entertainment on the road," said Robert McDowell, chief commercial officer, Choice Hotels. "
The agreement will add nearly 7,000 upscale rooms to Choice Hotels' network as part of its Ascend Hotel Collection, and members of both programs will be able to enjoy the following features as the alliance is implemented in multiple phases this year:
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Earning and Redeeming at Penn Locations: Earn and redeem Choice Privileges points as well as Elite night credits for stays at 22 Penn locations when booked through Choice.
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Earning and Redeeming at Choice Hotels Locations: Earn mychoice tier points as well as earn and redeem mycash for stays at select Choice Hotels brands.
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Tier Level Reciprocity: Members of either loyalty program will enjoy reciprocal status in both programs.
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Top Gaming Brands: Choice Privileges members gain access to top gaming brands, including Hollywood, Ameristar, and L'Auberge, which offer approximately 50,000 gaming machines, 1,300 table games, live racing and sports betting.
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Entertainment: Whether it is an event (when safely permitted), an adventurous evening or a day of relaxation, everything guests need for the ultimate getaway can be found under one roof.
"We're constantly exploring new ways to provide our loyal guests with more options for their next adventure on the road while also being able to earn and redeem points. Our new collaboration offers a great opportunity for Choice Privileges members to enjoy thrilling experiences at Penn's properties around the country," said Jamie Russo, vice president, loyalty programs and customer engagement, Choice Hotels. "Our research shows that not only do many of our Choice Privileges members already enjoy gaming, but a significant number live within driving distance from a Penn property — so we know they will be excited to visit these top casino brands and be part of the action."
Named a top hotel loyalty program by both USA Today's 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards and U.S. News & World Report, Choice Privileges membership is free, offering fast rewards, including bonus points, airline miles, or credits for premium coffee and shared rides through the exclusive, one-of-a kind, Your Extras program. For more information or to enroll in Choice Privileges, visit www.choicehotels.com/choice-privileges.
All Choice-branded hotels are participating in Commitment to Clean, an initiative that builds upon the strong foundation of franchisees' longstanding dedication to cleanliness with enhanced training and best practices for cleaning, disinfecting and social distancing. For more information on Commitment to Clean, visit https://www.choicehotels.com/about/commitment-to-clean-hotels.
Penn has established a special COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund under the Penn National Gaming Foundation to provide assistance to team members and local relief organizations, and has raised over $3.7 million to help team members and the communities in which they operate. Penn has also implemented comprehensive cleanliness protocols and implemented various new health and safety precautions, developed in close consultation with state regulators and public health officials.