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Choice Privileges just added a group of hotels to its growing list of properties bookable in its award program. Although Choice is still a program associated with properties found alongside an interstate as a convenient place to rest on a road trip, the brand has added Preferred Hotels and Resorts as an option to broaden its appeal. Now, the program is joining forces with Westgate Resorts.
If you're like me, you may have become familiar with Westgate Resorts from the documentary “Queen of Versailles,” which follows the owner of the chain's issues building the most expensive residence in the U.S. during the 2008 Financial Crisis. But, the brand made it through that crisis and is now partnering up with the Choice Privileges loyalty program.
Let's dig into the details of the announcement.
Credit: Wikipedia
Westgate Resorts Joins Choice Privileges
Westgate Resorts is a portfolio of timeshare properties spread out throughout the U.S. These resorts typically skew in the midrange of properties but could present an affordable option for traveling families in tourist destinations. Now, 20 properties have joined Choice Privileges under the Ascend brand.
Here's the list of 20 properties in 8 states now a part of the program:
- Westgate Painted Mountain Golf Resort (Mesa, Arizona)
- Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort (Cocoa Beach, Florida)
- Westgate Towers Resort (Kissimmee, Florida)
- Westgate Vacation Villas Resort (Kissimmee, Florida)
- Westgate Town Center Resort (Kissimmee, Florida)
- Westgate Palace Hotel/ Universal/ I Drive (Orlando, Florida)
- Westgate Leisure Resort (Orlando, Florida)
- Westgate Blue Tree Resort (Orlando, Florida)
- Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa (Orlando, Florida)
- Westgate River Ranch Resort & Spa (River Ranch, Florida)
- Westgate Branson Woods Resort (Branson, Missouri)
- Westgate Flamingo Bay Resort (Las Vegas, Nevada)
- Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (Las Vegas, Nevada)
- Westgate New York Grand Central (New York, New York)
- River Terrace Resort and Conference Center (Gatlinburg, Tennessee)
- Westgate Smoky Mountian Resort & Water Park (Gatlinburg, Tennessee)
- Wild Bear Inn (Pidgeon Forge, Tennessee)
- Westgate Park City Resort & Spa (Park City, Utah)
- Westgate Historic Williamsburg Resort (Williamsburg, Virginia)
Some standouts here include the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino — which is the rebranded Las Vegas Hilton, where Elvis performed for years. To me, the nicest-looking property appears to be the Westgate Park City Resort & Spa, which offers ski-in/ski-out access to the mountain and ski valet.
How to earn and redeem Choice Privileges points at Westgate Resorts
On stays booked with Choice Privileges, you'll earn 10 points per $1 spent at Westgate Resorts. And, since these properties participate fully as Choice Privileges properties, you can earn up to 10x points on stays with the Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard® (Rates & Fees) or 5x points on stays with the Choice Privileges® Mastercard® (Rates & Fees).
Choice Privileges is also a Wells Fargo and Citi transfer partner at a 1:2 ratio. In the right situation, there could be value in redeeming Choice points for a Westgate property.
Award redemptions range from 15,000 points per night to 45,000 points per night. However, you'll want to check your redemption rate before redeeming points for a stay.
When I searched for the Westgate Historic Williamsburg, I found award availability for two-night reservations at 15,000 points per night. When compared with just $80 per night cash, that provides a subpar redemption rate for Choice points.
Also, I was unable to find award availability for single-night reservations. However, a two-night minimum stay shouldn't be much of an issue for most travelers.
In Las Vegas, I was able to find one-night reservations at the Westgate Las Vegas for 30,000 points per night.
And, at the top of the scale, the Westgate Park City Resort is going for 45,000 points per night. But again, it seems there's a two-night minimum stay.
Final Thoughts
Adding Westgate Resorts to Choice Privileges only broadens the appeal of the program for its loyal guests. I believe the more options Choice has that aren't roadside motels the better, and adding resorts in key tourist hotspots like Las Vegas, Orlando, and Park City is a great addition to the growing loyalty program.
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