Week 1 Daily Getaways Deals — Choice Hotels, IHG, Best Western, Vegas Packages
Today marks the return of the US Travel Association's Daily Getaways! These are special discounts and deals from a variety of travel brands and loyalty programs— including hotel packages, points/miles purchase promos, and rental car deals — that are each available for just one day at a time.
Each offer is limited, so make sure to mark your calendar for the deals that you want to purchase. Note that all deals launch at 1:00pm Eastern Time.
Monday, April 4
(1) Stay 3 nights at Comfort Inn for $155
(2) Stay 2 nights at Comfort Suites for $132
(3) Stay 2 nights at Sleep Inn for $90
(4) Stay 2 nights at Cambria Hotels for $160
| Deal | Points | Cost | Cents per Point | Available Deals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Comfort Inn | 36,000 | $155 | 0.43 | 785 |
Comfort Suites | 32,000 | $132 | 0.41 | 655 |
Sleep Inn | 20,000 | $90 | 0.45 | 220 |
Cambria Hotels | 40,000 | $160 | 0.40 | 380 |
While this is being sold as "Stay _ Nights at __ for $__," all four of these deals are actually a purchase of Choice Privileges points. In TPG's latest valuations, we peg Choice points as being worth 0.6 cents each. These deals offer points for purchase between 0.4 cents and 0.45 cents per point. Not bad! And, while Choice brands aren't the best hotel options here in the US, you might want to consider Choice's properties in Europe — where you can get more than 1 cent per point of value.
If you're new to Choice Privileges, it's important to note that you have a limited window to book awards. Non-elite members can only make award reservations 30 days in advance in their country of residence, or 60 days elsewhere. Also, while Choice had a rather crummy expiration policy in the past, the program has switched to a 18-months-after-last-activity policy — similar to the policy most airlines use.
Also, you can transfer Choice Privileges points to several airline programs (like United or American). Transfers to Southwest count toward Companion Pass status, and 6,000 Choice Privileges points transfers to 1,800 Rapid Rewards points. If you bought 80,000 points for $320, you could transfer 78,000 of them to get 23,400 Rapid Rewards points. Essentially you’d be buying Rapid Rewards at 1.37 cents per point (which is pretty close to the value you get by using them for Wanna Get Away fares), while also earning valuable points toward your Companion Pass.
Purchase Limit: 2 of each deal per Choice account. In addition, note that one of the terms is: "A maximum of 8 sets of points is allowed per loyalty number across all Choice Hotels offers."
Verdict: Good deal! I'll be taking advantage of this deal for upcoming travel to Europe.
Tuesday, April 5
(1) Visit Any Busch Gardens Park for $45
- One single-day admission ticket, delivered by email
- Good through May 13, 2017
- Max quantity per purchase: 6
- Not valid for after-hour special events, but no blackout dates.
- 1,091 available
The deal page mentions "$99 value," but note that you can often buy tickets less than that — including right now on Busch Garden's own website. Currently, a one-day pass is $79 and an annual pass is just $99.
(2) Visit Any SeaWorld Park for $50
- One single-day admission ticket, delivered by email
- Good through May 13, 2017
- Max quantity per purchase: 6
- Not valid for separate-ticketed events, but no blackout dates.
- 2,192 available
Again, the deal page mentions "$99 value," but you can buy one-day passes for $69 and annual passes for $129 on SeaWorld's website.
Verdict: Depends on your situation. If you're planning to visit a Busch Gardens or SeaWorld once or twice in the next 13 months, you might as well utilize this deal to save some money.
Wednesday, April 6
(1) 100,000 IHG Rewards Club Points for $565
(2) 15,000 IHG Rewards Club Points for $90
(3) 25,000 IHG Rewards Club Points for $150
(4) 50,000 IHG Rewards Club Points for $293
| Points | Cost | Cents per Point | Available Deals | Purchase Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
15,000 | $90 | 0.600 | 1,000 | 5 packages |
25,000 | $150 | 0.600 | 1,000 | 4 packages |
50,000 | $293 | 0.586 | 1,500 | 4 packages |
100,000 | $565 | 0.565 | 3,850 | 3 packages |
The return of a TPG reader favorite! This same offer has been made in each of the last two years of Daily Getaways, and we've heard that you've taken advantage of it.
In TPG's latest valuations, we peg IHG points at 0.7 cents per point, and this offer gives you a chance to purchase for as little as at 0.565 cents per point. Another good deal! But, remember that points are a bad long-term investment, so make sure that you have a plan to utilize these points. If you need more points later, you can generate IHG points for 0.6 cents each using the Point + Cash option.
One great use of IHG points is at PointBreak hotels, where you can redeem 5,000 points for a free night. Combining this 100,000 purchase promotion with PointBreak hotels would earn you 20 free nights for just $565 — just $28 per night! While the January-April PointBreak hotels are mostly sold out now, there should be a new list announced soon.
Purchase Limit: You can buy up to three 100,000 packages. Since the per-point rate drops with bigger purchases, it doesn't make sense to buy multiples of the smaller packages.
Verdict: Good deal if you have a plan to redeem them. I'll be passing on this offer, as I have a stash of IHG points from the recent IHG Priceless Surprises promotion.
Thursday, April 7
(1) 10,000 Best Western Rewards points for $55 (835 available)
TPG doesn't have a valuation for Best Western points, but we find that you can get between 0.5 and 0.8 cents per point when redeeming for hotel rooms. This deal lets you purchase at a rate of 0.55 cents per point, which is on the better end of the value range.
Purchase Limit: 5 packages, for a total of 50,000 Best Western points
Verdict: Not a great offer, but you might be able to get some value out of it. I'm passing on this offer.
Friday, April 8
(1) Getaway for 2 to Mandalay Bay for $1,700 (8 available)
- Three nights in a Sky View Suite at Mandalay Bay
- Two tickets to Michael Jackson ONE
- Two dinners included
- Two 50-minute massages
- Round-trip limo transfer from/to airport
- Good through January 31, 2017 — except New Year's blackouts
(2) Getaway for 2 at New York-New York for $475 (8 available)
- Two nights in a Spa Suite at New York-New York (excluding resort fees)
- Two tickets to Zumanity by Cirque du Soleil
- Dinner for two at Gallagher's Steakhouse (up to $400)
- Good through December 28, 2016
(3) An Ultimate Getaway: The Mirage for $1,750 (10 available)
- Three nights in a Mirage Suite at The Mirage, including dinners, show tickets, massages, and more for 2 people.
- Good through December 29, 2016. Blackout dates apply for holidays (July 4, November 26, December 24-25, 2016).
(4) Escape to Excalibur for $475 (7 available)
- Four nights in a Contemporary Tower Room at Excalibur
- Two tickets to Criss Angel Believe or The Blue Man Group
- $400 food and beverage credit
- Good through January 31, 2017. Blackout dates of December 30 and 31.
(5) Stay, Play and Relax at ARIA for $1,700 (10 available)
- Three nights in a Sky Suite at ARIA Resort & Casino
- Prix fixe dinner for two at one ARIA restaurant (limited to $500)
- Two spa treatments
- Round-trip limo transfer from/to airport
- Good through December 31, 2016
Verdict: If you're looking to splurge on a Las Vegas experience with a special someone, you might want to give these $1,700 packages a closer look. Meanwhile, both $475 packages include up to $400 of food and two show tickets — which means you can practically get the room for free!
Stay Tuned for Next Week’s Getaways
Be on the lookout for my assessment of the Daily Getaways for April 11-15, including a Wyndham, Universal Studios, Expedia, Omni and Caesars deals.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.